Eugene, Oregon Transmission Service and Repair
Your transmission is one of the most important components of your car. Transmission problems can escalate quickly if not addressed. Failure to repair a faulty transmission almost always leads to an undrivable vehicle. Like most mechanical systems in your car, regular maintenance and service can greatly extend the life of your transmission. When transmission problems do occur, it’s time to call an experienced car repair shop in Eugene, Oregon. Jackson’s Auto Care has been serving customers in the Willamette Valley since 1946. We are here to help when things go wrong.
Transmission Types: Manual versus Automatic versus Hybrid
Most people know the basic differences between manual (also called “standard”) and automatic transmissions. Today, a third type of system with qualities of both manual and automatic transmissions has also become popular. Though manufacturers might describe this sort of transmission using different terms, we can broadly refer to this category of transmissions as “hybrids.” Each sort of transmission is prone to its own particular kinds of failures. Understanding the way your transmission might be malfunctioning can help you lead your automotive technician to the underlying problem.
Manual Transmission Problems
The most common failure points on a manual transmission are the clutch, the gears, and the shift linkage. Clutch problems usually manifest as a difficulty engaging or disengaging the transmission. You may notice your clutch slipping (RPMs rising without a corresponding increase in thrust, sometimes followed by a rough engagement) and a burning plastic or metal smell. A whirring noise accompanied by a strange increase or decrease in pedal effort along with difficulty shifting in and out of gears except at a certain “sweet spot” might indicate a bad throw-out bearing. Grinding or inability to engage gears might indicate excessive gear or synchro wear.
Automatic Transmission Problems
Automatic transmissions are much more complex than manual transmissions. Diagnosing an automatic transmission problem can be very difficult for the average car owner. Describing the way an automatic transmission works is challenging, even for an experienced mechanic. Essentially, the automatic transmission is composed of a torque converter, which accepts input from the engine and turns it into power that the planetary gearset can use, and the planetary gearset itself, which along with valves, clutches, brakes, computers, and many other components enables the automatic transmission to determine your desired gear through speed and throttle input. If that sounds complicated, it’s because it is. Any time you notice an automatic transmission problem, there is no time to waste. Driving a car will a malfunctioning automatic transmission will cause further damage.
Hybrid Transmission Problems
Today’s highly-advanced transmissions use driver inputs to shift gears like a manual transmission, but like an automatic transmission do not employ a clutch pedal. The ways automotive manufacturers accomplish this feet varies depending on the make and model of the vehicle, but all such systems share one thing in common: they are even more complex than automatic transmissions. All of them employ sophisticated computers and the latest mechanical systems to make running through the gears a pleasant and natural process. This means that when any of these systems fail, repairs can be very involved.
Eugene, Oregon Transmission Service and Repair
Of course, the best way to avoid costly transmission repairs is regular service. Jackson’s Auto Care will run you through your manufacturer’s recommended service intervals and make sure you are doing everything you can to avoid transmission issues down the line. When transmission problems do arise, call Jackson’s Auto Care. Their expert team of auto technicians will get you back on the road in no time.