The Three Most Common Causes of Transmission Issues

Buckle up, shift into gear, and leave those transmission troubles in the dust!
Posted On March 3, 2023
By Integra Tire Canada

We all know that feeling of power and control when we hit the gas pedal and smoothly shift gears, effortlessly gliding down the open road.

But hey, let’s pump the brakes for a second and talk about something important: your transmission.

It’s the unsung hero that keeps your wheels turning and gears shifting. But beware! Just like any superhero, your transmission has its weaknesses. In this guide, we’re going to tackle those common villains that can wreak havoc on your transmission.

Buckle up, shift into gear, and leave those transmission troubles in the dust!

1) Transmission Fluid is Old/Low

Transmission fluid is like the trusty sidekick, silently working its magic to keep your gearbox running smoothly. It acts as both a lubricant and a coolant, ensuring that all those intricate transmission components play nice together and don’t overheat. However, when the fluid level runs low or becomes contaminated or degraded, it can lead to trouble. Gear slipping, rough shifting, and increased friction within the transmission are just a few of the headaches you may encounter.

But fear not, dear drivers, for regular checks of your transmission fluid level and quality hold the key to prevention. By simply locating the transmission dipstick, checking the fluid level and color, and ensuring it’s at the right level and in good condition, you can keep your ride running smoothly. Ideally, transmission fluid should have a bright, translucent red color, indicating that it’s in good shape and ready to keep things moving. However, if you spot a dark, murky, or burnt smell, it may indicate fluid that’s past its prime and in desperate need of a change.

The key is this: vigilance is your greatest superpower when it comes to transmission fluid. Regular inspections and swift action at the first signs of trouble can save you from costly repairs down the road.

2) Intense Driving / Towing

Now, we get it—you want to push your ride to it’s limits – zooming through the streets and conquering every trail. But here’s a little secret your transmission wants to spill: it actually prefers a smooth and steady ride over those hairpin turns and high-speed sprints.

Intense driving conditions like towing heavy loads, off-roading, and stop-and-go traffic put your transmission to the ultimate test. These demanding situations increase heat and friction, subjecting your transmission to excessive stress and potential premature wear.

This also includes improperly towing loads! Improper towing techniques and exceeding towing capacity can overload your transmission, leading to overheating, fluid breakdown, and even transmission failure.

Be mindful of your vehicle’s limits, and give your transmission the care it deserves to conquer these challenges and ensure smooth journeys ahead.

 3) Good Ol’ “Wear and Tear”

Unfortunately, this one can be mitigated but not avoided altogether. Like a pair of your favorite sneakers, transmissions are bound to experience some natural wear and tear over time.

Your transmission is at work whenever you drive, tirelessly shifting gears, transferring power, and keeping your wheels turning. But alas, even the mightiest transmissions have their limits. On average, transmissions can last anywhere from 300,000 km and up, but it all depends on factors like driving habits, maintenance, and a little bit of luck.

Now, don’t fret! With a little TLC, proper maintenance, and avoiding those daredevil stunts we mentioned earlier, you can extend the lifespan of your transmission and keep it humming for miles and miles.

So, let’s give a round of applause to our hardworking transmissions and pledge to take good care of them. After all, they’re the true champions of the road, and with a little love, they’ll keep us shifting smoothly into the sunset.

Questions? Our Advisors are Happy to Help!

If you have questions about anything you've read in this resource page, contact your nearest Integra Tire dealer for more information. We are passionate in assisting our customers make the best choices to keep their vehicles in tip-top shape and keep their families safe.
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