Preventative Maintenance for Your Transmission

Your vehicle's transmission is what transmits the power from the engine to the wheels. It offers you control over the level of power and speed given to the wheels. It is critical for controlling how you drive and how your vehicle performs. 

Keeping the transmission in good shape is essential for keeping your vehicle on the road. Preventative maintenance can reduce transmission repair needs in the long run. 

Inspect the Transmission Fluid

Your transmission depends on transmission fluid to run smoothly. When the level of transmission fluid is too low or its condition is poor, the transmission can sustain damage internally which increases repair costs and shortens the life of the transmission. Check the fluid regularly to make sure it is at the recommended level. The transmission fluid should be clear and red in color. If it is brown, black or cloudy, or if it has a burnt smell to it, you need to have the fluid changed as soon as possible.

Keep an Eye Out for Leaks

The transmission has seals along all of its joints. Those seals can fail over time. When a seal begins to fail, the transmission fluid can begin to leak out. If you see a puddle of red fluid where your vehicle is normally parked, you may have a transmission leak. Check the vehicle's fluid level. If it is below recommended levels, top off the fluid and take the vehicle in for repair. Replacing a seal is usually much lower in cost than replacing the entire transmission.

Investigate Any Unusual Noises or Behavior

When a transmission begins to have problems, one of the first signs may be unusual noises. A grinding sound may indicate that the transmission is having difficulty shifting gears. If the transmission seems to hesitate shifting gears when you hit the gas, it can be an early sign of trouble. Check fluid levels and look for leaks. If you suspect any transmission problems are developing, get it in for service as soon as possible. 

Take Action when Problems Arise

Many transmission problems start out as minor noises or leaks. If you think you may have a transmission issue, it is the time to bring it in for service. Waiting until things get worse will only add to the transmission repair costs you may be facing. If your vehicle is still under warranty, you want to make sure that you get any issues checked and corrected before the warranty period ends. 

Schedule Your Next Transmission Check-up

Most manufacturers recommend preventative maintenance on a transmission between 15,000 and 30,000 miles. Subaru recommended maintenance says every 30,000 miles or 30 months. If you have not had a transmission check-up in a while, now is the time to get it on your calendar. The sooner you get it done, the less likely your vehicle is to sustain damage due to undiagnosed transmission problems. 

Freehold Subaru

If you need transmission repair or service on your Subaru, or any other make or model, contact us here at Freehold Subaru. We are located at 299 South Street in Freehold, NJ. Our service department is open 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday thru Friday, and 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturdays. If you are in the market for a new or used vehicle, you need to stop by the top NJ Subaru dealer. We have new Foresters, Imprezas and Outbacks on the lot, along with an entire selection of used vehicles.

• Transmission Services in Freehold