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Some of the most common problems with automatic transmissions begin with leaks A transmission leak most often appears as small red fluid spots under a vehicle.  These spots are one early symptom of a transmission problem. Leaks never take care of themselves and normally get worse. Quick attention can help this problem remain small.  Left unattended, they may cause the transmission to fail. The fluid is literally the life-blood of an automatic transmission Most automatic transmissions hold eight to fourteen quarts of fluid.  The automatic transmission fluid lubricates, serves as a hydraulic fluid and helps clean and condition the seals of the transmission. When a leak develops, fluid is lost. With less fluid, the pump has trouble maintaining pressure and less protection is available to the transmission. Modern transmissions can sense a loss of fluid pressure. When this happens they may re-direct fluid from the lubrication circuits to the hydraulic circuits in order to keep th

Do You Really Need to Change the Transmission Fluid? But Car Owners Ask This Question: How often should the automatic transmission fluid be changed? When exactly it is a good time to change your automatic transmission fluid Most car owner's manuals say it isn't necessary. Yeah, right. That's why transmission shops are making a fortune replacing burned out automatic transmissions.  For optimum protection, change the fluid and filter every 30,000 miles (unless you have a new vehicle that is filled with Dexron III ATF which is supposed to be good for 100,000 miles).  Fresh automatic transmission fluid (ATF) is bright red and has a distinct petroleum smell. If Your dipstick shows a low level, is the color of institutional linoleum and smells very dirty. Your transmission fluid is badly in need of changing, and the tranny may already be damaged. Proper Checking of the Automatic Transmission Fluid Level The automatic transmission level should