Many of us take for granted how well our vehicles operate until they stop working for us. A transmission is an important part of your vehicle, and it is important to know how this works and if your vehicle may be having transmission issues. 

Below, you can learn more about your vehicle’s transmission and how it works. You can also learn about common signs your transmission may need service. At Skip’s Garage, we are here to help make sure your vehicle is operating exactly how it should be. Learn more about transmissions below, and reach out to us if you need help with servicing your vehicle or its transmission. 

What is Your Transmission, and How Does It Work? 

Your vehicle performs differently at different speeds. When you are on the highway, you need a different performance from your vehicle than if you are driving around the city. Your transmission helps you get the performance you need by delivering the right engine power to your wheels. 

A transmission helps you transfer your engine power to the driveshaft and wheels. The transmission helps you change gears so that you are using your engine power most efficiently. For example, you would not want to drive on the highway in first gear. First gear is what your vehicle starts in when you just start to drive your vehicle. Your vehicle will need to go up to fourth or fifth gear when you are driving at higher speeds. 

There are different types of transmissions, and these different types simply have different ways of helping you shift gears and deliver power to your wheels. You can learn more about the different types of transmissions below. 

Types of Transmissions

As discussed above, your transmission helps you get your vehicle in the right gear for the different driving situations that you are in. There are different types of transmissions in vehicles; each different type offers you different advantages and disadvantages. Check out the different types below and how they work. 

• Manual – All vehicles used to have a manual transmission, but it is not as common anymore. Manual transmissions are also known as a “stick shift.” A manual transmission or stick shift requires a driver to change gears manually using a gear selector and a clutch. The driver presses the clutch pedal and moves the shifter to find the right gear; once the gear is in place, the clutch pedal is released, and the engine power goes to the wheels. Manual transmissions are a very old concept when it comes to vehicles, but when you buy a new vehicle today with a manual transmission, there will be a lot of updates associated with this newer model. In the 1960s, many vehicles had four-speed manual transmissions. Now, many manual transmissions are six-speed transmissions. 
• Automatic – An automatic transmission is a technology that shifts gears automatically for the driver so that they do not have to use the clutch and shifter to put the vehicle into the right gear. An automatic transmission uses a torque converter and transmission fluid to change gears for you. With an automatic transmission, there is a hydraulic system that utilizes a pump, transmission fluid, and a torque converter to shift into different gears as the fluid pressure increases or decreases. 
• CVT – A CVT or continuously variable transmission is a type of automatic transmission. This type of automatic transmission uses pulleys to deliver smoother gear shifts for your vehicle. This type of transmission is increasing in popularity because it can improve the efficiency and gas mileage of your vehicle. With a CVT, your vehicle does not have to pause for gear changes, so it can use power more efficiently and optimally. 

If your vehicle is a newer model, your vehicle likely has an automatic transmission or a continuously variable transmission. However, there are manual transmissions in some performance-focused cars. Many people believe that manual transmissions offer a more fun driving experience, and they help you get the most performance out of your vehicle. 

Do you know which type of transmission your vehicle has? You will know if your vehicle has a manual or automatic transmission because that will affect your day to day driving. However, you may not know if your vehicle has an automatic versus a continuously variable transmission. 

Regardless of which type of transmission you have, you could experience some technical difficulties or issues with your transmission. If you do, you can come down to Skip’s Garage to get it fixed. Below, you can learn more about some common transmissions issues and how we can help you with those. 

Common Transmission Issues

Now that you know a little more about how a transmission works in your vehicle, we are going to talk about some common transmission issues or signs of transmission issues. 

First, let’s talk about some issues with automatic transmissions. What are some signs you may be having issues with your automatic transmission? If there is a delay when you put your car into drive or reverse, that could be a sign there is an issue with your transmission. Also, if your vehicle is making grinding, whining, or clunking noises, you might need to get your transmission looked at. Leaking transmission fluid can also be a problem for your vehicle because transmission fluid is essential for lubrication. If you are low on transmission fluid, your vehicle could have a burning smell, which means your vehicle needs to be checked out right away so that larger issues do not occur. 

As discussed above, manual transmissions are not as common in vehicles as they used to be, but some people still have this type of transmission. A manual transmission may need to be checked out if you are hearing a grinding sound when you are shifting gears. This could show that the transmission is worn or transmission fluid is low or dirty. You will also want to get your manual transmission checked out if you are having problems with the clutch pedal grabbing too low or too high. 

Service for Your Transmission

If you are having issues with your transmission, you will want to get those checked out right away. Your transmission is vital to your vehicle, and it can be quite costly to replace if it continues to have more and more issues. If you think there is a problem, it is best to get it looked at right away. Above, we talked about some transmission issues or signs that you might be having trouble. If you experience any of those issues, you should schedule an appointment with Skip’s Garage to get your transmission checked out. We look forward to helping you get your vehicle running smoothly again. Check out some reasons to choose Skip’s Garage for service below. 

Choose Skip’s Garage for Service

Now that you know a little bit more about how your transmission works and what could be wrong with it, we are going to talk about why you should choose Skip’s Garage to service your transmission and other parts of your vehicle. Check out some reasons to choose us below. 

• Expert Staff – Skip’s Garage is known for its expertise. We provide people with custom exhaust and other services because we are car experts. We love the sound of a well-tuned engine, and we will work hard to get your vehicle to that standard. We can help service your transmission or any other part of your vehicle, just reach out to us today to book an appointment. 
• Customer-Focused – When you go to certain dealerships or auto service establishments, you can tell they want to sell you a car and send you on your way. At Skip’s Garage, we are different. We are truly invested in your happiness with your vehicle and how it runs. That is why we perform specialty services like providing custom exhaust. 
• Convenient – We also work to make your experience with service as easy and convenient as possible. You can book an appointment online, quickly and easily. If you have any questions about this, you can reach out to us at 603-382-1010. 

These are just a few reasons for you to choose Skip’s garage to service your vehicle. Whether you are having trouble with your transmission, or you want your vehicle to perform better with custom exhaust, we can help you out. Reach out to us today.