The transmission system in your Mercedes has a key function of driving power from the engine to the wheels of the vehicle. The action of this system is responsible for vehicle movement and control. This system could however get faulty and fail to perform its functions if transmission fluid leaks from it.
The transmission fluid aids the lubrication of key components and prevents overheating in the engine. If this red-colored fluid leaks from the transmission system, it poses a high risk to your Mercedes engine. Hence, it is key to identify why this happens and how to deal with it to protect your car from damage.
What Causes Transmission Fluid to Leak from the Transmission System?
If you notice a bright red fluid leaking from your car, it could be due to the following reasons;
1. Broken Seals
The transmission system has seals to keep fluid in and to maintain the hydraulic pressure needed for its function. These seals could, however, be broken due to extreme heat, stress from the engine’s activities, or high fluid pressure. Once these seals are damaged, the transmission fluid would leak out from any part of the system.
2. Accumulated Dirt
If you do not properly maintain the transmission system and dirt accumulates in the transmission lines from contaminated fluid, eventually, the pressure on the lines becomes too much and the lines give way, causing the fluid to pour out of the transmission system.
3. Thermal Stress
While several components of the transmission system are made with durable and strong materials, they could still get damped by extreme conditions such as physical impact with road surfaces or excessive heat from the engine’s activities. These conditions could cause these components to wear out or get damaged, causing a transmission fluid leak.
Results of Transmission Fluid Leakage in Your Mercedes
If your car is leaking transmission fluid, you will notice the following signs. These signs can help you recognize a fault in the transmission system in time before severe damage is done.
Low Fluid Levels
This is one sign to indicate that your vehicle’s transmission fluid could be leaking. It is even more obvious if you recently topped the fluid level and now your car’s dipstick shows a level below the marker. To fix this, you need to identify the source of the leak.
Rough Transmission
The transmission fluid does its work by ensuring smooth transmission with vehicle parts. If you, however, notice that it is now difficult to change gears or accelerate, then it could be because there isn’t enough fluid to ease the process.
Low fluid levels could be a result of damage to any part of the transmission system, leading to leakage.
Burning Odor
Another sign that you would notice if your car’s transmission fluid is leaking is a burning smell, especially when driving. This could happen for two reasons; one, the leaking fluid has come in contact with engine heat, causing the fluid to burn and produce the smell you notice. It could also be because the lack of fluid means a lack of lubrication in the transmission components, the friction between these parts could also be responsible for the smell.
Key Tips for Transmission System Maintenance to Prevent Fluid Leak
Once you notice any sign of transmission fluid leakage in your car, you should immediately get a mechanic’s help to save your car from damage. However, here are some useful tips to prevent a reoccurrence of the situation.
- Regularly inspect the transmission fluid levels and fill up when low.
- Only use the recommended transmission fluid quality for your car.
- If your car has a transmission filter, regularly change it.
- Repair damage to the transmission system as soon as it occurs no matter how minor.
- Plan routine transmission system inspections with a professional mechanic.
Where to Fix Mercedes Transmission Leaks in Apex
Fixing a transmission leak in your Mercedes requires the effort of professional mechanics to identify the source of the leak and determine the best approach to fix it.
Peak Auto is a top Automobile repair shop in Apex with experienced hands and sophisticated tools and equipment. Our technicians are well-trained and certified to handle issues pertaining to specific car brands. Hence, we can offer excellent maintenance and repair services for your Mercedes’ transmission problems.