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About Your Transmission

What is my vehicle's transmission for?

With over 30 years of being in the transmission repair business, we have heard every question imaginable. Here we have made a list of questions with answers to help you understand how your transmission works. We hope this is beneficial to you. If you should need any further assistance please contact us by filling out the form to the right of this page. One of our friendly operators will get you connected with the help you need.

Your transmission is responsible for keeping your vehicle moving and acquiring the right revolution for a smooth driving experience. It serves as a messenger (for a simpler explanation) that sends the power coming from the engine to the wheels.

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What is the usual lifespan of a transmission?

What are the signs of transmission trouble?

What is transmission fluid?

What does transmission fluid look like?

Which is better, manual or automatic transmission?

What's the difference between CVT, automatic and manual transmissions?

Will too much transmission fluid ruin a transmission?

Is a transmission cooler necessary?

How does a transmission cooler work?

Transmission fluid is used to lubricate your entire transmission. Friction can lead to damage within; therefore, you have to ensure that it has ample fluid at all times.

Usually bright red, so as to distinguish it from motor oil.

The answer depends on your preferences. If you want to be in control while driving, manual transmission is ideal. If you want stress-free driving, automatic transmission is better for you. Please note that a vehicle with a manual transmission is usually cheaper than one that's automatic.

CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), automatic and manual are the most popular types of transmission.

  • A manual transmission comes with a stick shift, making the driver responsible for shifting to efficiently use the necessary gear, and a clutch that unlocks the gear before shifting.
  • An automatic is basically easier to use because it shifts gears immediately once you put it into drive.
  • A CVT is a type of automatic transmission that is composed of numerous gear ratios.

Yes, it can have an adverse effect on your transmission, such as a leaking transmission. The overfill problem on some transmissions may cause excess internal pressure. The difficulty that the overfill presents is that draining fluid from a transmission is not an easy task. Typically, the pan on the transmission needs to be removed to drain fluid or special equipment is needed to purge the fluid from the pan.

If you use your vehicle for towing, loading heavy equipment or if you own a public vehicle, a transmission cooler will help your vehicle's transmission. However, if it is just for personal use, it is not too important, but we can still install one for you.

A transmission cooler is a thin, square-shaped component added to the front of the radiator or the air conditioning condenser that prevents your transmission from overheating. As its name suggests, the primary function of a transmission cooler is to keep the transmission fluid cool to prolong its life. Heated fluid travels from the transmission to the radiator, and from there, it goes to the cooler. Since there is air moving over the blades of the cooler, the heated fluid's temperature drops before it is sent back to the transmission. The process continues repeatedly.

The answer depends on how it is maintained and used. If you bring your vehicle to a reputable mechanic whenever it needs to be checked, or if you are very careful with how you drive, the transmission can outlive the rest of the car.

There are several symptoms of transmission problems:


  • Slipping transmission
  • Red fluid leaking underneath your car
  • Unusual noise such as clunking, humming or whining
  • Lack of response when shifting gears
  • Grinding or shaking whenever you shift gears
  • Service Engine Soon light is on Burnt smell
  • SDragging clutch (manual transmission)


If you notice any of these signs, be sure to visit Eagle Transmission right away so that the problem can be corrected.

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