Your Kia’s transmission is the system that works behind the scenes to transfer power from your engine to the wheels, allowing smooth shifting. The transmission requires proper care, but knowing how often to service it can be challenging. Let’s talk about the signs that tell you it’s time to get transmission service at your Kia dealer.
Rough Shifting and Slipping Gears
You are cruising down the road with your foot on the gas, but instead of your Kia accelerating smoothly, you feel harsh kicks or shudders as the transmission changes gears. The vehicle may even slip out of gear entirely, causing a momentary loss of acceleration. This erratic behavior points to low transmission fluid, worn-out clutch components, or a faulty solenoid.
Our skilled Kia technicians can resolve this issue with a transmission fluid and filter change. They will also inspect the system and replace worn components to restore smooth shifting.
Transmission Fluid Leaks
If you notice a leak underneath your car, you should get it checked out immediately. A bright red, dark red, or brown leak could be a sign of a transmission fluid leak. Leaks are often caused by worn seals, gaskets, or other components within the transmission itself.
Transmission fluid lubricates moving parts and absorbs and dissipates heat from the system. If the fluid is low, your transmission could overheat, leading to premature component wear. Have the system serviced immediately to prevent costly damage.
Sluggish Acceleration
Does your Kia feel a bit sluggish or unresponsive when you hit the gas? The culprit could be lurking within your transmission. Poor acceleration occurs due to low fluid levels, worn clutch components, or a faulty torque converter. Your vehicle feels sluggish because the transmission is not able to transfer the engine’s power to the wheels efficiently.
Sweet, Burning Odor in the Cabin
Transmission fluid produces a sweet smell when it burns. If you notice this smell in your cabin, your transmission may be overheating due to low fluid levels or even a leak. You may even get a “check engine” light because a faulty transmission forces the engine to work harder to deliver the needed power. This can cause engine inefficiency and overheating, so it’s best to address it immediately.
Schedule Routine Transmission Inspections at Your Kia Dealer
You don’t have to wait for your transmission to fail to get it serviced. Although you don’t have to change the fluid as often as you get an oil service, it’s a good idea to schedule routine inspections. Our technicians will inspect your Kia’s transmission for worn components, fluid leaks, and other faults that could hinder performance. Fixing these issues early keeps your Kia running smoothly and prevents costly damage. If you take good care of your Kia’s transmission, it will reward you with smooth gear shifts and responsive performance for years. Contact Auffenberg Kia in Shiloh, IL to schedule a service.
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Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.