Last updated 4 days ago
Manual transmissions offer drivers a more intimate connection with the shifting of their vehicles. While manual transmissions can be fun to drive, their many delicate components can wear out and require costly and time consuming repairs. With careful maintenance and driving techniques, you can reduce the frequency of your transmission repairs. Here’s how:
Avoid Downshifting
Some drivers of manual transmissions practice downshifting, which involves shifting the engine into a lower gear to slow down the vehicle. When you throw your transmission into a lower gear, this places excessive strain on the internal parts of the transmission and will cause it to wear down faster. Instead of downshifting, tap your brakes to slow down when you are driving at faster speeds.
Don’t Ride the Clutch
When you let your foot linger on the clutch pedal between shifting, this practice is called “riding the clutch.” Beginning drivers may ride the clutch unintentionally, and more experienced drivers may ride the clutch to shift more easily on steep hills. Leaving your foot on the clutch pedal can stretch out the clutch cables, which can cause excessive wear to the parts of your transmission.
Drive Smoothly
Whenever you are driving your car, take care to shift smoothly and efficiently. Avoid engaging and disengaging the clutch too swiftly or roughly, as this can wear out your clutch cable. Additionally, make sure that you are using the shift knob properly. If you notice grinding noises when you shift, this is a sign that you are not shifting smoothly enough.
If your manual transmission is in need of repairs, come to Superior Transmissions for a service appointment. The expert mechanics at our Silver Spring transmission repair center will help you prolong the life of your manual transmission and get the best possible performance from your vehicle. To make an appointment, call us at (301) 358-6288 or contact us online.
Last updated 9 days ago
Transmission failure while you are driving can pose a serious danger to you and your passengers. The best way to stay safe when your transmission goes out is to be prepared by knowing the signs of transmission failure. Overheating, transmission fluid leakage, and extreme driving conditions are three causes of transmission failure.
You may notice transmission fluid, which is a bright red substance, leaking underneath your car. Your transmission may also grind, vibrate, slip out of gear, or refuse to shift. If your transmission goes out while you are driving, navigate to the side of the road and call emergency services. Your car should be immediately towed to your mechanic, who will then diagnose your transmission problem and make the necessary repairs.
Superior Transmissions of Washington D.C. is here to help you with your transmission problems. We can diagnose, repair, or replace any type of transmission, including manual, automatic, or CVT. To schedule a transmission repair service, call us at (301) 358-6288.
Last updated 15 days ago
As part of routine transmission maintenance, it is recommended that you have your vehicle’s transmission flushed every 30,000 miles. However, you may need to schedule a transmission flush service sooner than this milestone if your transmission is experiencing signs of trouble. Here is how to tell when your car needs a transmission flush:
Grinding Sounds
Your transmission is designed to shift smoothly between gears without making any unpleasant sounds. Grinding or other noises can indicate that dirt and other contaminants have infiltrated your transmission system. Check your transmission fluid to be sure that you are not low on fluid. If your fluid is at an appropriate level, you should have your transmission flushed.
Trouble Shifting
Both manual and automatic transmissions should shift effortlessly at any speed. If you notice that your car is having trouble shifting between gears, dirty or contaminated fluid could be the culprit. Having your transmission flushed will improve the lubrication of your transmission, and will ensure that your car travels smoothly at any speed.
Vehicle Surging
When transmission fluid is contaminated or dirty, it will not flow properly through your system. Without a steady flow of transmission fluid, your gears will not shift with the proper timing. This can cause your vehicle to surge forward at random, or suddenly slow down. You may also notice that your transmission slips out of gear while in motion. If you notice irregular surging in your vehicle, you should have your transmission flushed right away.
For help with your transmission problems, contact Superior Transmissions. Our expert mechanics have served customers in the Washington D.C. area for over 30 years. Whether your vehicle needs routine transmission maintenance or a specialized transmission repair service, our repair shop can get you back out on the road in no time. To make an appointment with Superior Transmissions, contact us online or call us at (301) 358-6288.
Last updated 22 days ago
When your check engine light comes on, this light indicates that your car’s computer has detected a problem. To determine the exact issue, a code reader is plugged into your car’s computer. This code reader will interface with the computer and provide you with a readout that describes the engine issue. To learn more about what your check engine light means, watch this short video clip.
If your check engine light is on and your car requires transmission service, come to Superior Transmissions. With over 30 years of experience, we can handle all of your transmission repair needs. To schedule an appointment with our transmission repair experts in Washington D.C., call us at (301) 358-6288.
Last updated 1 month ago
Drivers of cars with manual transmissions experience the unique pleasure of having complete control over their driving experience. A well-maintained clutch can last up to 60,000 miles; in some cases, a clutch can even last for the life of your vehicle. If you are experiencing problems with your clutch, it is important to schedule a clutch service with your mechanic to prevent damage to the rest of your transmission. Here are a few of the most common clutch problems:
Worn Clutch Disc
When you shift gears, the clutch disc applies pressure to the flywheel, which in turn allows the transmission gears to rotate in sync. When the clutch pedal is not engaged and disengaged with the proper timing, the pads on the clutch disc will wear down prematurely. If your clutch disc is worn, you will experience a grinding sensation that makes it difficult to shift.
Broken Clutch Cable
The clutch pedal is connected to the rest of the transmission with a cable. When the cable is installed, it is fine tuned to ensure that your clutch will engage with the proper timing. Your clutch cable can be broken or stretched with excessive wear and strain. If your clutch cable breaks, you will be able to depress the clutch pedal to the floor with no resistance.
Damaged Throwout Bearing
In order to shift properly, the clutch must be able to fully disengage between gears. A component called the throwout bearing applies pressure to the clutch plate when you press down on the clutch pedal. This force allows the clutch to release between gears, resulting in a smooth transition. When your throwout bearing is damaged, you may notice a squealing noise when you engage the clutch.
At Superior Transmissions, we can diagnose, repair, or replace any component of your manual transmission. If your clutch is showing signs of problems, be sure to make an appointment with our experienced transmission repair technicians right away. Give us a call at (301) 358-6288 to schedule a service with our D.C. transmission shop.
