Your car’s drivetrain plays a major role in transferring power from the engine to the wheels. Whether you drive a front wheel drive, rear wheel drive, all wheel drive, or four wheel drive vehicle, keeping up with drivetrain maintenance is important for performance and reliability. At Auto Centric in Grand Rapids, MI, our technicians specialize in drivetrain maintenance and repair services to keep your car running properly and prevent costly problems down the road. Call us at (616) 379-9416to get started.
Transmission service and maintenance
At the heart of your drivetrain is the transmission. It’s responsible for controlling power from the engine to the wheels through gear ratios. Regular transmission service helps keep shifting smooth and prevents early wear.
Most modern automatic transmissions rely on transmission fluid to lubricate parts, cool components, and transmit hydraulic pressure. Over time, this fluid breaks down due to heat and contamination. That’s why it’s important to change transmission fluid according to your car’s maintenance schedule. Routine transmission fluid flushes and filter replacements are among the most effective ways to extend transmission life and improve fuel efficiency.
If you notice a warning light, difficulty shifting, or your car’s engine revving higher than usual before gears change, it could be an obvious sign that your vehicle’s transmission needs attention. Catching problems early can prevent major repair expenses and keep your vehicle on the road longer.
Automatic vs. manual transmissions
While most modern automatic transmissions require less frequent servicing than older models, they still benefit from regular fluid changes. Automatic transmissions use complex gear trains, clutches, and solenoids that depend heavily on clean fluid for proper operation. Ignoring a transmission fluid change can significantly shorten the lifespan of these components.
Manual transmissions, on the other hand, use a clutch pedal and gear shift to manually select gears. Manual transmissions typically have fewer parts than automatics and are less prone to overheating. However, manual transmissions require gear oil instead of standard transmission fluid, and this oil still needs to be replaced at regular intervals to prevent wear on internal bearings and gears.
If you notice grinding while shifting, a chattering noise, or resistance in the gear shift, it might be time to have your clutch or transmission checked.
Wondering if your transmission needs repair?
Look for these key, telling signs:
- Difficulty shifting gears or staying in gear
- Car’s engine revving without acceleration
- Slight burning smell coming from the engine area
- Transmission warning light on the dashboard
- Chattering noise or humming when the car is in gear
- Leaking transmission fluid under your vehicle
- Delay when shifting from neutral gear to drive or reverse
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to visit Auto Centric in Grand Rapids as soon as possible. Resolving issues promptly can protect the rest of your drivetrain and prevent major repair expenses later.
Transmission fluid FAQs
How often should I change transmission fluid?
Most manufacturers recommend changing transmission fluid regularly, typically every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, but this varies depending on the type of vehicle and whether it has an automatic or manual transmission.
What happens if I never change transmission fluid?
Old or burnt fluid can cause transmission damage, overheating, or slipping gears, which may lead to major repair expenses.
What’s the difference between a flush and a fluid change?
A transmission fluid change drains out old fluid and replaces it with fresh fluid, while a flush pushes out nearly all old fluid from the system. Both are important depending on your vehicle’s transmission type and maintenance history.
Why choose Auto Centric for drivetrain service in Grand Rapids
At Auto Centric, we believe that taking care of your drivetrain is one of the most important steps in keeping your car reliable for years to come. Our certified technicians service automatic and manual transmissions, front wheel drive and rear wheel drive vehicles, and complete four wheel drive systems.
We use high-quality transmission fluids, perform routine transmission fluid flushes, and follow manufacturer recommendations for every service. Whether you need transmission repairs, a transfer case service, or driveline repair, you can count on our team for dependable results.
By sticking to a proper maintenance schedule and resolving issues promptly, you can maximize transmission life, improve fuel efficiency, and prevent major repair expenses.
Schedule your drivetrain maintenance today
Don’t wait until you notice transmission problems to care for your drivetrain. Regular maintenance can help your transmission last longer and keep your vehicle running smoothly for many miles.
If you need drivetrain maintenance and repair services in Grand Rapids, MI, contact Auto Centric today. Call us at (616) 379-9416 — our friendly team is here to help with everything from transmission service to differential fluid changes. We’ll make sure your vehicle’s drivetrain stays strong, reliable, and ready for the road ahead.