SM Transmissions Blog

Transmission fluid is vital for keeping your vehicle’s transmission cool and lubricated, allowing for smooth shifting and preventing overheating. A leak in your transmission system can lead to serious problems if left unaddressed, potentially resulting in expensive repairs or even transmission failure. At SM Transmissions, we provide expert transmission fluid leak repair in the greater Irving, TX area. Here are five signs that your vehicle may have a transmission fluid leak. Puddles of Reddish Fluid One of the clearest signs of a transmission fluid leak is the presence of a puddle under your vehicle. Transmission fluid typically has a red or pink hue, though it can darken to brown over time. If you spot this type of fluid accumulating where your car is parked, it's a potential sign of a leak in your transmission system. Low Transmission Fluid Levels Regularly checking your vehicle’s fluid levels can help you catch a leak early. If you notice that the transmission fluid level is consistently low, there’s a good chance that a leak is present. Running your vehicle with low transmission fluid can lead to serious damage, so addressing this issue quickly is important. Transmission Slipping or Trouble Shifting Transmission fluid helps your car shift gears smoothly. When the fluid level is low due to a leak, you might experience issues such as transmission slipping, where the gears don’t engage as they should. Difficulty shifting or unusual clunking sounds when shifting are also potential signs that transmission fluid is leaking. Overheating Transmission Transmission fluid plays a critical role in keeping the transmission cool. A leak can cause the transmission to overheat, leading to more serious mechanical issues. If you notice a burning smell, it could be a sign that your transmission is overheating due to a lack of fluid. Grinding or Unusual Noises A well-lubricated transmission should operate quietly. However, if transmission fluid levels are low because of a leak, you might hear grinding, whining, or other unusual noises coming from your transmission as it struggles to perform. These sounds may indicate that there’s insufficient lubrication. Transmission Repair in Irving, TX When you need transmission repair in Irving and the surrounding area, contact SM Transmissions at  (469) 908-3690  . At our nearby transmission shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s transmission needs. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!

Clean transmission fluid is vital for keeping your vehicle’s transmission running smoothly. It lubricates the gears, cools the system, and enables proper hydraulic function. However, when transmission fluid becomes contaminated, it can lead to serious transmission problems and costly repairs. At SM Transmissions, we can expertly handle issues with transmission fluid. Here are five signs that your transmission fluid may be contaminated and in need of attention. Unusual Color Fresh transmission fluid is typically bright red or pink. But if it turns a brownish or black color, this is a strong indication that it has become contaminated with dirt or other debris. A deep brown or black color suggests that the fluid has overheated or is filled with particles, reducing its ability to protect the transmission. Burnt Smell A healthy transmission fluid has a slightly sweet to neutral smell. If you notice a burnt odor coming from the fluid, this could indicate that it has overheated or degraded due to contamination. Burnt transmission fluid is no longer effective at lubricating and cooling your transmission, which can lead to excessive friction and wear. Slipping Gears Contaminated transmission fluid can interfere with your vehicle’s ability to shift gears properly. If you experience slipping gears—where your car unexpectedly changes gears or struggles to stay in gear—it could be a sign that your transmission fluid is contaminated. Slipping often occurs when debris in the fluid obstructs hydraulic pressure, preventing smooth gear shifts. Delayed Shifting Another sign of contaminated transmission fluid is delayed shifting. If you notice a hesitation when shifting from park to drive or between gears while driving, the contaminated fluid may be causing reduced hydraulic pressure or increased friction. Delayed shifting can lead to jerky movements or difficulty accelerating. Grinding or Strange Noises Transmission fluid should keep the system well-lubricated, allowing for quiet operation. However, if the fluid is contaminated with particles, it may lose its ability to protect the moving parts, leading to grinding or clunking noises while driving. These noises are a sign that metal parts within the transmission are rubbing together, which can cause long-term damage if the fluid isn’t changed promptly. Transmission Service in Irving, TX For transmission service in Irving and the surrounding area, contact SM Transmissions at  (469) 908-3690  . Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!