Houston, TXShould I flush or service my transmission?

A regular question asked of the automotive repair technicians on staff at 1stAuto Repair Eagle,ID is, "When should I flush my transmission?" As a leading auto repair shop serving the Eagle area, 1stAuto Repair Eagle,ID usually tells customers that, in most situations and for most vehicles, a transmission service involving dropping the transmission pan and changing the transmission fluid and filter is recommended every 30,000 to 40,000 miles — and not a transmission flush.

Although 1stAuto Repair Eagle,ID normally recommends a transmission service over a transmission flush, there are some situations when a transmission flush is required. For example, some transmissions do not have a filter that can be serviced. When experiencing any type of transmission problem, it is wise to have the vehicle inspected by an automotive repair specialist to help prevent or minimize damage to the transmission.

Listed below are some of the more common transmission problems that indicate a vehicle should be brought to 1stAuto Repair Eagle,ID for a FREE external diagnostic inspection and complimentary test drive by one of our professional transmission repair specialists.

Gear Slipping

1stAuto Repair Eagle,ID tells customers that just as a contaminated transmission may result in a loss of hydraulic power, not having enough transmission fluid may result in the same situation. For a car or truck to remain in the proper gear, a transmission is required to develop enough pressure. When a transmission contains contaminants such as clutch material or metal debris, those contaminants can interfere with the transmission fluid flowing as intended and providing the pressure required for proper performance.

When the transmission fluid level in a vehicle is low, it usually indicates a leak, and the vehicle should be brought into 1stAuto Repair Eagle,ID for a free inspection before additional damage occurs. Additionally, the discovery of contaminants in the transmission fluid may indicate a larger problem that goes beyond what a flush or service alone may resolve. In either situation, it is best to schedule an appointment and let a professional automotive repair specialist address the gear slipping problem.

Transmission Grinding or Strange Noises

A situation that can often result in symptoms similar to low transmission fluid is when a transmission is contaminated with grease, dirt, and sludge. 1stAuto Repair Eagle,ID tells customers that if they notice a grinding or other strange noise from the transmission while driving around the greater Eagle area, the vehicle should be stopped and the transmission fluid level should be checked with the engine still running. The color of the transmission fluid should generally be bright red and not brown or black from sludge or grime. It should be noted, however, that some transmission fluid from European auto manufacturers may have a color similar to new motor oil, such as golden brown.

Most importantly, 1stAuto Repair Eagle,ID recommends that if there is a grinding or other strange noise coming from your vehicle's transmission, your best option is to have the transmission inspected by a qualified transmission specialist, as having a transmission flush may not be the best solution for the problem and may in fact worsen the situation, resulting in more damage or more expensive repairs. If you live in the greater Eagle area and are experiencing transmission grinding or noise, 1stAuto Repair Eagle,ID invites you to use our appointment form to schedule a FREE external diagnostic inspection and complimentary test drive by one of our professional transmission repair specialists.

Gear Shifting Problems

1stAuto Repair Eagle,ID tells customers that regardless of whether they drive a vehicle with an automatic or manual transmission, the transmission fluid should flow effortlessly throughout the transmission. When excessive sludge or dirt is present, there may be a sluggish response in the transmission, causing the vehicle to change gears too late or too quickly while driving. In vehicles with manual transmissions, the gears may even become difficult to shift or may not shift at all.

As with the other transmission problems customers in the greater Eagle area may experience, it is best to schedule an appointment and let an automotive repair specialist inspect the transmission to help minimize any additional damage that may result from a gear shifting problem.

Vehicle Surge

An unexplained surging of a vehicle may indicate that the transmission is polluted with an abundance of contaminants or dirt and that a flush is needed. A vehicle may tend to jump or surge forward, or fall backward, for no apparent reason if the transmission is dirty and does not allow adequate transmission fluid to flow. This is normally the result of the inconsistent flow of clean transmission fluid required to ensure proper operation of the gears and other moving parts in the bell housing of a transmission.

Vehicle Movement Delay

When a vehicle stalls for a couple of seconds after being put into gear, or before moving, it may be another indication that the transmission fluid is contaminated. In this situation, and when no other problems are present, flushing the transmission may benefit the vehicle.

1stAuto Repair Eagle,ID stresses to customers in the greater Eagle area who may be experiencing any of these transmission problems that the vehicle should be inspected to determine whether a dirty transmission has already resulted in potentially more costly damage. If you are having problems with your transmission, 1stAuto Repair Eagle,ID suggests using our online appointment form to schedule an inspection or transmission flush today.