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Warning Signs of a Problem with Your Transmission Fluid

Keizer Transmission • 19 July 2023

 It’s crucial that your vehicle is running on the right level of clean transmission fluid. This is because transmission fluid provides lubrication, cooling, rust prevention, and fluid pressure. If you suspect an issue related to your transmission fluid, you’ll want to bring it to the mechanic’s attention as soon as possible. Transmission problems are notorious for escalating rapidly. By being proactive, you’ll have the best chance to address the issue before it becomes much more expensive to take care of. At Keizer Transmission, we provide expert transmission service in Salem, OR, including transmission fluid exchanges. 


Signs of a Transmission Fluid Issue

One potential sign of a transmission fluid problem is that your vehicle suddenly jumps out of gear while you’re driving along. Gears may slip if pollutants in transmission fluid impede the fluid’s flow, causing fluid pressure to drop to the point that the car doesn’t stay reliably in gear. This could create a safety hazard, especially when traveling at high speeds. Other warning signs of contaminated transmission fluid include whining sounds and grinding. 


Leaks are another common problem with transmission fluid, and should be repaired ASAP. One indication of a transmission fluid leak is that there’s reddish-colored fluid on the pavement below your vehicle. Another clue that the leaking fluid is indeed transmission fluid is that it has a somewhat sweet scent. You might also have a leak if you check your transmission fluid level and the dipstick indicates that the fluid level has gotten really low. It’s important to check transmission fluid each month so that you’ll hopefully notice early on if your fluid has dropped to a worryingly low level. Transmission fluid is generally best checked with the engine still on. When driving with low transmission fluid, you may notice signs of a problem such as rough or delayed shifting.


Transmission Repair in Salem, OR

When you need transmission repair in Salem, OR and the surrounding area, contact Keizer Transmission at (503) 512-0903. Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment for transmission repair or maintenance in Salem!

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