All Drive Transmission Blog

Transmission fluid plays a crucial role in keeping your vehicle’s transmission system running smoothly. It lubricates moving parts, cools the system, and helps ensure proper gear shifting. When you notice reddish fluid under your vehicle, it's often a sign of a transmission fluid leak—a problem that should never be ignored. At All Drive Transmission, we provide expert transmission fluid leak repair in the greater Des Moines, IA area. Here are four reasons why it’s important to fix a transmission fluid leak as soon as possible. Prevent Major Transmission Damage Transmission components require proper lubrication to function correctly. When fluid levels drop due to a leak, the transmission can overheat and parts can begin to wear out quickly. Continued driving with low fluid can lead to major internal damage. Fixing a small leak right away is far less costly than rebuilding the transmission. Protect Your Vehicle’s Performance Low transmission fluid can cause your car to perform poorly. You might notice delayed or rough gear shifts, slipping gears, or strange noises when accelerating. These symptoms not only affect your driving experience. but can also compromise your ability to drive safely. A well-sealed transmission helps maintain smooth performance, making your vehicle more reliable on the road. Prevent Environmental Harm Leaking transmission fluid isn’t just bad for your car—it’s also hazardous for the environment. Fluid that leaks onto driveways, roads, and parking lots can eventually wash into storm drains and contaminate local waterways. Promptly repairing leaks helps minimize your vehicle’s environmental impact while also helping to keep your driveway free of ugly stains. Maintain the Value of Your Vehicle A vehicle with a leaking transmission can lose significant resale value. Prospective buyers and dealerships are likely to be wary of leaks, which often indicate poor maintenance or hidden damage. Keeping your transmission in good condition—including quickly addressing any fluid leaks—helps preserve your car’s market value. Transmission Fluid Leak Repair in Des Moines, IA When you need transmission repair in Des Moines and the surrounding area, contact All Drive Transmission at  515-384-0629  . Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment for transmission service in Des Moines!

Your vehicle’s transmission is responsible for transferring engine power to the wheels, allowing your car to move efficiently. When the transmission begins to fail, your vehicle’s performance can decline rapidly, and further damage can become costly. Catching issues early is essential. At All Drive Transmission , we provide expert transmission repair in the greater Des Moines, IA area. Here are four common transmission problems that should be addressed immediately by a qualified mechanic. Delayed or Slipping Gears If your vehicle hesitates when shifting or if it unexpectedly slips out of gear while driving, this is a major red flag. Gear slipping can make it feel like your car is struggling to stay in the correct gear. Not only does this compromise performance, but it also poses a safety hazard, especially at higher speeds. This issue often points to a problem with transmission fluid. Unusual Noises Hearing grinding, whining, or clunking sounds when your car shifts gears is a strong indication of internal transmission trouble. These noises can be caused by damaged gears or low fluid levels. Any new sound coming from your transmission should never be ignored, as it commonly means that metal parts are not moving smoothly and may be wearing down due to friction. Early detection can often prevent more extensive repairs. Burning Smell A noticeable burning odor coming from your car can be a sign that your transmission is overheating. Transmission fluid keeps the system cool and lubricated, but when the fluid becomes old or contaminated, it can’t do its job properly. Overheating can cause major internal damage, and if you continue driving without addressing it, you may end up needing a complete transmission rebuild or replacement. Transmission Fluid Leaks If you see reddish fluid pooling under your vehicle, it could be a transmission fluid leak. Any loss of fluid can quickly lead to performance problems and internal damage. Leaks may occur at seals, gaskets, or from a cracked pan. A mechanic should inspect and fix the source of the leak right away and refill the fluid to the proper level. Transmission Repair in Des Moines, IA When you need transmission repair in Des Moines and the surrounding area, contact All Drive Transmission at  515-384-0629  . Or local transmission mechanics can expertly handle your vehicle’s transmission needs . Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment !

