3 Signs Your Kia Needs a Transmission Service

The engine produces energy, which the transmission directs to the wheels so they move at the required speed. Transmission components can wear out, leading to potentially serious problems. As your Kia dealership, we want to tell you a few signs you need to visit us for a transmission service

Old Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid fills the transmission, and it helps reduce wear and tear on transmission components. The gears depend on friction to work effectively, and the fluid provides a friction-resistant covering that enables them to glide smoothly rather than grind against each other. The fluid also provides the vital hydraulic power that allows the gears to shift.

Transmission fluid becomes less efficient as it gets older, and this can lead to increased wear on the gears, particularly the gear teeth. It also provides less hydraulic power, which can cause slower shifting or gear slipping. This fluid is usually replaced every 30,000 to 80,000 miles, depending on your Kia model. Fluid replacement is relatively quick, as we’ll drain the old fluid and install a new filter. We then seal the transmission and refill the fluid.

Gear Slipping

We mentioned gear slipping above, and it can be extremely dangerous. Gear slipping happens when the transmission drops to its previous gear without warning or instructions from the transmission control module. If this happens, you’ll hear the tortured sound of metal as the transmission resists the sudden, unexpected shift. If you’re driving and the gears drop back to Park, your Kia will instantly stop, and this could cause an accident.

A slipping transmission can happen if the fluid is old or there’s a leak and you’re losing fluid. In either case, the remaining fluid can’t provide enough power to push the gears into their new position as the transmission shifts, and they will slip back to their previous position. It can also be caused by worn transmission bands or a fault with the transmission control module. We’ll find the cause of the trouble and repair it.

Worn Gear Synchronizers

If you have a manual transmission, the gear synchronizers can wear out. This can happen due to age, but also if you regularly ride the clutch or shift gears fast and forcefully. The synchronizers ensure the gear you’re about to shift into moves at the same speed as your present gear to allow smooth shifting.

If your synchronizers are worn, you’ll hear noises as you shift gears, or you might experience hard, abrupt shifting. Our technicians will examine the synchronizers and replace them if necessary.

If your transmission isn’t working correctly, contact us ASAP at Kia of Coatesville in Coatesville, PA.

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