Transmission Service

Transmission Service in ELLWOOD CITY

Understanding Your Transmission

Your transmission is made up of gears and sensors which act as a bridge between your vehicle's engine and wheels. The transmission regulates the energy from the engine to the tires, providing more consistency and safety for you when you're driving. While your engine is running, your transmission gets hot. This is why engines are designed to use transmission fluid, which keeps your transmission from getting too hot and being damaged. Over time with use, your transmission fluid becomes dirty, leaving your transmission more vulnerable to damage from heat. To avoid possible costly repairs, have your transmission fluid checked regularly during your McElwain Chevrolet service appointment.

Types of Transmissions

McElwain Chevrolet in Ellwood City PA

Automatic transmissions:

Today the most common type of vehicle transmission for cars built and sold in the United States is the automatic transmission. Automatic transmissions automatically select the correct gear for the driving conditions without the driver having to monitor.

Manual transmissions:

The manual transmission is also known as a standard transmission or simply “stick.” Formerly more popular, manual transmission vehicles are now offered in a minority of American vehicles. Manual transmissions rely on the driver to select and switch gears constantly, using the clutch.

Continuously variable transmissions (CVT):

Usually found on lighter passenger vehicles, CVT transmissions are a relatively new for the American automobile market, they offer better fuel efficiency.

Signs of Transmission Problems

Your transmission can be very expensive to repair, and signs of transmission trouble can be subtle. Keep an eye out for the following signs, if you begin to notice any of these problems, schedule service with McElwain Chevrolet to have your vehicle inspected.

Your vehicle's automatic transmission normally operates smoothly when shifting from gear to gear. You shouldn't feel any grinding, slipping or shaking sensations as it switches gears.

When you put your car into drive or reverse, it should respond immediately without any kind of delay.

Like your car’s engine, the transmission operates at high temperatures, without transmission fluid to lubricate it, your transmission can overheat and cause problems.

If you suddenly start to hear whining, humming or clunking noises when your vehicle is in neutral, you may have transmission trouble.

The proper amount of transmission fluid is absolutely essential for normal transmission operation. If you notice brown, bright red or pink puddles or leaks under your vehicle, it could be a transmission leak from a faulty gasket or seal. Have it looked at immediately.

If your car’s automatic transmission is slipping in and out of gears, that's a serious safety hazard. Bring your vehicle to McElwain Chevrolet as soon as possible. If you don't feel safe driving, call us and we can help arrange a tow.

If your check engine light is on, have it checked immediately. It may be something small that your computer has sensed and could save you money by having it checked by McElwain Chevrolet rather than waiting.

McElwain Chevrolet in Ellwood City PA

Dedicated Service Experts

The expert team at McElwain Chevrolet is committed to caring for your vehicle for as long as you own it. We have state-of-the-art service facilities and use the latest diagnostics to maintain and repair your Chevrolet at a competitive price. At McElwain Chevrolet, we use only genuine Chevrolet parts, so you can be sure your vehicle will perform as well as the day you got it.