Have you ever gone to your Mercedes and discovered that there is a reddish-brown spot on the driveway near your car? This may be a sign of a transmission leak, a problem that, if not tended to, becomes worse with time. Knowing the causes and how to prevent transmission leaks can assist you in fixing the problem before it gets worse.
What Transmission Fluid Does
Transmission fluid is necessary for the proper working of the transmission system, whether you are driving a manual or automatic vehicle. It acts as a coolant for the moving parts in manual transmission vehicles and minimizes wear and tear. In automatic transmissions, it also cools the system and in addition, plays the role of the hydraulic fluid that facilitates gear-shifting operations. Transmission fluid should be checked as well as maintained properly from time to time to ensure that the vehicle is in good shape.
Causes Of Transmission Leaks
- Worn Seals: With time, the sealing materials and gaskets of your Mercedes transmission can wear out or crack. These components are vital to prevent the leakage of the transmission fluid. When they wear out, they are unable to retain the fluid leading to leakage. This wear and tear is quite evident in older models of cars and is made worse by conditions such as high mileage and rough usage.
- Damaged Transmission Pan: The transmission pan is located at the bottom of the transmission and it is the reservoir of the fluid. It can also wear out due to road impacts like stone or other debris, hitting a pothole, or any other bad road surface. The transmission fluid will leak out of the car if the pan is punctured or cracked and this will lead to low levels of fluid, and damage to the transmission.
- Damaged Drain Plug: After the transmission fluid has been changed, the drain plug must be tightened correctly. If it is not fitted properly, or if it is damaged then it leads to a leakage of the liquid.
- Faulty Cooler Lines: Transmission cooler lines carry the fluid to the cooler to achieve the right temperature for the transmission. These lines can become damaged or corroded over time. If they crack or have holes they can leak transmission fluid out. This not only results in loss of the fluid but also puts the transmission in a state of overheating due to inadequate cooling.
- Improper Installation: During repair or servicing of the transmission, the components may be installed inappropriately. For example, if a gasket or seal is not well placed it will not effectively seal the fluid. This means that even the smallest deviation from the norm can result in a great deal of fluid loss in the long run. You must make sure that all components are placed properly to avoid leaks and keep the transmission in good condition.
Preventing Transmission Leaks
There are several ways of avoiding leakage of transmission and one of them is by transmission maintenance to ensure your transmission is in good shape. One of the practical measures is to monitor the transmission fluid level and its quality often. Refilling or changing the fluid as the case may ensure that your car is running at its best. Regular servicing of your Mercedes and proper changes of fluids as recommended are also very important. Finally, it is advisable to take your car to a professional mechanic for transmission check-ups from time to time. They are able to diagnose and resolve problems such as leakage before they get worse.
Come To The Reliable Mechanics In Santa Cruz For Your Mercedes Repair
At Hayes European, we understand the need to keep your Mercedes in optimal condition so that you don’t have to deal with problems such as transmission leakage. We have a team of highly skilled professionals who work hard to ensure you get the best services for your car. Based in Santa Cruz, CA, our garage caters to the neighboring areas like Aptos, Soquel, and Capitola. So if you notice any abnormality in your transmission or other car parts, just come to our Santa Cruz garage. Make your next appointment with our Mercedes experts now.