Why Your Automatic Transmission Fluid Can Only Do so Much
If you own a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission system, you may have been told that this is almost bullet-proof and that you do not need to service the unit regularly. While such a transmission system is cleverly engineered and is certainly designed to last, you will need to take it in for a service from time to time for a variety of different reasons. What could happen if you do not do this?
Inside the Box
When the gearbox is under load, a great deal of heat can build up inside. Many components operate at high speed to match the engine's speed to the appropriate road conditions, which is why it is so important to use a high-quality lubricant. However, even the best oil will naturally depreciate with time, and as it does so, complications can arise.
With the Passage of Time
Although the gearbox oil is supposed to provide lubrication between any moving parts to avoid damage, microscopic pieces of metal will still come away from the surfaces and fall into the oil. The filter will catch most of the larger pieces, but other contaminants will remain embedded in the lubricant. This will, in turn, impact its efficiency, and the problem will exacerbate as the months go by.
Tell-Tale Signs
Eventually, you may notice issues when you are behind the wheel.
For example, the vehicle may jump out of gear for no reason due to low oil pressure within. Here, an accumulation of debris may have clogged some of the tiny internal passages. At the same time, you may notice that the engine seems to rise up or down by itself. Once again, this is due to fluctuating oil pressure in the gearbox, due to inconsistent levels of transmission fluid.
Sometimes, individual valves will be slow to open due to polluted oil. You may notice a slight delay when the vehicle should automatically shift down or up to overtake another car.
Action Time
These are just some of the complications that will arise when the transmission fluid has passed its prime. And this is why it is important for you to take the vehicle to a mechanic in accordance with the guidelines laid down in the manual.
Fixing the Issue
When you schedule an automatic transmission service, the technician will remove all the old oil and flush any remnants from the difficult-to-access areas. This requires a special tool and cannot be done at home, so you're better off entrusting the work to the experts.
To get your automatic transmission looked at, contact a local auto shop.
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