When it comes to car repair, no one wants to hear that the transmission is the problem. Transmission repairs have gotten a bad rap because they typically can be costly, yet they need to be done to keep your vehicle moving. Being able to spot problems when you experience issues can help you get the service needed promptly. Transmission failure can be costly and inconvenient, so it’s best to address the problem as soon as you can. Knowing about these problems can help you prevent some of them from happening in your own vehicle and protect your transmission. But what causes the transmission to fail in the first place? Below we discuss 5 causes of transmission failure and provide tips to help avoid these issues from occurring. 

​Your vehicle’s transmission has a fluid filter that helps keep the transmission fluid clean and free of debris. Over time it can accumulate with grit and grime, clogging up the filter which prevents the transmission fluid from flowing through freely. This inhibits the fluid from doing its job of lubricating and cooling the transmission and ends with a bad result, a failed or overheated transmission, and a costly repair bill. Keeping the transmission fluid filter in good condition can prevent this problem.

In addition to the transmission fluid filter working fine, the fluid itself needs to be clean and at a correct level or your transmission will suffer. That’s why you need to check your transmission fluid levels regularly. Routine maintenance like transmission fluid flushes should also be done to help prevent problems with the transmission. Low fluid levels can’t keep the transmission cool and lubricated and dirty fluid full of gunk will lead to problems with your transmission.

Transmission fluid leaks need to be repaired as soon as possible. Failure to do so could lead to low transmission fluid levels resulting in damage from overheating. If levels drop too low, it can lead to complete transmission failure.  Transmission fluid leaks are easy to spot. It is typically red and found on the ground underneath your vehicle. Small leaks can appear near the drain plug, so you should also go under your engine to look for any signs of fluid.

​If you notice that your engine is revving too high, the clutches in your transmission may be starting to wear out. This can be caused by low transmission fluid or water intrusion into the transmission. If you have the clutches or other parts inside the transmission repaired when the first sign of this problem starts, it’s possible to avoid a full transmission failure.

Many of these transmission issues are due to a lack of maintenance on a vehicle. When you have scheduled routine maintenance done by a professional, the fluid filter, fluid quality, and fluid levels are all inspected. By having your transmission serviced regularly, you can protect it from these serious issues and avoid costly repairs. Check with your vehicle’s owner’s manual for recommended service intervals or contact your local transmission expert.
Your vehicle’s transmission is a complex piece of equipment and proper care must be taken to keep it running at its best. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of transmission failure, it is important to call for service right away. At Best Western Transmission, we have the expertise and equipment to diagnose and fix the problem so that you can get back on the road as quickly as possible. Contact us today for top-quality transmission service!

​If your car is experiencing transmission problems, it may be time for a rebuild. However, before making this expensive decision, there are a few key questions you need to ask your mechanic. By understanding the answers to these questions, you'll be better able to make an informed decision about your vehicle’s transmission. Here are 5 important questions to ask before agreeing to the terms of a transmission rebuild. 

Your vehicle’s dashboard is full of lights that go on from warnings to reminders. When these lights illuminate, few people understand the full meaning of them. The check engine light can be caused by many different things. But this warning sign should never be ignored. So, what should you do and what does the check engine light mean? Here are some reasons the check engine light comes on and what to do when it does.

Oil is an essential fluid in your vehicle and plays a crucial role in the smooth operation of its engine. Oil leaks can lead to reduced performance and even permanent damage to the vehicle, which is why any problems should be inspected as soon as possible by a professional automotive repair shop.
 
If you’ve noticed your car is leaking oil, it’s important to take corrective action but don’t panic. Read on to find out the top reasons why your car may be leaking oil and what to do.

Vehicles with an all-wheel drive system or four-wheel drive commonly have a transfer case. Transfer cases send power from the engine to the front and rear wheels to improve handling, and it is essential to have a good one when you are desperate for traction. In the case of towing or traveling over difficult terrain, a transfer case can be useful, as they allow you to switch between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. Some transfer cases are even fitted with specific gears for use off-road, but they shouldn't be used in normal driving conditions. Refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for proper usage instructions.

As a car owner, you understand that numerous problems can arise with your vehicle. One of the most important parts of your car is the transmission, which is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels when you are driving. Whenever a transmission fails, you should call a trusted transmission repair company as soon as possible. To learn more, let's examine some of the signs of a failing transmission and the steps you can take to prevent it.

​Your drivetrain is tied with your brakes for the most important system in your vehicle in regards to function - it’s what makes it go. 

​The drivetrain on a vehicle consists of the engine, which produces power using fuel, air, spark every time you rev the engine. From here a series of timed shafts called the crankshaft, and camshaft(s) are connected via the timing belt (or chain).
 
These shafts work in synchronization to perform a few tasks. They open and close the engine’s valves, convert the energy from a vertical explosion (from the cylinders) to circular energy,  and efficiently send power to the transmission.
 
From here, the energy is sent to the differential in the drive axle. In the case of AWD or 4WD, it will pass through a transfer case, which splits the power between both axles. The drive shafts connect to the differentials in the axles. Your differential is what allows your wheels to spin at different speeds as they need to when turning. The axles spin the wheels and off you go.
 
That is your drive train and every single component of it is important, so you may want to consider taking good care of it. Paying attention to your drivetrain will help you prevent small problems from becoming big issues and extend the life of your vehicle.

​One of the most important components of a drivetrain on a 4x4 or all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicle is the transfer case. Its function is critical to the vehicle going anywhere and like all parts of the drivetrain it requires fluid to reduce friction and work smoothly.
 
Let’s start with the basics.