In modern cars, transmissions are remarkably durable despite their complexity. However, all transmissions undergo wear and tear; if you can recognize the early warning signs of low transmission fluid or other problems, you can respond quickly and save yourself repair work later. Here are a few of the most common indications that it’s time to visit your local Kia dealership for transmission service.
Leaking Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid serves a number of important purposes, the first of which is lubricating the bearings, gears, and other moving parts. If your transmission springs a leak, you might notice a puddle of reddish liquid under your car when you pull away from parking.
Harsh Grinding Noises
Low transmission fluid will often result in a grinding sound as insufficiently lubricated gears struggle against each other. Grinding might also result from worn-out transmission linkage, a bad clutch, or faults in the synchronizer rings or bearings. Don’t delay in asking a technician to diagnose and repair the cause of a grinding gearbox.
High-Pitched Whining Sounds
Automatic transmissions may also whine when the fluid is low. Whining can also be caused by a malfunctioning torque converter or worn-out transmission gears in the planetary gear system.
Suddenly Slipping Gears
Malfunctioning gears can occasionally slip, which is hazardous as the engine’s power momentarily becomes disconnected from the wheels. When slipping, gears might even shift on their own. Early warning signs of slipping gears include loud engine revving while shifting, delayed shifting, delayed acceleration, and harsh gear shifts.
Stubbornly Sticking Gears
Alternatively, you might find your gears refusing to shift at all. Sticking gears may point to low or dirty transmission fluid, a faulty sensor or solenoid, stuck valves, a clogged transmission filter, or something else. As is often the case with complex modern transmissions, there are multiple potential causes for sticking gears; you’ll probably need a skillful technician to figure it out.
Unpleasant Burning Smells
When transmission fluid starts to degrade or lessen in volume, friction and heat rise inside the gearbox. This worsens the problem by burning the fluid, further reducing its volume, thickening it, and creating a burning smell, which you’re likely you catch in the cabin above.
Flush Transmission Fluid Frequently at Your Kia Dealer
As you can see, low, leaking, burned, or aging transmission fluid is often the cause of gearbox trouble. With this in mind, it’s wise to pay careful attention to the condition of your transmission fluid and keep it topped up as required.
Transmission fluid also needs to be flushed and replaced entirely every 60,000 to 100,000 miles (every 30,000 to 60,000 for manual transmissions). You can have this done at your local dealership.
Visit Bergstrom Oshkosh Kia in Oshkosh, WI, today to have your transmission inspected and serviced by qualified professionals. Our locally trusted dealership serves as a one-stop shop for all your automobile needs.
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Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.