Transmission Maintenance and Repair in Sioux Falls

A vehicle’s transmission is responsible for moving power from the engine to the wheels. There are two types of transmission systems: manual and automatic. Automatic do not require you to do anything to shift from one gear to the next, while a manual transmission, also called a stick shift, requires you to manually shift through gears. If anything were to happen to your transmission, your vehicle would be unable to move.

If you suspect something is wrong with your car, van, truck or SUV’s transmission, call Team Automotive immediately for a free quote. Our ASE-certified mechanics will diagnose the issue and offer affordable transmission service, transmission repair or transmission replacement options.

Your car’s transmission system helps send power from your engine to your wheels. Gears shift to help your car maintain specific speeds, so the faster you’re going, the higher the gear setting. Here’s a little more information regarding your transmission and its components.

Automatic Transmission

The gears in an automatic transmission vehicle shift according to your speed. There is a torque converter that feels the acceleration you create when stepping onto the gas pedal. When the converter senses you want to move faster, it shifts to the next gear to accommodate your speed. This conversion occurs when you slow down as well.

Manual Transmission

Manual transmission requires you to step on the clutch — the smaller pedal beside the brake pedal — while manually shifting gears with the stick shift. When you press the clutch, it disconnects the engine and transmission so you can shift gears, then when you release the clutch after shifting, it reconnects your engine to the transmission and allows you to move faster or slower.

Transmission Fluid

The transmission fluid helps:

• Lubricate transmission components
• Cools hot parts
• Conditions gaskets
• Increases rotational speeds and temperatures ranges

This is why it’s so important to ensure your transmission fluid is changed every 50,000 miles and checked regularly.

Types of Transmission Fluid

Dexron and Mercon

These are the most common types of transmission fluid. They contain friction modifiers that protect the internal components of your transmission.

Highly Friction Modified

Highly Friction Modified, or HFM fluids, are basically the same as Dexron and Mercon, but the friction modifiers are more effective.

Synthetic

These oils are more expensive but are specifically designed to withstand dramatic temperature changes and also reduce friction, shearing and oxidation.

Hypoid Gear Oil

In some manual transmission vehicles, this oil is used to resist extreme temperatures and pressures.

Sometimes it’s hard to tell if your car is experiencing trouble with the transmission or if it’s with other components under the hood. For a better idea, here are a few common symptoms of transmission problems.

• Car won’t move
• Burning smell
• Gear doesn’t shift or is shaky
• Gears shift without prompting
• Low or dirty transmissions
• Buzz, clunk or hum sounds
• Fluid leak
• Check engine light on

If your vehicle is experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, contact Team Automotive for assistance. Our mechanics are trained to diagnose the issue and offer maintenance, repairs and replacements as needed.

There are many ways to take care of your vehicle’s transmission system. Consider the following techniques:

• Regularly check transmission fluid
• Regularly change transmission filter
• Talk to Team Automotive to see which transmission fluid is best to use
• Service cooling system regularly
• Inspect transmission system w/Team Automotive regularly
• Get transmission flush regularly
• Let car warm up before driving
• Don’t change to/from drive/reverse when vehicle in motion
• Don’t use donut more than necessary
• Avoid towing heavy loads in hot temperatures

Follow these rules and your transmission system will last a very long time. But when your car does start to experience transmission problems, call Team Automotive. We are proud to be an ASE-certified auto repair shop, meaning our technicians are specially trained to diagnose, repair and replace parts as needed. They can tell you what type of fluids are best for your vehicle, how often those fluids need to be topped off or flushed and what transmission components are in need of repair or replacement. Call today and get a free quote.