How to Deal with Transmission Overheating Issues in Your Car

The transmission is seen as one of the sturdiest parts of a vehicle, but it does require proper care. When your vehicle’s transmission overheats, it can cause damage to the sensitive parts that make up this component. Transmission overheating is, in fact, one of the most common causes of transmission damage. Although periodic transmission servicing should always be handled by professionals, you can take certain steps to prevent the occurrence of overheating. Let’s take a look at transmission overheating issues and how to deal with them when they arise.

Common Signs Your Transmission is Overheating

There are several tell-tale signs when a car’s transmission is overheating. Unfortunately, many car owners do not take cognizance of these signs before it’s too late and severe damage has occurred.

The function of the transmission fluid is to keep the parts of the transmission lubricated properly and to provide the needed cooling to prevent the transmission from burning up. Checking for problems with the transmission fluid is arguably the easiest way to find out if the transmission is overheating.

• Color: The first thing to pay attention to is the color of the fluid. If the fluid has gone from its usual pink or red to a dark brown color, it usually means that the fluid is burning from the overheating of the transmission.
• Odor: Another common sign is the fluid giving out a burning odor. Also, if the transmission starts to slip resulting in unusual noises from the gear, delay in acceleration, or difficulty shifting gears, it may be an indication that the transmission fluid is low or even burnt.

Why Your Car’s Transmission is Overheating

• Low or Dirty Transmission Fluid: Low level of transmission fluid leads to a lack of proper lubrication of all the components of the transmission. Excessive wear and tear are a direct result of this and that in turn, causes the transmission to run hot and ultimately fail. Also, without enough transmission fluid, the transmission will be unable to operate optimally.
• Malfunctioning of the Solenoid: The solenoid is the part that determines how much fluid passes into the transmission. If it becomes defective, it can prevent adequate fluid from reaching the transmission and cause damage that may lead to overheating.
• Using Your Car for Heavy Towing: Heavy towing puts a lot of pressure on your transmission to work harder than normal.
• Having Your Vehicle Towed Frequently: This can lead to slipping of the bands and clutches, and this is more likely when the drive wheels are not in the ground.
• Driving Habits: Driving in an urban setting usually involves an amount of stop-and-go traffic. The constant accelerating and slowing down, shifting through gears puts an additional workload on your transmission than usual.
• Climate: Hot weather also contributes to the transmission overheating by increasing the temperature of the resting fluid such that it is warmer than normal and won’t take long before it heats up.

Dealing with Transmission Overheating Issues

Preventing the transmission from overheating is unarguably the best way with routine maintenance. You should ensure that your transmission fluid is checked about once a month so that you can catch the signs early enough before it causes terrible damage.

The transmission fluid also needs to be changed regularly. If you drive in warmer climates or tow heavy loads, you should have your fluid changed more often. Transmission overheating is a very preventable issue.

However, if your transmission does overheat, don’t ignore it or wait until it fails. See a professional and get the transmission serviced right away. Doing this will save you a lot of stress as well as money!

If you happen to be driving when your transmission overheats, stop driving right away and allow it to cool down before driving it to the nearest auto repair shop to get it checked out as soon as possible. If you’re unsure, have a tow service come out to bring your car to us.

How Nikolas Motorsport Will Help

If you’re in the area around Bloomfield Hills, Farmington Hills, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak, Troy, and Pontiac, MI, the process is made easier with Nikolas Motorsport. We are your local auto center for your European vehicle.

Our expertly-trained mechanics can be trusted with your vehicle’s longevity. Nikolas Motorsport is known for quality and top-notch customer service, this has made and kept us the go-to shop for all car owners throughout the Pontiac area. Call us at (248) 682-7755 or visit our shop today. We will ensure that your car’s transmission is operating at its best!