Most car owners would be aware that repairing a failing gearbox is expensive.
As precautions, monitor your car’s condition regularly and watch out for the signs that could indicate your gearbox is damaging.
How does a gearbox function?
Not many people understand how a car gearbox works.
The purpose of a gearbox is to maintain engine speed based on load and vehicle speed conditions. It is also responsible for transferring energy, adjusting the conversion force and being in a neutral position to start the engine.
Signs of a damaging car gearbox
For your information, the cost to repair an auto gearbox can reach thousands.
Before it gets worse, learn the early signs of a weakening gearbox to prevent excessive damage to your gearbox that can hurt your wallet. The followings are the early signs of a damaging car gearbox that you should be aware of.
Refusing to shift gear
Refusing to move the gear is an early sign of gearbox failure.
Delay in the shifting of the gear is likely to happen in the morning as the gear oil is still cold and the rubber seal is hardened.
It is important to get your vehicle checked by a professional if you cannot change the gear.
Gurgling noise
You will hear a gurgling noise, particularly while shifting the gear from gear P to D or from gear N to D.
If this occurs, you need to bring your car to a workshop for inspection. Please do not put it off as the damage can become worse.
RPM gets too high
Other than that, high reading of RPM or Revolutions Per Minute is also among the signs of a spoiling car gearbox.
You will notice a higher-than-usual RPM reading when accelerating, and it does not return to the normal reading even after the gear is changed.
Noisy car engine
If your car’s engine makes a loud noise every time an auto gear change occurs, this may indicate that the clutch plate in the auto gearbox is worn out.
Unable to move the car
What does it mean if your car won’t move after shifting the gear?
It is a sign that your gear is badly damaged. It is possibly due to a clog in the valve body or damage to the sensor.
Gear changing to N or D on the meter
If you find the gear suddenly shifting to N or D on the meter, it may be a sign that your gearbox is about to break down. It can be dangerous for your driving as there may be damage to the valve body of your auto gearbox.
What causes a gearbox failure?
The followings are the causes that can damage a car gearbox:
- Using the same auto transmission filter
- Not following the schedule to change the auto oil
- Not checking the auto gear oil level
- Using the same auto gear oil
For your information, automatic gear oil needs to be changed when the mileage reaches 20,000km. This is to prevent excessive damage to the auto gearbox.
How to maintain an automatic gearbox
Automatic gearbox maintenance might not be easy. It needs proper care to ensure that the gearbox is always in the best condition and has a long lifespan.
Therefore, we share helpful, essential tips that you can follow.
Change the Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
The gearbox’s automatic transmission fluid (ATF) needs to be replaced once a year. However, it depends on your driving style.
Long-used ATF oil contains oil sediments and iron fragments that increase the oil’s viscosity. As a result, the oil damages the gearbox performance and increases the internal temperature more than usual.
Additionally, dirty ATF oil may also clog the auto filter in the gearbox and cause rough gear changes while driving.
Replace the auto filter
Recent car models usually have two types of filters in the gearbox.
One of them is placed inside the gearbox. It does not have to be replaced unless a critical problem arises. In such a situation, it needs to undergo an overhaul process. Meanwhile, another filter is on the gearbox oil sump.
Make sure that you replace the filter according to the schedule. You may refer to a mechanic if you are unsure whether to replace the filter.
Ensure proper maintenance
We hope the information will be of help in case you sense any problem with your car gearbox.
Additionally, make sure that you have valid car insurance and roadtax to prevent any problems in the future. Renew both today at Bjak if the expiry date is near. Get free car insurance quotes online in just 3 minutes.
