Are You Overdue for a Transmission Service?

Just like your engine and all major vehicle systems need maintenance, so too does your transmission. It is a good idea to address any transmission issues your vehicle might have and to take care of standard preventative maintenance in order to keep it running right and lasting longer.

How Often Do I Need a Transmission Service?

Though transmission service is generally recommended somewhere between 30,000 to 60,000 miles, it can vary from vehicle to vehicle. Older cars and trucks may need transmission maintenance more often, and this is especially true for work trucks and those towing heavy loads on a regular basis. The harder you push your transmission, the more attention and care it requires.

What is a Standard Transmission Service?

A standard transmission service at Ralph’s Transmission in Modesto involves removing and thoroughly cleaning the transmission pan to drain the old fluid and get rid of any built-up gunk or contaminants. We replace the transmission filter and transmission pan gasket, along with refilling the pan with fresh, clean automatic transmission fluid (ATF). The process is similar to an oil change and equally as important. It just doesn’t have to be performed quite as often.

Signs of Transmission Problems

Because the intervals between transmission services can vary so much from vehicle to vehicle and driver to driver, it’s important to be able to recognize when you might have transmission issues. The common symptoms below can be signs that you have internal transmission damage, or you may just be overdue for a standard transmission service. Either way, you want to bring your vehicle into a Central Valley transmission specialist like Ralph’s Transmission for a proper inspection and recommended maintenance or repair services.

Here are some of the transmission warning signs to look out for:

• Vehicle feels sluggish when accelerating
• Grinding gears
• Low transmission fluid level
• Leaking transmission fluid
• Slipping between gears
• Falling out of gear while driving
• Reverse gear not engaging
• Burning smells
• Loose clutch pedal
• Check engine light
• Strange noises (often clunks, rattles, grinding or vibrations)

Transmission Maintenance and Repair at Ralph’s Transmission

If you notice any of these signs or think that something may be wrong with your vehicle’s transmission, you don’t want to wait too long. It is always best to catch a problem early before it turns into major transmission repairs. At the first sign of an issue, you should call Ralph’s Transmission at 209.526.1909 to schedule an appointment for a free transmission inspection. We’ll let you know if there are any significant mechanical concerns or if you are simply overdue for a transmission service. If it turns out not to be a transmission problem, we’ll gladly refer you to a reputable local general automotive shop for other repairs you may need.

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