The transmission is one of the most critical parts of a working car. If it loses function, you basically lose the entire vehicle’s functionality. The transmission serves as a powertrain, which converts the force of the engine into a controlled power source. If this powertrain malfunctions, finding the cause of the issue can be difficult because auto transmissions consist of many moving parts, making auto transmission repair quite a complex undertaking.

Fortunately, you can always turn to professional auto repair centers like Wayne’s Automotive Center for thorough assessments of your auto transmission repair and diesel engine repair needs. Wayne’s Automotive Center specializes in full-service repairs and car maintenance procedures, helping you keep your vehicle in optimal condition and free from issues that put your safety at risk and are costly to resolve.

Diesel engine repair isn’t cheap, so it makes sense to learn the warning signs of a faulty transmission so you can avoid potential problems and keep auto transmission repair at bay or at least at a minimal cost. Transmission problems may leave you without a car for a few days to several weeks—quite a hassle when relying on your car for daily transportation. Here are some basic transmission repair principles you should know about, starting with the most crucial parts of an auto transmission:

• • Bell housing – An auto transmission bell housing refers to the cone-shaped metal case located underneath the vehicle for rear-wheel drive cars. In front-wheel-drive cars, it is located under the hood, besides the engine. Unless you’ve been involved in a major accident, your transmission bell housing rarely needs repair because it mainly functions as a protective case for the transmission mechanisms.

• • Gears – Automatic transmissions automatically change gears for you. However, gears still need changing when worn or damaged. Transmission gears are many and varied, but they can be broken down into plenary gears and major gears. All of these gears need to be in good condition in order for your car to move. When damaged or significantly worn, they can cause issues that may necessitate auto transmission repair or rebuilding.

• • Transmission fluid – Another critical part of the transmission system is the transmission fluid, which needs to be kept at adequate levels to avoid various system problems. Transmission fluid leaks are among the most common problems that require immediate repair.

• Filter –The transmission fluid needs to be kept clean to prevent wear and tear on the system’s moving parts. Changing the filter periodically helps keep contaminants from polluting the transmission fluid.