Your car’s transmission may be one of the least understood components of your vehicle. However, it’s also one of the most important. That’s why you should know as much about it as you can. Here are some common questions about this part of your car with expert answers from a transmission service Dallas expert so you can have a better handle on how to care for this important component of your vehicle and understand what it does.
How do I check the transmission fluid in my car?
Depending on the type of vehicle you have, there are different ways to check the fluid in your transmission’s reservoir. With many older cars, checking the transmission fluid is much like checking the engine oil. There is usually a red-colored dipstick underneath the hood of your vehicle for checking the transmission fluid. To check the level accurately, run your engine for a few minutes. With the engine running, pull the dipstick out. You’ll notice the end has an “Operating Level” and an “Add Fluid” level. If it needs fluid, get a funnel and add the fluid directly into the tube where you pulled the dipstick from until it reaches the “Operating Level” mark. With newer cars, there is what’s called a “Closed Transmission,” meaning that only an authorized repair shop can check the fluid.
How will the repair shop diagnose my transmission problem?
If you think you might have an issue with your transmission, it’s best to take it to a qualified transmission service Dallas shop to get the problem diagnosed. The first thing they will do is listen to you describe the problem that you’re having. The next step is usually taking the car for a test drive. This will give them a better idea about where the problem is in the transmission. It could be a simple fix or it could be something internal that will be more costly. A repair expert will even be able to tell you if it’s a transmission problem or a problem with something else unrelated to the transmission.
How long will the repairs take?
There is no concrete answer to this question because it depends on what repairs are needed. In simple cases where the transmission does not need to be disassembled or taken out of your vehicle, the repairs could take less than a day depending on how busy the repair shop is. If the repairs are more extensive, your technician should be able to give you an idea based on availability of parts and other factors.