Owning your first car constitutes a newfound sense of freedom, but also a profound role of responsibility. When you take your car into an auto shop to be serviced, you can learn about the different functions of your car. Below are the most commonly asked questions pertaining to a vehicle’s transmission to help you understand how it works.

Commonly Asked Questions About a Car’s Transmission

What does a transmission do?

Your car’s transmission ensures your vehicle receives the proper amount of power at any speed. Think of a bicycle. When you start to climb a hill, you need to shift speeds to receive additional power to apply to your pedal. In a similar way, your transmission will shift gears to produce the right power for the speed that you are driving. 

How does a manual transmission work?

A manual transmission will necessitate you to change gears as you drive. You will use the clutch to shift from first to second gear, for example. The clutch will detach from the engine and transmission in order to replace itself in the new gear and then reconnect.

How does an automatic transmission work?

An automatic transmission will do all of the gear-shifting for you. When accelerating on the freeway or ascending a hill, you may hear a change in the sound of your car. That’s the signal of a gear shift.

Before it changes gears, you may feel the car struggle at the pace it is going. Then, it will shift and your car can move forward with the power you need.

When do you need to change the transmission fluid?

You will hear differing views from manufacturers on when you need to change your car’s transmission fluid. Check your car’s manual for a specific recommendation. Also, adhere to your car’s intended maintenance schedule at your auto shop. These maintenance check-ups can align with transmission fluid checks.

However, if your manual requires more frequent transmission checks or if you are prone to stop and go traffic or constant hard accelerations, you may need to change the fluid more frequently.

If you are in between maintenance check-ups, you can remove the dipstick and check your fluid levels. Pour transmission fluid slowly into the tube that you removed the dipstick from to top it off. While the fluid has been dyed pink or red to help with visibility, it should still be fairly translucent.

If you notice the fluid looks brown or dirty on the dipstick, then you should have your auto shop mechanic evaluate the condition of your transmission and determine the next steps to take.

Establish a friendly and professional relationship at Craig’s Towing & Repair in La Crosse, WI. You can trust this your local auto shop to service your new car, whether you need your transmission checked or your brakes changed. Call (608) 784-1638 to talk with a mechanic, or visit their website to learn more about the car repair and towing services they offer.