Transmissions need regular maintenance to maintain performance and durability as well as preventing the need for a rebuilt transmission. This guide will answer basic questions Phoenix and Mesa, Arizona area residents have about their vehicle's transmission.

1. How Do I Check Transmission Fluid?

Most Phoenix transmission repair locations will do this for you for no charge. If you want to do it yourself, it is done with the car running-with Honda's being the lone exception to this. If you own a Dodge, put the vehicle in neutral and apply the emergency brake. All other vehicles should be situated in park. Pull the transmission dip stick and wipe if uncontaminated. Substitute it and remove it again. Check the fluid extent as indicated on the dipstick. If it is low, take the vehicle to a transmission shop in your central Arizona neighborhood. The Mesa or Phoenix transmission repair shop will check for leaks because transmissions do not use fluid. Preventing or stopping leaks is a significant factor in avoiding damage that might necessitate a rebuilt transmission.

2. Where Do Transmissions Leak?

If you take your vehicle to a transmission shop, the mechanic will check a range of locations for a leak. These take account of the pan, side cover, cooler lines, speedometer, front and rear seal, axle seals, servo cover, pump, filler tube, and the differential cover. Some Phoenix transmission repair businesses will charge for this visual inspection, even if it should be less than $50 and will likely be waived if you have them repair and leak that is found.

3. Is it Secure to drive if it is Leaking?

A minor leak may not cause immediate damage. But if the leak is important and enough fluid is lost, internal parts can quickly wear or deteriorate, foremost to damage that can only be fixed with a rebuilt transmission. If you notice a leak (fluid beneath your car, fluid sprayed onto the tires or side of the car) take it to a transmission shop as soon as you can. It is top to have it looked at by a Mesa or Phoenix transmission shop rather than by a general mechanic so that the nearly all accurate assessment can be made.

4. When Is a Rebuilt Transmission Essential?

If the transmission shop identifies damaged or badly worn internal parts, it might be time for a rebuilt transmission. The Phoenix transmission repair mechanic will usually ascertain this through performance features - the car is slipping out of gear, is underpowered with the engine revving, won't go into reverse, etc. In some cases, the transmission will need to be detached and inspected at the transmission shop to ascertain if a rebuilt transmission is essential.

5. How do I Get the Best Durability from my Transmission?

Follow the maintenance schedule listed in your owner's manual and take it to a Mesa or Phoenix transmission repair location when it is time for service. If you have missing your owner's manual, the transmission shop can tell you how regularly your make and model needs to be serviced. Keep it maintained, check for leaks often, and if you find a leak or hear a strange sound have your transmission shop check it out immediately. There are quality transmission shop locations throughout Phoenix, Mesa and other local Arizona suburbs.