How Often Should You Service the Transmission in Your GMC?

As you cruise down the highway, you may begin to feel your vehicle’s gears slip, or maybe your vehicle hasn’t been acting like itself lately. You might realize that it has been a while since you brought it in for service, and that it may be time to give your transmission some love.

If you drive a GMC, you know that performance matters, as these vehicles are known to be highly capable, innovative, and ahead of the game when it comes to ride quality. If you’re wondering if it’s time to service your vehicle, we can help. As your top GMC service center near Covington, McCluskey Buick GMC is the place to trust for all of your vehicle’s service needs, including transmission work.

Common Transmission Services

So, how often should you service the transmission in your GMC? Well, various services can be performed on your vehicle’s transmission, with each having recommended intervals. Whether you’re a commuter coasting along the Ohio River every day in a Terrain, a parent shuttling the kiddos to school in the Yukon, or a hard worker heading to the job site in the Sierra 1500, McCluskey Buick GMC is well-versed in transmission services for all GMC models. Here are some of the most common transmission services we take care of in GMC vehicles…

Transmission Fluid Replacement

Much like the oil that lubricates the moving components of your engine, transmission fluid is responsible for lubricating the various components of your transmission. Most vehicles these days have automatic transmissions, and if you drive a newer GMC, chances are that this is the type of transmission you have. Transmission fluid not only lubricates the various moving parts but also creates pressure and friction to allow the parts to operate properly.

Transmission fluid that is old and dirty has a more difficult time performing its designated tasks, which calls for it to be drained and replaced. Most GMC vehicles require this service about every 30,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on your driving habits; it’s best to check your owner’s manual for your particular vehicle’s recommended interval. If you have a newer GMC, an alert should illuminate on your Driver Information Center display.

Transmission Filter Replacement

The transmission filter is responsible for ensuring that dirt and debris from your time sailing down I-71 don’t get into your transmission fluid and prevent it from doing its job properly. Once a transmission filter becomes clogged, more pollutants have the opportunity to enter your transmission and affect your GMC’s performance. These contaminants can wreak havoc on the functionality of your transmission, so it’s best to replace the filter when you replace the transmission fluid. This way, your new transmission fluid will remain cleaner for longer.

Transmission Inspections

It’s always a good idea to bring your vehicle in for service at least once a year so that our pros can ensure that all components are performing optimally. This is when we can perform various inspections and run diagnostics on these components, including the transmission, finding any issues and remedying them before they begin to impact your ride. It also helps us get to know your car and driving habits, allowing us to be better in tune with your vehicle and more sensitive to when it needs service.

Repairs or Part Replacements

Over time, the various parts in your car will succumb to the wear and tear that just naturally comes with driving. It is imperative to note that if something seems amiss in your GMC, you don’t want to wait to bring it in for service. You may need a simple repair to your transmission or a new seal or valve component, which can be an easy fix if you don’t ignore the issue for too long. The longer you wait to bring your vehicle in for repair, the more serious it can become until it starts to affect the quality and safety of your travels.

Signs Your Transmission Needs Service

As you make your way around Covington, you’ll want to make a habit of paying attention to your vehicle’s cues. Automobiles are great at letting us know when something isn’t quite right, so if you happen to notice that your ride isn’t the same as it used to be as you shuttle the youngsters to school in your Acadia, it’s time to bring your vehicle in for service. Let’s discuss some of the signs that your vehicle will give you when your transmission needs some attention…

Slipping Gears

If your vehicle is having trouble shifting through its gears or is getting stuck in one gear, it’s time to bring it in to get checked out. You may also notice a jolt while you’re traveling down the road, which can happen when the transmission gets stuck in a gear and works itself out. You don’t want to keep riding in a vehicle like this, as this can cause even more wear and tear to your transmission the longer you ignore it.

Unusual Smells & Leaks

Any type of odor radiating from your car warrants a trip to the service center; however, if you notice a sweet or burning smell, chances are it’s your transmission overworking and overheating. If you happen to notice a puddle of red or brownish fluid underneath your vehicle, this could be transmission fluid, which means that you have a leak somewhere. Again, don’t wait to bring your vehicle to our professionals; waiting can result in you needing a brand-new transmission, which can be pretty expensive.

Grinding & Clunking Noises

Turning the radio up will not make the problem go away, especially if you hear a clunking, grinding, or whining sound coming from your car. This may mean that the various moving parts inside your transmission aren’t able to move freely, which can result in excess friction building up and your vehicle overheating.

Illuminated ‘Check Engine’ Light

Any time a light illuminates on your dashboard display, you’ll want to take it seriously. GMC vehicles will let you know when you need a particular service or when something is amiss. If you notice one of your lights is on, you will want to bring your vehicle in right away so that we can fix the issue before it becomes a serious problem.

The Right Upkeep for Your GMC

When it comes to your GMC’s transmission, it’s important to keep up with recommended maintenance intervals and address any issues that you notice as you make your way around Covington. Your GMC will have its own set of recommendations in its owner’s manual, but this is a general guide; your driving habits influence when you need service, as those who regularly take on hulking loads in their GMC trucks or clock thousands of miles on the interstate for work will warrant more frequent service.

This is why it pays to have a team that’s experienced and knowledgeable about how to take care of your particular vehicle. When you trust your GMC’s transmission service to McCluskey Buick GMC, you can rely on us to help you with everything, from routine fluid checks to repairs and more. Your transmission plays a vital role in the quality and safety of your ride, which calls for a team that can provide reliable, expert service.