First-Time Drivers: Can A Blown Head Gasket Damage Your Transmission?

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A blown head gasket is one of the biggest problems you face with your car, especially if it damages your transmission. A bad transmission and blown head gasket can leave you stranded on the road. But if you don't know the signs of a blown head gasket or damaged transmission, you won't have your car repaired by a mechanic on time. Here are things first-time drivers should look for and why.

The Car Rattles and Jolts

Although the head gasket sits in the front of your car's engine, it still can still affect your transmission. The head gasket performs several functions in the engine, including separating the fluids your car uses to run properly. If the gasket's seal breaks, cracks or falls apart, these fluids can travel to your transmission and mix with the fluids that lubricate it.

If the coolant, oil and other fluids mix with your transmission's fluids, your car won't change gears properly. Instead of a smooth takeoff, your car jolts forward or rattles when you drive it. The parts inside your transmission also heat up and break. If you notice these issues, contact your transmission mechanic right away.

Until you take your car to the mechanic, park it in a shady place to help the transmission cool off. Driving the car while it's hot damages the engine block, which can add to your repair expenses.

As your car cools down, check it for other signs of a bad head gasket and transmission.

The Transmission Leaks

If the transmission has problems because of the head gasket, it'll leak fluids, especially it the seals inside it break from heat. The color of the fluids should concern you. Normal transmission fluid appears red or pink in color and doesn't contain any particles such as dirt and pieces of oil in it.

However, bad transmission fluid appears cloudy, black, brown, or speckled with oil and dirt. If you see these issues, it means that oil, coolant and other engine substances penetrated the transmission's reservoir, seals or housing and mixed with its fluids.

How the fluid leaks out of the transmission should also concern you. A slow leak may indicate that there's buildup or sludge in the transmission. This type of problem can occur over time. But a fast, consistent leak indicates a much bigger problem. Your car's transmission has a large hole in it that requires immediate repairs.

You can solve both problems temporarily by pouring stop-leak treatment into the transmission's reservoir. The treatment forms a thick seal inside the reservoir, which also transfers some of the fluids through the transmission when you turn on the engine.

You should have your car repaired by a transmission mechanic as soon as possible to keep it running in the future. The mechanic may also replace your blown head gasket or refer you to a specialist who can.

Contact a service like Aamco Transmissions & Auto Repair to learn more.

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19 September 2015

Keep Your Vehicle Safe

Hello. My name’s Samuel Jacobs. I retired from my job as an auto mechanic last year. During my years as a mechanic, I had the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. Some have remained friends to this day. When I was working, there is one thing that I came across at least weekly. That is how uneducated people are when it comes to their vehicle’s tires. Properly cared for tires are crucial to the safety of your vehicle. Without them, your car isn’t going anywhere. If they give out on you while you are driving, there is the potential for serious injury. I’m going to share some tire safety information here. Things like the importance of correct inflation, how to check the tread, when to replace tires, tire rotation, and what to do in case of a blow-out. I hope you find this information to be helpful.