Did you know that a mere 9% of Canadian cars use manual transmissions? That doesn't mean if you drive an automatic that you're safe from your car leaking transmission fluid. Both automatic and manual cars are likely to suffer from a transmission problem at least once during their lifetime. A transmission fluid leak is never a good thing and it's best to know the causes of a leak so you can prevent one from happening or fix the problem as soon as it arises. Keep reading below for our guide to your leaking transmission.
Causes Of a Transmission Fluid Leak
There could be a number of reasons as to what oil is leaking under your vehicle, so to first know if your transmission is leaking, we first have to identify what it looks like. The key to this is knowing your car's fluids. The fluid will likely be bright red in colour, thicker than brake fluid but not as thick as engine oil. However transmission fluid can vary from vehicle to vehicle. To know for sure whether it's the transmission leaking or not, put a dry towel under the transmission of the vehicle when it is parked up. Wait a few hours before checking the colour of the oil that is on the fabric. Now you know that is your transmission, you might be curious as to why it's leaking in the first place. What are the transmission fluid leak causes? One reason as to why it is leaking is due to high-temperature wear and tear that breaks down the pan seals over time causing a leak. Road debris and heat can cause the fluid lines to crack and break, causing damage over time and leaving your transmission to run without any oil. If your vehicle has been to an auto repair shop lately, a poorly installed fluid pan can also be the cause of a leak.
Car Transmission Maintenance
Transmission repairs are usually often among the most expensive and bothersome when it comes to car repairs, so maintaining and checking on your transmission is important. The easiest thing you can do is check on your fluid level every now and then. Before you check the dipstick be sure to read up on the correct procedure to do so. If the oil is low top up with the correct grade of oil for your type of vehicle. Be sure to check the correct service schedule to when the transmission fluid must be replaced and take it to a reputable transmission shop to have the fluid replaced at the appropriate mileage.
Repairing a Fluid Leak
While you could try to fix the leaking transmission on your own, it's best to leave this job to the professionals. Transmission fluid leak repair is no walk in the park! A mistake could end up costing you even more money than the original price of the repair, while the final results from a professional are guaranteed.
Plug That Leak!
Any leaking fluid on a vehicle isn't a good sign, so prioritizing a transmission fluid leak is vital to the longevity of your car. If you have a current leak on your transmission or have a transmission that has failed, book an appointment with Alberta Transmission Service in Edmonton and we will get you on the road again.