Car Shaking: Transmission Fluid
If your car is shaking, it could be a sign of a problem with your transmission fluid. Transmission fluid is a hydraulic fluid that helps to lubricate and cool the transmission. When the transmission fluid is low or dirty, it can cause the transmission to slip, which can lead to shaking.
There are a few different symptoms that can indicate that your transmission fluid is low or dirty. These symptoms include:
- Car shaking when accelerating
- Car shaking when shifting gears
- Car shaking when coming to a stop
- Transmission slipping
- Transmission fluid leaking
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to have your car inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible. Driving with low or dirty transmission fluid can cause serious damage to your transmission.
Causes of Low or Dirty Transmission Fluid
There are a few different things that can cause your transmission fluid to become low or dirty. These causes include:
- Leaks
- Normal wear and tear
- Contamination
Leaks are the most common cause of low transmission fluid. Transmission fluid leaks can occur anywhere in the transmission system, but they are most common at the seals and gaskets.
Normal wear and tear can also cause your transmission fluid to become low. As the transmission components wear, they can create metal shavings that can contaminate the transmission fluid.
Contamination can also occur if the transmission fluid is not changed regularly. Transmission fluid should be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, depending on the type of transmission and the driving conditions.
Symptoms of Low or Dirty Transmission Fluid
The symptoms of low or dirty transmission fluid can vary depending on the severity of the problem. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Car shaking
- Transmission slipping
- Difficulty shifting gears
- Leaking transmission fluid
- Burning smell
- Noises coming from the transmission
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to have your car inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible.
Diagnosis of Low or Dirty Transmission Fluid
A mechanic can diagnose low or dirty transmission fluid by checking the transmission fluid level and condition. The transmission fluid level should be checked with the engine running and the transmission in park. The transmission fluid should be a reddish color and should not have any metal shavings or other contaminants.
If the transmission fluid level is low or the fluid is dirty, the mechanic will likely recommend changing the transmission fluid and filter.
Treatment of Low or Dirty Transmission Fluid
The treatment for low or dirty transmission fluid is to change the transmission fluid and filter. The mechanic will drain the old transmission fluid and replace it with new fluid. The mechanic will also replace the transmission filter, which helps to remove contaminants from the transmission fluid.
Changing the transmission fluid and filter is a relatively simple procedure that can be completed in a few hours. However, it is important to have the procedure performed by a qualified mechanic.
Prevention of Low or Dirty Transmission Fluid
There are a few things you can do to help prevent low or dirty transmission fluid. These things include:
- Check the transmission fluid level regularly
- Change the transmission fluid and filter regularly
- Avoid towing heavy loads
- Drive in a moderate manner
By following these tips, you can help to keep your transmission fluid clean and at the proper level, which will help to prevent transmission problems.
