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Why is my vehicles transmission overheating?

Eagle Transmission Shop • September 5, 2019

Why is my transmission overheating?

transmission burnt fluid

Nearly 75 percent of all preventable transmission disasters are caused by a lack of attention, maintenance, and transmission overheating. The significant term can be avoided here. Yes, this is a severe problem you need to tackle right away, but panic is not necessary. Let's dive into some of the mechanics of what's going on with your car so you can employ the most qualified person to deal with your transmission overheating. In contrast to oil, transmission fluid does not "burn off," so if you overheat, there is most probable a problem that needs to be resolved somewhere in your lubrication scheme.


The top five reasons why you could overheat your transmission are:

1. Lots of traffic stop and go

2. Hot weather (like the weather in Texas)

3. Vehicle towing a heavy load

4 A leak or break in transmission lubrication somewhere.Neglect not servicing your transmission at the recommend times.


Older cars tend to be more likely to overheat / overload. If it occurs only once, your issue may be situational (warm weather, traffic stop & go, etc.), but if it occurs again, you should be very worried and get assistance right away. It is vital to keep your transmission running smoothly on a periodic basis.


What actually happens when my transmission overheats ?

Push your palms together and twist your hands in opposite directions while increasing the pressure. As the pressure increases, friction generates heat and twisting becomes more difficult. This is what happens inside the transmission of your car as you drive along. In your transmission, the fluid system is designed to lubricate these friction regions so that this is never an issue.

Temperatures begin to increase when your transmission of lubricating fluid is scarce. This breaks down the liquid within your transmission, generating even more friction, but instead of forgiving your palms, bits of metal scrap together, seals break, and many components approach destruction.

What your Transmission Service Indicator means that a standard lubricated transmission works at or below 175 degrees; anything greater than that breaks down your transmission fluid. When the light indicates that your transmission is overheating, it implies that your car operates at a temperature of 250 degrees, which is deemed to be "exceptionally high."

You have a catastrophic situation on your hands at 270 degrees and above so the manufacturers of your car have installed a warning to let you know you can't wait any longer. Your transmission fluid breaks down entirely at 270 degrees and your transmission can take hold of it.


What to do when overheating is your transmission

1. Stop driving right away and let cool down your transmission.

2. Note what you've been doing, where you're, what's going on (noises, etc.) 3. Start up and proceed carefully on your manner after cooling down.

4. Contact Eagle Transmission Shopto get a free initial check out and Free towing up to 40 miles with Major repair. Or your local transmission shop to get your vehicle check out as soon as possible. The more your transmission overheats the more damage may be done to it.

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