Your vehicle’s transmission is one of its most critical and complex components. It’s responsible for shifting gears efficiently, allowing your car to accelerate and decelerate properly. The way you drive and maintain your vehicle can have a big impact on the health of the transmission. Many transmission problems stem from avoidable habits behind the wheel. Here are four common ways that drivers unintentionally cause transmission trouble. Neglecting to Check or Change Transmission Fluid One of the most damaging habits is failing to monitor or change the transmission fluid. This fluid is essential for lubrication, cooling, and overall function of the transmission system. Over time, it becomes dirty or starts to break down, losing its effectiveness. Driving with old or low fluid can cause the transmission to overheat and lead to internal damage. Regular fluid checks and timely changes are crucial for keeping the system in good shape. Aggressive Driving and Rapid Gear Changes Hard acceleration, abrupt stops, and quick shifting between gears can all place unnecessary strain on the transmission. Sudden gear changes, especially from reverse to drive or vice versa without stopping completely, can wear down components quickly. The transmission is designed to handle smooth transitions, and aggressive driving habits can cause premature wear. Towing Too Much Weight Overloading your vehicle or towing beyond its capacity is another common cause of transmission trouble. When you pull more weight than your vehicle is designed to handle, the transmission has to work much harder than normal. This added stress can cause overheating, increased friction, and ultimately lead to transmission breakdown. Always consult your owner’s manual to ensure you're staying within the recommended limits. Driving With a Transmission Problem Ignoring early warning signs of transmission trouble—such as slipping gears, delayed shifting, or unusual noises—can turn a minor issue into a major repair. Some drivers continue to drive for weeks after noticing a problem, hoping it will resolve on its own. Unfortunately, this often makes the issue worse and leads to higher repair costs. Addressing transmission issues at the first sign of trouble can help prevent extensive damage. Transmission Service in Des Moines, IA When you need transmission service in Des Moines, IA and the surrounding area, contact All Drive Transmission at  515-384-0629  . Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!

Transmission fluid plays a crucial role in keeping your transmission cool and lubricated, enabling smooth gear shifts and overall performance. However, leaks can develop over time, leading to low fluid levels, overheating, and potential transmission failure. Identifying the source of a leak early can prevent costly repairs and extend the life of your transmission. At All Drive Transmission, we provide expert transmission fluid leak repair in the greater Des Moines, IA area. Here are four common locations where transmission fluid leaks occur. Transmission Pan The transmission pan is one of the most frequent sources of leaks. Positioned at the bottom of the transmission, the pan holds a significant amount of fluid. Over time, it can develop leaks due to damage from road debris, corrosion, or loose bolts. If the pan is cracked, transmission fluid can seep out, forming a noticeable puddle underneath the vehicle. Transmission Pan Gasket The gasket that seals the transmission pan to the transmission housing is another common culprit of fluid leaks. This gasket can wear out over time, causing it to crack or become brittle. Improper installation, such as overtightening or misalignment, can also lead to gasket failure. A leaking transmission pan gasket often results in a slow but steady fluid loss. Replacing a worn-out gasket is a simple yet effective way to prevent leaks and maintain optimal transmission performance. Transmission Cooler Lines Transmission fluid is circulated through cooler lines to help regulate temperature and prevent overheating. These lines can develop leaks due to wear, corrosion, or damage from road debris. A leak in the cooler lines can cause fluid to drip along the underside of the vehicle, leading to low transmission fluid levels. Torque Converter The torque converter is a critical component that helps transfer engine power to the transmission. If it develops a crack, transmission fluid can leak out. Symptoms of a torque converter leak include slipping gears, overheating, and delayed acceleration. Addressing this issue as soon as possible can help prevent severe transmission damage. Transmission Fluid Leak Repair in Des Moines, IA When you need transmission repair in Des Moines and the surrounding area, contact All Drive Transmission at  515-384-0629  . Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment for transmission service in Des Moines!