Uh-oh! You just noticed a spreading spot under your vehicle. You know what that red (maybe green or blue) puddle means: it’s a transmission leak. If your vehicle is running OK, and you have no major complaints, it may be tempting to shrug it off. While that may be a natural response, it’s not the recommended one. A transmission leak will not get better on its own. If it goes unchecked, vehicle operation will eventually be affected, and you may find yourself with an expensive repair. So, while it may be safe to drive with a leaking transmission, it’s not advisable, and you shouldn’t put off fixing the problem. Come to Jiffy Lube®.
TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK: WHY IT’S CAUSE FOR CONCERN
Left alone, the little leak will become a bigger one. Eventually, your transmission —which makes sure power gets from the engine to the wheels — won’t be able to perform as it should, and you may experience:
- Delayed engagement when placed in gear
- Slipping (engine revolutions increasing without normal vehicle acceleration)
- Accelerated internal wear
- Harsh engagement
- New or unusual noises
- Overheating
Leaking transmission fluid can eventually lead to transmission failure. You want to avoid the expense and inconvenience of replacing your transmission, so the faster you get the leak fixed, the better.
TO KEEP ROLLING ALONG, YOUR VEHICLE NEEDS THE TRANSMISSION
The transmission works with the engine to provide power to the wheels. To operate effectively and efficiently, you need automatic transmission fluid (often referred to as ATF). The fluid:
- Lubricates the various components of the transmission
- Cleans and protects metal surfaces from wear
- Maintains the required hydraulic pressure
- Helps keep the transmission cool, even as temperatures rise
- Conditions gaskets and seals
Over time, seals and gaskets absorb a great deal of wear, and that can lead to a transmission leak. While a certain amount of damage happens to every vehicle, these are three of the factors that can increase your risk for a transmission leak:
- Sudden stops and starts. Hitting the brakes too hard, or punching the accelerator too often, can make your transmission work too hard.
- Routine maintenance. Drivers who skip or delay scheduled maintenance put their transmission at risk for heat, friction, and wear.
- Heavier loads. Do you tow a trailer or haul extra weight in your rooftop rack?
I HAVE A TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Your car, minivan, truck or SUV is leaking transmission fluid. How should you handle it? Drive on over to one of the 2,000 Jiffy Lube locations across the U.S. and Canada and tell a trained technician about the problem. Your transmission fluid (both level and condition) will be checked. The CV (Constant Velocity) axles, U-joints, and drive shafts will be visually inspected for corrosion, misalignment, wear or other malfunctions. The pan gasket, seals and filter will be checked too.
After the reason for the leak is determined, a Jiffy Lube technician will give you an estimate of how much the repairs should cost and how long the work will take. Your questions are welcome. No work will be done without your knowledge and approval.
BUT WHY WAIT UNTIL YOUR VEHICLE IS LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID?
Consistent, careful preventive maintenance can help you avoid the problem altogether. Typically, it’s recommended that automatic transmission fluid be checked at every oil change. However, refer to your owner’s manual for the specific interval for your vehicle. The manual should also specify the right transmission fluid for your vehicle.
But what if you can’t find your owner’s manual, or if your manual lists more than one recommended transmission fluid? No problem! Jiffy Lube technicians can access your vehicle’s maintenance schedule and procedures. And, since Jiffy Lube locations use Pennzoil® products (where applicable), you can choose a quality transmission fluid that meets or exceeds OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) specifications.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT WHEN YOU COME IN FOR ROUTINE TRANSMISSION MAINTENANCE?
Jiffy Lube will perform a Transmission Fluid Exchange. A trained technician will remove the dirty, used fluid and replace it with new transmission fluid that meets or exceeds your manufacturer’s specifications. With fresh fluid lubricating and cooling the internal components of your transmission, the Transmission Fluid Exchange helps optimize transmission performance.
You may have heard or read about a Transmission Flush. The Transmission Fluid Exchange and Transmission Flush are not the same things. With a Flush, a cleansing or “flushing” agent is added to the transmission fluid prior to the exchange. Not all vehicle manufacturers recommend the Transmission Flush.
MAKE JIFFY LUBE YOUR FIRST CHOICE FOR CAR CARE
You can rely on Jiffy Lube® for consistent, quality maintenance that will help keep your vehicle running dependably and in top shape.
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What about your brake fluid, differential fluid, power steering and washer fluid? Learn about Jiffy Lube® Fluid Replacement and Exchange Services.
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Please note: Not all services are offered at all Jiffy Lube® locations. Please call ahead or visit jiffylube.com to ensure the service is available.
Transmission Fluid Exchange
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