For your vehicle’s transmission to operate properly, it requires an ample amount of good quality transmission fluid. Over time, however, automatic transmission fluid can start to degrade and become contaminated, which will impede its ability to lubricate, cool, and protect various internal transmission components. Once automatic transmission fluid becomes contaminated, it must be flushed out and replaced with new, clean fluid. Failing to do so could result in costly transmission damage. To prevent such damage, keep a close eye out for these signs that you need an automatic transmission fluid flush.
Gear Slipping
When transmission fluid becomes too contaminated with excess dirt and other particulates, gear slipping will often occur. Such contaminants can block the fluid’s flow and reduce the hydraulic power of the transmission. As a result, the transmission may not develop the ample amount of pressure necessary to stay in the appropriate gear and will ultimately slip out randomly.
Lunging or Surging
In addition to causing gear slipping, overly contaminated transmission fluid can also result in lugging or surging. As previously stated, transmission fluid that has large amounts of dirt and other debris floating around in it won’t be able to flow properly throughout the system.
Such an inconsistent flow of fluid may cause the vehicle to lunge or surge forward or backward without warning. To prevent dangerous surges in motion, make sure to get the vehicle’s transmission flushed periodically.
Grinding Noises
Grinding noises are another common sign that you need an automatic transmission fluid flush. While a vehicle’s transmission may make grinding noises for a wide variety of reasons, one of the most common is poor quality or insufficient transmission fluid.
If the transmission fluid is filled to the appropriate level and you still hear grinding noises, there is a good chance that the fluid is contaminated and needs to be flushed. Clean transmission fluid will have a clear, reddish color, while contaminated fluid is typically darker with small particles in it and may smell burnt.
Problems Shifting Gears
When a vehicle’s transmission fluid becomes contaminated with dirt and other particulates, your vehicle will often start experiencing issues related to gear shifts. If you notice that your vehicle shifts too quickly, too slowly, or that is difficult to shift at all, a transmission flush is likely necessary.
The Transparts Warehouse is a leading transmission supply shop that offers a wide range of replacement parts for automatic and standard transmissions. If you experience a transmission issue that requires a bit more than a simple flush to fix, shop our extensive inventory to find the part you need at a great price.
