Remember learning to ride a bike? You were a true master when you could change the gears to match the resistance and speed that suited your terrain. If you were going up a hill, you probably downshifted and when racing your friends, you’d push it into high gear. Your car operates the same way. And without a transmission, your car wouldn’t be able to change gears.
But how do you keep such an intricate part of the car functioning properly? The answer comes down to routine maintenance and knowledge of how to keep it in good shape. Transmission is in our name at Kennedy Transmission, because we know this important system inside and out.
How Your Transmission Works
As you change your gears, your transmission transfers power from your engine to your wheels. By doing so, it thrusts your car forward. Lower gears provide the most power. They’re most effective in pushing your vehicle up hills, as well as preparing it for braking. On the other hand, higher gears increase your vehicle’s speed.
Today, most cars have two types of transmissions:
- Automatic: It’s as it sounds; automatic transmissions adjust gears on their own. A majority of new and recent cars have this type of transmission. Next time you drive, notice how your transmission raises gears along long stretches of road and lowers gears as you approach areas with a lot of stops and hills. You’ll notice when your car automatically switches gears by looking at the RPM meter on your dashboard, or if you hear a sharp change in your car’s pitch while driving. This type of transmission gets more complex all the time, with more gears (or “speeds”) added often.
- Standard: Also known as “manual” transmissions, standard transmissions require you, as the driver, to do the gear shifting. If you drive a stick shift, you know all about adjusting the clutch as you move along. They’re not as common today: Only about six percent of new cars are manufactured with standard transmissions.
Transmission Maintenance Goes a Long Way
Your transmission works hard to keep your car rumbling down the road. It undergoes major stress to power your wheels, and it operates at extremely high temperatures – sometimes 150 degrees higher than the engine. Eventually, the stress prevents your transmission fluid from working, leading to friction and uncontrollable heat in the system. Without the transmission fluid doing its job, there is a higher likelihood of to the breakdown of transmission parts.
An effective transmission requires routine upkeep. This means getting your fluid changed regularly (typically every 15,000 to 60,000 miles). If you frequently trek through Minnesota hills or you commute long distances in the heat, your fluid may need to be replaced more often. Without regular check ups, you could face costly repairs and even cause engine damage. At Kennedy Transmissions Brake and Auto, we’re experts at regular transmission maintenance. But we’re also well-equipped to handle any larger issues, should they arise.
Get Transmission Repairs from Kennedy Transmission
Your transmission is the intermediary that transfers engine power to your wheels. Without it, your vehicle wouldn’t get anywhere. But it works hard to play its important role, often requiring maintenance as a result. Kennedy Transmission is known for transmission repair – after all, it’s in our name. We’ll gladly replace your fluid and perform a full system diagnostic. Whether you need a routine inspection, a transmission rebuild, or a complete replacement, we’re the best at Transmission services.
Find your nearest Kennedy Transmission service location to set up the transmission services you need.
