The Importance of Servicing Your Transmission and Clutch

At Northtown Automotive in Amherst, NY, we've learned some valuable things in offering you so many great car brands for more than 50 years. One is the importance of regular maintenance, especially for major components. Two of the most important are the transmission and the clutch. Following some simple guidelines can help your transmission and clutch keep serving you reliably. Let's start with the transmission.

First, What Exactly Is Transmission Service?

The primary objective of transmission service at Northtown Automotive is to get rid of the old, existing transmission fluid and put in new, totally clean fluid in that's recommended by the manufacturer. Whether you live in Buffalo or Williamsville, NY, that means we take out the drain plug, flush out old fluid and pour in the new. We also replace the transmission filter and clean out old gasket matter, as well as replace the pan gasket when necessary.

Does a Manual Transmission Need Fluid Changes?

Yes, a manual transmission needs service as well, partly because both manual and automatic transmissions involve moving parts that come into contact with each other and therefore need to be lubricated. With a manual transmission, of course, you as the driver are operating the clutch and changing gears yourself, and that creates some wear and tear. Like an automatic, a manual transmission needs fluid flushed out completely and then that fluid is replaced by our service professionals with fresh new fluid.

How Often Does My Car Need Transmission Service?

In general, automatic transmissions need more frequent service since they get hotter, which can cause fluid to break down. In fact, the fluid can gradually get corrupted with worn transmission parts. If those tiny parts aren't flushed out, they can make your transmission eventually break down. At Northtown Automotive, we recommend that automatic transmission service should be done somewhere between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. Ask our service technicians for more details regarding your vehicle.

Some Indicators that Your Transmission Might Be Going Out

If you hear funny noises coming from your transmission, like whining, clunking or grinding, there might be an issue. If you have trouble shifting, like a hesitation going from Park to Drive, that's another potential alert, and so is stalling or surging as your transmission is trying to shift. Of course, the "Check Engine" light can sometimes be about the transmission, and our technicians can tell you if that's the case. Lastly, if you see a puddle of red fluid under the car, or any of these other signs, take your car to the service experts at Northtown Automotive.

Do I Really Need to Get Transmission Service

If you simply don't maintain your transmission, your fluid could easily get filled with metal shavings and that can eventually cause your transmission to no longer work properly. To keep your vehicle running smoothly as you drive around the streets of Cheektowaga or Tonawanda, NY, schedule transmission or clutch service soon at Northtown Automotive.

How Long Should a Clutch Last?

Some automotive experts say a clutch should last 50,000 miles or more, but a lot depends on the kind of maintenance you give your car. The constant stop-and-go of city driving can make your clutch wear out faster, especially when you do a lot of shifting in lower gears.

Signs That Your Clutch Needs to Be Replaced

If you have a manual transmission, look for a vibrating or loose clutch pedal, or a pedal that seems to stick when you push on it. You might hear a squeak, or you might have trouble shifting gears. If you can rev the engine but your acceleration is weak, or if you have a momentary dropout in your acceleration, it might be time to check with the experts at Northtown Automotive. Our technicians can test drive your car to diagnose the problem.

For Best Results, Talk to the Service Experts at Northtown Automotive

If you notice any of the warning signs, consult with the professionals in our Service Center at Northtown Automotive. We have a shuttle that can take you to work while your vehicle is being serviced, or you can wait in our comfortable lounge. Our service team will make sure your car, truck or SUV gets the factory-recommended parts that fit your vehicle perfectly.

If you're in the market for a new car, check out our great selection of new and used models. Meanwhile, talk to us soon to learn more about the best service recommendations and contact us to schedule an appointment. At Northtown Automotive in Amherst, NY, we'll take good care of your car, but more important, we'll take good care of you.