Many vehicle owners service their car regularly, but some wonder if auto transmission repair and maintenance is necessary. The transmission is an integral component of your car, but some drivers are unsure of what it does. Below, learn how a transmission works and why regular upkeep is important for your car’s safety. 

How Does a Transmission Work?

As its name suggests, your transmission is designed to transmit power between the engine and wheels. More specifically, it takes power created by your engine and the crankshaft and converts it into torque, or rotational force, to spin your wheels.

The component works through the use of toothed gears, which interact with one another to produce the desired speed according to the power supplied by the engine.

What’s the Difference Between Manual & Automatic?

If you’ve gotten auto transmission repair or replacement before, you’ve likely been asked whether your vehicle has an automatic or manual transmission. When you drive on different types of terrain or change your acceleration level, your vehicle needs different levels of torque. The way it drives will depend on what type of transmission you have.

If you have a manual car, pushing the clutch will disconnect the engine from the transmission temporarily. This allows you to change gears, which changes which toothed gears in the component are connected to one another.

An automatic transmission removes this step and uses a torque converter to sense changes and make the necessary adjustments itself.

Why Do You Need Transmission Fluid?

Since your transmission is made of moving parts, a lubricant is needed to reduce friction and prevent overheating. Keeping your transmission fluid at optimal levels is a crucial form of maintenance to avoid auto transmission repair.

Inside your vehicle, there will be a tube with a dipstick. The fluid should go up to the full indicator line. If it doesn’t, check your owner’s manual or the auto manufacturer’s website to find out what type of fluid to use to fill it up.

If you need auto transmission repair, choose Blystone Towing & Radiator in Portage, WI. Whether you need an oil change or a full engine rebuild, they offer a variety of auto services to help keep your car running perfectly. If your vehicle is stuck, use their 24-hour towing service to get your car off the road and into the repair bay. To contact them, visit them online or call (608) 742-4228.