8415 N Palafox St. Pensacola, FL 32534  | Monday-Thursday 7:30am-5pm | Friday 7:30am-4pm |  (850) 478-3395

Hirst Transmission Specialists Blog

by Hirst Transmission Specialists 15 January 2025
Your vehicle’s transmission plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth operation and optimal performance. Proper care and maintenance can extend its lifespan and help you avoid costly repairs. Here are five tips for keeping your transmission in great condition. Schedule Regular Fluid Checks and Changes Transmission fluid is vital for lubricating and cooling the components within the transmission. Over time, this fluid can degrade, becoming less effective at protecting the system. Regularly checking and changing the transmission fluid according to your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations is key to keeping your transmission functioning properly. Using the correct type of fluid for your specific vehicle is equally important. Avoid Overloading Your Vehicle Excessive weight puts additional strain on your transmission, especially in vehicles that tow or carry heavy loads. Overloading can cause the transmission to overheat, leading to premature wear and potential damage. To help avoid this, always adhere to your vehicle’s weight limits. Use Proper Driving Techniques How you drive has a significant impact on the health of your transmission. Aggressive driving, such as rapid acceleration and sudden stops, can stress the transmission system. Also, for vehicles with manual transmissions, proper use of the clutch and avoiding riding it can prevent unnecessary wear. Smooth driving habits can go a long way in preserving your transmission. Watch for Warning Signs Your vehicle often provides early warnings when the transmission is in trouble. Delayed shifting, slipping gears, unusual noises, and fluid leaks are all indications that something is wrong. Addressing these signs promptly by consulting a professional can often prevent minor issues from escalating into major repairs. Ignoring symptoms of transmission trouble can lead to costly damage and even complete transmission failure. Preventive Inspections & Maintenance Routine maintenance involves more than just fluid changes. Having your transmission inspected by a professional as part of your regular vehicle servicing can catch potential problems early. The Mechanic can check for worn components and ensure that all parts are functioning properly. This proactive approach can help you avoid breakdowns and expensive repairs in the future. Transmission Service in Pensacola, FL When you need transmission service in Pensacola and the surrounding area, contact Hirst Transmission Specialists at (850) 478-3395. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!
by Hirst Transmission Specialists 10 December 2024
Your car’s automatic transmission is a complex system responsible for smoothly shifting gears and transferring power from the engine to the wheels. When transmission problems arise, they can affect your car’s performance and safety. Taking action at the first sign of trouble will give you the best chance to prevent the issue from worsening and costing more to address. At Hirst Transmission Specialists, we provide expert automatic transmission repair in the greater Pensacola area. Here are five common signs of an automatic transmission problem. Delayed or Slipping Gears If you notice a delay when shifting into gear or experience gear slippage while driving, it’s a clear sign of transmission trouble. Delayed engagement can occur when you shift from park to drive or reverse, while slipping gears can cause the car to unexpectedly fall out of gear or lose power during acceleration. These issues can result from low transmission fluid or internal damage. Unusual Noises If your transmission makes grinding, whining, or clunking noises, it’s a cause for concern. These sounds may occur during gear shifts or while the vehicle is in motion. Unusual noises could point to worn bearings, damaged gears, or fluid issues that require immediate attention. Leaking Transmission Fluid Transmission fluid is vital for lubricating and cooling the system, so any sign of a leak is problematic. You may notice reddish fluid pooling under your car. Low fluid levels caused by leaks can lead to overheating, poor performance, and significant internal damage. Identifying and repairing the source of the leak quickly is essential to preventing further problems. Burning Smell A burning odor while driving is another potential sign of a transmission issue. Overheated transmission fluid can emit a distinct, acrid smell. This often occurs when the fluid becomes degraded, contaminated, or insufficient, leading to excessive friction. Ignoring this warning sign can result in severe damage to the transmission components. Automatic Transmission Repair in Pensacola When you need transmission repair in Pensacola and the surrounding area, contact Hirst Transmission Specialists at (850) 478-3395. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!
by Hirst Transmission Specialists 12 November 2024
Constant velocity (CV) joints are crucial components that allow your wheels to receive power from the transmission while maintaining flexibility for turns and suspension movement. When a CV joint begins to fail, it can lead to serious problems. At Hirst Transmission Specialists, we provide expert CV joint repair in the greater Pensacola area. Here are four warning signs of a bad CV joint. Loud Clicking Noises When Turning One of the most common symptoms of a bad CV joint is a loud clicking or popping sound when making sharp turns. This sound is often more noticeable when you accelerate into a turn and can be caused by the joint’s worn components grinding against each other. This noise is a potential sign that the CV joint is deteriorating and may soon fail, so it’s essential to get it checked promptly. Grease on the Inside of the Wheel If you notice grease splattered on the inner edge of your tire or around the wheel well, this could indicate a torn CV joint boot. The boot is responsible for protecting the CV joint from debris and keeping the joint’s grease contained. When the boot tears, it allows grease to leak out, leaving the CV joint exposed to dirt and moisture, which can accelerate wear and lead to joint failure. Vibration While Driving A damaged CV joint can cause vibrations that you’ll feel inside the vehicle, particularly as you accelerate. These vibrations occur when the joint loses its balance, causing uneven movement. While several car problems can cause vibrations, such as misaligned wheels, a bad CV joint is a possible culprit to consider. Knocking or Clunking Sounds A bad CV joint may also produce a knocking or clunking sound when driving. Knocking sounds can become more noticeable the longer the issue goes unaddressed, and they indicate a more advanced level of CV joint wear that should be inspected by a professional immediately. CV Joint Repair in Pensacola, FL When you need CV joint repair in Pensacola and the surrounding area, contact Hirst Transmission Specialists at (850) 478-3395. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!
Show More →
Share by: