DARCARS Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Rockville

Blog / Auto Repair Rockville MD

5 Signs Your Car Needs Transmission Service at Your Rockville Car Dealership

Getting Transmission Service Rockville MD
You know your vehicle well, and it’s important to pay attention to warning signs. So, if it starts to behave in a different way, take note of it immediately. Any change in the way it drives, behaves, or even smells could mean that your vehicle needs to be looked at. The most important way you can help your car stay healthy is to diagnose the root cause of any issues as soon as possible. How do you know when to get a transmission service? Check out these signs below and come see us at our Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM Service Department. 

1. Vehicle Won't Stay in Gear

If your vehicle won't move when you put it into gear, this could indicate low transmission fluid caused by a leak. It could also be caused by an issue in the valve body, the shifter, or the shifter cable of an automatic transmission. Computers in newer vehicles are able to communicate with the transmission when to shift gears based on your shifting selection, so your computer system may need to be checked for any trouble codes.

2. Missing Gears or Delayed Shifts

If you notice the transmission takes longer than usual to go into gear, there may be an issue with the fluid. A leak or contamination from water intrusion or lack of maintenance can be a contributing factor. While these may seem like issues that don't require immediate attention, ignoring them can create overheating that could damage internal parts of the transmission. This could also mean problems related to the engine that won't signal the transmission to shift to higher gears.

3. Slipping or High Revving

Slipping of the transmission or high revving of the engine can also be caused by a fluid leak, water intrusion, contamination, or wear on the internal transmission parts. An engine revving high is typically a sign that the clutches are worn or that other parts are going bad.

4. Leaking Fluid

It's important to investigate any fluid leaking from your vehicle, but if you notice the liquid to be bright red, dark red, or brown, that is a transmission leak stemming from a gasket, seal, or cooler line. A leak isn't only bad for your transmission, it can also be dangerous if it has been leaking on a pipe or other surface.

5. A Burning Smell

Typically stemming from a fluid leak or low fluid, a burning smell could be present. If the leak is caught early enough, the transmission may be saved from any permanent damage. The smell will be strongest when the engine has just been turned off and you exit the vehicle. Regardless of the cause, a burning smell from your vehicle is never to be ignored.

Schedule a Transmission Service in Rockville, MD Today

Have you noticed any one of these transmission warning signs? If none of these signs are present but your transmission warning or check engine light turns on, make an appointment for service immediately. Call or stop by DARCARS Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Rockville today to have us check your fluid levels and run a diagnostic on your transmission to ensure your vehicle is in top shape.
Posted in:

Related Posts

Tire Rotation Rockville, MD

6 Benefits of Getting a Tire Rotation

For maximum tire life, your tires must be rotated every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, depending on the model of your vehicle. A rotation involves switching each tire to a different position to ensure the tires wear down evenly. Regular tire rotations and tire service at your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM dealer will ensure that your tires last longer, saving you a lot of cash. 6 Benefits of Getting a Tire Rotation at Your CDJR Dealer 1. Longer Tire Life Having your tires rotated at least every 7,500 miles or six months, or with every oil change, will extend the life of your tires. During a rotation, your Chrysler technician will switch the tires on your vehicle to different positions. By repositioning the tires, all four tires will wear down at a more equal rate and last longer. Check your owner's manual for information on rotations for your specific model and year. 2. Promotes Even Treadwear Rotations are necessary due to the difference in treadwear on each tire. If you drive a front-wheel-drive car, the front tires used for steering, turning, and braking will wear down faster than the rear tires. On front-wheel-drive vehicles, the front tires are moved straight to the rear. The rear tires are then crossed and moved to the front of the vehicle. more Tires that are repositioned regularly will wear down evenly, extending the life of the tires. You can check your owner's manual for the correct rotation patterns for your vehicle, or you can speak to your Chrysler technician. 3. Saves Money When tires are regularly switched, even wear occurs across all four tires. The tires will wear down at the same rate, last longer, and you will have to replace your tires less frequently. Generally, it's more expensive to replace one tire at a time than replacing the entire set of tires all at once. 4. Reduces Vibrations Uneven tread wear causes vibrations that can be felt through the steering wheel. In time, the vibrations will affect your vehicle's wheel alignment and balancing. With regular rotations, uneven tread wear is reduced, and vibrations limited, ensuring a smoother and safer ride. 5. Routine Tire Checks When your tires are rotated by a Chrysler technician, each tire will be thoroughly inspected. The technician will check the tread depth. The tire will be inspected for damage such as cracks, blisters, and bulges. Your vehicle's tires will also be inflated to the correct tire pressure levels. It's important to note that over or underinflation also causes uneven tire wear, reducing tire life. With every rotation, you can rest assured that the tires on your vehicle are in good condition, will last longer, and keep you safe on the road. 6. Tire Safety The repositioning of a vehicle's tires ensures the tread depth on all the tires is the same to give you the traction you need when braking, accelerating and cornering. It will improve handling and traction in inclement weather conditions, such as rain, snow, and ice, ensuring your safety on the road. Set up a Tire Rotation Appointment in Rockville, MD! Routinely repositioning your vehicle's tires saves you money, ensures your safety, and optimizes vehicle performance. Visit DARCARS Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Rockville today. Our qualified technicians will perform a thorough tire inspection and rotations to ensure that you and your passengers are safe.

