You may well know that automatic transmissions are complex assemblies that contain various parts that include, bands, clutches, and gear sets. An automatic transmission was designed to automatically change programmed gear ratios as the vehicle is in motion. This automatic transmission technology enables the driver to be free from shifting gears manually. Unfortunately, over time each and every one of these parts can fall victim to wear and tear. If all working parts have not at some point of time been maintained, then crucial transmission parts can fail, ending up with a damaged tranny perhaps. It really all depends on the actual problem. Any individual car owner’s transmission repair costs can be easy and cheap or extensive and expensive.

Transmission Repairs

It is not uncommon for a transmission to develop leaks over time. Do not be alarmed because transmission leaks can usually be easily repaired. To search and check for leaks coming from your transmission try to locate a reddish fluid dripping from underneath your vehicle’s assembly or on the ground. The reddish fluid is extremely important to life and performance of the transmission. One might say that “the fluid is the blood of the transmission.” So think about it, what would happen if your blood ran low? You probably wouldn’t run as efficiently, to say the least.

The same principles apply when it comes to the transmission. If your body needed blood, you would get a blood transfusion. So your transmission also needs a fluid transfusion periodically to stay alive. A lack of blood in the human body can result in crucial bodily functions to work improperly. This will also happen in a transmission that doesn’t receive the sufficient amount of fluid to crucial parts like the tranny. So if you did discover fluid on the ground while searching for leaks, you should immediately check the transmission fluid level. If the fluid results are concluding a low level, then you should fill the transmission to the proper fluid level, and drive the vehicle to the nearest auto mechanic.

The auto mechanic will usually check for leaks around seals and gaskets. The front seal of the transmission is another situation. Leaks from seals and gaskets can easily be addressed without the extra labor that can be involved. If for some reason the front seal of the transmission is leaking, then repairing and resealing can require the assembly to be lifted out of the transmission and that can be very extensive and expensive.

Replacing Worn Transmission Components

As stated before, any of the transmission components are vulnerable to wear and tear and will need to be replaced. Costs and prices on transmission repairs can vary according to the situation. If you like to do things yourself, then after you remove the oil pan, you will have access to some electrical components that might need replacing. Some transmission problems like a leaking front seal requires the transmission to be lifted, which requires the assistance of a trained technician to do the work right.

The History of Transmissions

Today’s automatic transmission history can be traced backed to the times of the horseless carriage gearbox that was invented and produced in 1904. The inventors of this horseless carriage gearbox, were the Sturtevant brothers, and they were from Boston, Massachusetts. The gearbox came equipped with two forward speeds, caused by flyweights to cause ratio change. The flyweights were designed to be driven by the motor to cause this change. When the vehicle’s engine increased it speed, the transmission engages the high gear. When a vehicle decreases speed, the engine RPM decreases, and the gear box would be programmed to shift back into the low gear.

Another significant advancement for the transmission happened in 1908 with the production of the Model T. The Model T. was introduced to consumers by Henry Ford as the inventor and maker. The Model T. came equipped with a two speed and a reverse planetary transmission which was operated by using foot pedals. The pedals were specifically designed to act as friction elements or bands and clutches selecting the desired gear mode. All of these advancements and more have taken place to make the transmission the best it can be in today’s world.