One of the important aspects of transmission services is a transmission flush. This is where the auto mechanic will remove all the oil from your vehicle's transmission. They will then proceed to pass a cleaning solution through the transmission using specialised equipment. This works toward eliminating sludge and grime that has developed over time. Once the transmission has been thoroughly flushed, the auto mechanic replaces fresh fluid into the transmission. So how do you know if your car requires a transmission flush?

Your transmission is emitting strange noises

In some instances, vehicle owners may confuse dirty transmission fluid with insufficient levels of transmission fluid because with both instances, your vehicle is likely to emit grinding noises when it is in use. If you notice strange noises consistently coming from your vehicle when you drive, it is best to check your transmission fluid levels. Do this while the vehicle is still running so as to hear whether it is still making the strange noises. If the fluid levels are normal, then the problem is likely sludge that has accumulated in your transmission fluid. It is advisable to take your vehicle for transmission services before the problem has a chance of becoming exacerbated.

Your gears are not shifting properly

It does not matter whether your vehicle is a manual or an automatic, as they both require transmission fluid for the gears to properly engage. If your transmission fluid has become dirty over time, it becomes too viscous to properly flow through your transmission system. This sludge inadvertently will make your transmission sluggish, hence creating problems when you are trying to shift gears. In fact, manual vehicles may stop engaging the gear altogether. This is a sure fire sign that you would require transmission services.

Your gears keep slipping

Another concern about dirty transmission fluid is that it will greatly decrease the hydraulic power of your vehicle. For your gear to stay in place while you are driving, it should be receiving the appropriate amount of pressure from the car's transmission system. If your transmission fluid has become sludge, the contaminants within it will impede on the fluid's flow in the transmission system, thus decreasing the pressure exerted by the transmission system. Thus, you will find it hard to engage and keep a gear, as it will keep slipping. If your transmission fluid is full or at normal levels, and you are not experiencing other transmission problems with your vehicle, the problem would most likely lie with contaminated transmission fluid.