Getting Brake Repair Rockville, MD

Does Your Car Need a Brake Repair in Rockville, MD?

Do you feel like your vehicle doesn't have as much stopping power as it used to? Have you noticed the faint scent of fish oil before you get in your vehicle lately? If you answered affirmatively to either of the previous questions, there is a strong possibility that you need to bring your vehicle in for a brake repair at your Rockville, MD Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM dealer. Here is a closer look at some of the most compelling signs. There Is Brake Fluid Under Your Vehicle The clearest sign that you need to bring your vehicle in for a brake job is brake fluid beneath your vehicle. Leaking brake fluid may be an indication of a problem with your master cylinder, but it is always a sign that something is wrong somewhere in the brake system because the brake system should be closed. Brake fluid can be one of many colors, but it is always identifiable by its smell. more There Is Something Wrong with Your Brake Pedals Another crystal-clear sign that something is wrong with your brake system is soft or spongy brake pedals. Similar to leaking brake fluid, soft or spongy brake pedals may indicate a serious problem with the master cylinder. However, it is essential that you bring your vehicle in for diagnostic testing and repair right away regardless of where in the brake system the problem lies. For example, you may just have too much air or moisture in your brake system. Regardless of how extensive the damage is, you should never have to depress your brake pedal all the way to the floorboard, or even mostly to the floorboard, to stop your vehicle. If you ignore the problem, it will become so bad that you won't be able to stop your vehicle in time to prevent a collision. There Is a Pull When You Brake People often think that their brake pulls to one side due to a bad wheel bearing or severe misalignment. However, if you only notice your car pulling to one side when you brake, there is a good chance that the brake pads on one side of your vehicle are wearing much faster than the brake pads on the opposite side of your vehicle. Also, there is a possibility that you have a warped brake rotor causing a pull to one side of your vehicle when you brake. There Is a Squealing Sound When You Brake If you hear squealing when you depress your brake pedal, your brake pads have worn down to the point that metal tabs are scraping against your metal rotor. Need a Brake Repair at Our Rockville, MD Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM Dealer? Signs that your brakes need to be repaired include brake fluid under your vehicle and soft or spongy brake pedals. If you think your brakes aren't functioning optimally, you need to come in for an appointment right away. Contact us today at DARCARS Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Rockville on Rockville Pike to schedule a service appointment so we can diagnose and fix your brake problems.

Money Stacked

What Is the Annual Cost of Owning a Car for Maryland Drivers?

There are several different aspects to determining the cost of owning a car, since there are additional factors besides just the purchase of the vehicle itself to keep in mind. Looking for an estimate of how much vehicle ownership will cost you in Rockville, MD? Here are some of the different factors you need to consider to get a clear idea of the price you'll pay. Initial Price of the Vehicle Perhaps the most obvious cost associated with vehicle ownership is the price of the vehicle itself. While in some situations drivers may be able to buy their vehicle outright, it is much more common for drivers to seek financing options to get the vehicle they want. Taking out a loan for your vehicle means that you'll have to account for monthly repayments until the cost is paid off in figuring out the cost of vehicle ownership. more Cost of Insurance Coverage It is necessary to get insurance coverage for your vehicle to protect against any unforeseen situations that may arise out on the road. That will ensure that you don't have to pay out of pocket for any damages that your vehicle sustains over the course of its operation. Insurance is also necessary if you happen to damage another driver's vehicle, as it will protect you from legal liability. Driving while uninsured is forbidden under the law. Registration Fees You'll need to pay a fee in order to keep your vehicle registered through the state, both when you purchase your vehicle and whenever the registration expires after that initial purchase. Failure to keep up to date on your registration can cause you to incur financial penalties that could easily be avoided by simply making the payments on time. You can handle registration over mail, online, or at your local department of motor vehicles. Fuel or Energy Costs Of course, you'll need to spend money to give your vehicle the energy it needs to stay up and running as well. Conventional vehicles will need to be filled up on gas or diesel from your local station, while electric or hybrid vehicles have to be recharged periodically to give them the charge, they need to take you to your destinations. Investing in a more fuel-efficient vehicle can help to reduce the costs you spend on energy for your vehicle. Cost of Repairs and Maintenance Vehicle ownership is a responsibility that you need to keep up on throughout the course of your vehicle's lifespan. You'll need to get routine maintenance to ensure that your vehicle doesn't have any issues that arise later on. You'll also need to make the necessary repairs if anything goes wrong with any component of the vehicle. Make sure that you're going to a trusted service provider that has experience with your vehicle to get the best results possible. Ready to Be a Car Owner? Shop New Cars for Sale in Rockville, MD Here! For the best deals on a new ride and exceptional maintenance and service, our dealership has you covered. Visit DARCARS Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Rockville today!