Three Signs Your Transmission Was Damaged In A Recent Accident
Posted on: 1 August 2017
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Besides the engine, your transmission is a pivotal part in the making of your vehicle. It is prone to damage and wear like most mechanical parts, but an accident can cause heavy damage in an instant that is greater than typical wear and negligence. Evaluating the damages to a car after an accident or any type of activity which would damage your vehicle is important in adequate vehicle care. Damaged car transmissions can be identified by the following indicators and expectations after an accident.
Operation of the Transmission
The vehicle transmission works in tandem with the engine to control the application of power. With the transmission, power is reduced or released depending on the control of the driver to accelerate or reduce speed. Manual transmissions are found in older cars and are comprised of a flywheel interlocking into wheel gears to control the torque of a vehicle. The movement of the flywheel is controlled by the driver's operation of the clutch. Automatic transmissions perform the same job as a manual transmission without use of the driver clutch. Automatic transmission fluid is important for keeping this self-operating system lubricated. Transmissions are located behind/before the vehicle engine.
Areas of Damage
Car transmissions commonly suffer heavy damage from collisions occurring from the rear or front of the vehicle, and also from towing services. Towing a vehicle sometimes involves dragging it away from or out of a precarious area. In the processes a car's engine and under hood area may become misaligned from the pull of the towing hook. Collisions compress the entire car into a smaller area than designed. With the compression, the mechanical parts of the car may collapse, grind, or fall out of place. Any kind of these and similar car damages will most likely damage your transmission and engine area.
Symptoms Of Damage
Post-accident damages to the transmission can be observed in the performance of your vehicle as you are operating. Unaffected transmission systems will feel smooth and stable under your control. If there is shaking and abnormal movement from the engine area, your transmission most like has been damaged and needs attention. The sound of grinding gears and whirring sounds are also evidences of a damaged transmission. Damage to an automatic transmission can be further evidenced by leaking automatic transmission fluid, which can be seen as a dark red liquid when spilled on the ground. This keeps the automatic system in good order and lubrication. These signs individually or collectively observed can prove there is transmission damage to your vehicle.
Identify what symptoms are apparent in your vehicle after an accident. Closely observe what has and has not changed in the operation of your vehicle. Operation should be smooth, without lag or any kind of gear slipping when changing gears and accelerating the car. The car should have a consistent humming sound that is not alarming or painfully loud. Any damages to your transmission will be the opposite of these characteristics. Provide adequate care to the vehicle to ensure it can be used safely and efficiently. For more help, check with a repair shop like Mach 1 Body Shop Inc today.