Have you ever thought about the difference between a manual and automatic transmission? In the former, the driver needs to do most of the work; in the latter, everything seems to happen by itself. In reality, there are a lot more parts within an automatic transmission system, and some of these components endure a tremendous amount of wear and tear. It may be no surprise to hear that they should fail from time to time, but what is one of the most common issues in a system like this? How do you know when something is beginning to fail?
How Automatic Clutches Work
Gear selection is quite simple in a manual car. When the driver depresses the clutch, a cable will pull the clutch plate away from the flywheel so that the gearbox input shaft stops turning and gear can be selected. The same thing happens within the automatic system but in this case, hydraulic fluid is used to open and close valves that engage or disengage clutch plates. Of course, there is a lot more to it and there is also another critical part called the torque converter. However, the end result is the same. Individual clutches allow different gears to operate and propel the vehicle at the most appropriate speed.
Slipping Clutches
These clutch plates can wear out with time, especially if the driver does not change the transmission fluid at recommended intervals. When the plates have seen their better days, they may not be able to perform as intended and will instead start to slip.
Should you experience clutch slippage in an automatic vehicle, it may lead to a jolt when the vehicle should be selecting a different gear. Alternatively, you may notice that the sound of the engine does not seem to correspond with the actual speed of the car. This is something you notice with time and get used to, so this disparity should automatically alert you to problems.
When Repairs Are Necessary
Eventually, the friction lining on the surface of each clutch will wear down so much that failure is inevitable. This does take a long time, though and can usually be avoided if you keep up with regular maintenance. However, take the vehicle to your mechanic at the first signs of slipping or jolting. They will remove the transmission system and inspect those clutches. If necessary, they will replace them and then refresh the lubricant.
Reach out to an auto shop for more information on transmission repairs.
Share10 June 2022
If you drive a lot for business, you probably put a lot of kilometres on your vehicle. Whether you are driving from client to client in the same city or driving across the country, your vehicle needs to be well prepared for the journey. You don't want to miss out on a great opportunity because your car has broken down on the way to the meeting. Hi, my name is Carla, and I've been stranded on the side of the road, desperately trying to reach a client to reschedule. After that experience, however, I decided that I needed to pay more attention to auto service, and recently I decided to create this blog to help others in similar situations. Thanks for reading! I hope my tips help you!
