What You Need to Know About Automatic Transmission Repair in Clovis,CA
When your car’s transmission is not working properly, it is dangerous to drive. Transmission problems can cause significant damage to your car and necessitate professional service.With automatic transmission repair in Clovis, CA, from the team at Circle Automotive, you can feel confident that your car is getting the attention it deserves.
Signs Your Automatic Transmission Needs Repair
When you need transmission repair, your car will let you know. It will send you signs that you shouldn’t ignore. You may notice one or several of these red flags indicating that it’s time for automatic transmission repair.
Your Vehicle Won’t Switch Gears
When your vehicle won’t shift gears, you can have a transmission problem on your hands. Low transmission fluid can be to blame.
Transmission Slips In and Out of Gear
If your engine struggles to accelerate or randomly shifts gears on its own, you’ll want to have the transmission looked at. Worn-out gears, insufficient transmission fluid, and other issues can all play a role.
The Car Smells Like It’s Burning
You never want a burning smell to come from your car. When this happens, the transmission fluid may be overheating. It can result from low fluid levels, a leak, or using the wrong type of fluid. You may have cooling system issues as well. Any overheated fluid won’t cool the transmission or lubricate properly. This can lead to serious damage.
Grinding Noises When the Gears Shift
When you shift gears, you should not hear any noises. Grinding noises signal transmission trouble. This sound can mean that the gears aren’t working properly. If you notice this problem, you should seek automatic transmission repair in Clovis, CA. Ignoring it can further damage your transmission.
Your Car Has Trouble Accelerating
If your car responds slowly when you press the gas pedal, you may have a transmission problem. Low transmission fluid and internal damage are the most common causes when this happens.
There is Red or Dark Brown Fluid Underneath the Car
This is a clear sign that transmission fluid is leaking from your car. Damaged seals, gaskets, and other parts cause transmission fluid leaks. Taking care of leaks promptly can prevent further damage.
The Check Engine Light Stays On
While the check engine light can signal many problems, if it stays on for days, you’ll want to check the transmission. The engine control unit monitors the transmission and can indicate a problem before it becomes serious. So, if the light is not going off, it is certainly something you want to check.
You can count on Circle Automotive to look at these transmission problems and determine what type of transmission service in Clovis, CA, you need.
Common Automatic Transmission Problem
While each vehicle is different, there are several common automatic transmission problems you want to be aware of. When you trust the Circle Automotive team with your vehicle, we will get to the bottom of your issue so that we can fix it promptly.
Here are several common transmission problems that prompt automatic transmission repair in Clovis, CA:
- Transmission Leaks: Transmission leaks are the most common transmission problem. A leaking pan gasket, axle or driveshaft seal can both be to blame.
- Worn-Out Gears: When the gears are worn out, shifting becomes problematic. It can lead to shaking and grinding noises.
- Faulty Torque Converter: A damaged torque converter in your vehicle can cause the engine gears to fail.
- Solenoid Failure: When the electronic solenoids in your vehicle don’t work, it can prevent the proper fluid pressure that is necessary to shift gears.
- Neglected Maintenance: Neglected maintenance is also to blame. If your transmission fluid is old, contaminated, or low, it can lead to increased friction and heat.
Once our team detects the issues, we will provide the quality transmission service in Clovis, CA, that you can trust.
Transmission Diagnostics & Fluid Services
One of the best and easiest ways to avoid automatic transmission repair in Clovis, CA, is to keep up with the maintenance. This includes transmission diagnostics and fluid services.
Engine diagnostics include:
- Road tests
- Computer Scans
- Leak Checks
As part of the engine diagnosis, technicians will use specialized tools to look for and read error codes. They will also test hydraulic pressure and solenoids. During the road test, technicians will check for shifting issues, slipping, or any unusual noises.
It’s recommended to keep up with transmission diagnostics every 30,000 to 60,000 miles or every 2 to 4 years.
Fluid service involves replacing old transmission fluid and filters. This works to prevent overheating. Typically, this should be done every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.
Repair vs. Rebuild for Automatic Transmissions
When you’re having transmission trouble, it can be difficult to decide whether it’s best to repair the transmission or have a new one built. When you trust the Circle Automotive team, we will use our knowledge to recommend the best path so that you have a safe vehicle to drive.
When to Repair an Automatic Transmission
Repairing your automatic transmission is a good idea when there are minor issues. This includes solenoid or external seal issues. Sensors and external leaks fall under the repair category as well. Generally, any automatic transmission repairs don’t require disassembling the entire system.
Consider this…if you have an isolated transmission problem with so significant internal damage, a repair can be the best route. Your technician will advise you on the safest and best approach.
When to Rebuild an Automatic Transmission
You’ll want to consider rebuilding your transmission when there is internal damage that is impacting different parts. Rebuilding your transmission requires disassembling the entire system and looking at each component. Your technician will let you know which parts should be rebuilt.
If the casing and core system are still in good condition, you can restore your transmission’s performance by replacing only the necessary parts. These parts can include failed clutch packs. While this is labor-intensive, your technician can customize your new transmission to take care of your car’s specific needs.
While this is more expensive than a repair, it is less expensive than a total transmission replacement.
Why Automatic Transmissions Fail in Central Valley Heat
Extreme temperatures in Central Valley can lead to automatic transmission problems. The warm weather can cause transmission fluid to break down and overheat. Over time, the poor lubrication and accelerated friction can lead to transmission failure.
Another issue is the decay of seals and gaskets. The high heat causes this as well. Drivers can also experience a lot of stop-and-go traffic that puts stress on the transmission. This can lead to automatic transmission repair in Clovis, CA, and throughout the area.
When the car’s cooling system cannot handle the warm weather, the transmission cooler can fail to function properly. This can also lead to necessary repairs.
Automatic Transmission Repair FAQs
What is the average life of an automatic transmission?
Most automatic transmissions can last anywhere from 100,000 to 200,000 miles when maintained properly. This requires regular fluid changes, filter replacements, and following a maintenance schedule.
How often do you really need to change transmission fluid?
You should change the transmission fluid every 60,000 to 100,000 miles for a vehicle with an automatic transmission.
Can I drive my vehicle with a transmission problem?
Driving with a known transmission problem is dangerous. It can lead to more expensive problems, some that are impossible to repair.
Do You Need Automatic Transmission Repair in Clovis, CA? Contact Us Today!
When you need automatic transmission repair in Clovis, CA, Circle Automotive is here to help. Our team will diagnose the problem and get to work so you have your car back on the road, safely. We provide auto repair services you can rely on. Call us today at 559-325-9585 or reach out to us online to schedule an appointment.
