Many drivers see a leak in the gearbox but assume it can wait. You could see a few droplets on the driveway or smell something strange as you park that makes you doubt if it’s safe to keep driving. In summary, driving with a gearbox leak is dangerous, and the longer it goes on, the more likely it is that it will cause severe, expensive damage.
Knowing why transmission fluid is so vital helps you understand why you need to fix even a little leak.
What Transmission Fluid Does
Your car’s gearbox fluid accomplishes a lot of important functions. It keeps everything moving, preventing the moving parts from getting too heated, and makes gear shifts smooth. The fluid also helps automatic gearboxes send power from the engine to the wheels.
If a leak causes the fluid levels to decrease, the gearbox might get excessively hot or lose hydraulic pressure. This can cause gears to slip, make it take longer to change, or cause damage inside that might be very expensive to correct or perhaps need to be replaced.
You may save a lot of money by correcting leaks immediately away because replacing a gearbox is one of the most expensive car repairs.
Is It Safe to Drive With a Small Leak?
A little leak in the gearbox might not prohibit a car from working, but that doesn’t imply it’s safe to drive for a long time.
What Causes Transmission Leaks Most Often
There are several reasons why transmission leaks might arise, but most of them have to do with regular wear and tear over time. As seals and gaskets get older, they naturally harden and shrink. This might let fluid leak out. This wear may happen a little sooner for cars that are driven a lot in stop-and-go traffic or in hot weather.
The gearbox pan is another place where leaks often happen. The pan is low on the car and can be hit by anything on the road or get a little loose over time. Older cars are more likely to have minor cracks or loose connections in their fluid lines and cooler lines. Sometimes, leaks may be traced down to something simple, such a drain plug or gasket that has to be tightened or replaced after a service. So it makes obvious sense that if you have a small leak right now, get it seen to!
Keep Your Car Safe and Your Mind at Ease
If you think your transmission is leaking, you should have it checked out right away. Finding the problem early stops it from becoming worse and keeping your car reliable for driving throughout Prescott, Prescott Valley, and Chino Valley every day.
Heath’s Auto Repair in Prescott can assist if you’ve seen stains beneath your car, had trouble shifting, or smelled anything burning while driving. You may call or come by now to set up an inspection. A short inspection now will save you money on repairs later and make sure your car runs safely and smoothly.