Hage-Kobany Transmissions & Auto Service Blog
Planning a road trip can be an exciting adventure, but before you hit the open road, it’s essential to make sure your vehicle is ready for the journey. While it might seem like an extra step, getting a professional inspection from a trusted mechanic can save you time, money, and stress in the long run. Even if your car seems to be running fine, hidden issues can become major problems once you're far from home. At Hage-Kobany Transmissions & Auto Service, we can get your vehicle ready for your journey. Here are four reasons to schedule an inspection before your next road trip. Prevent Breakdowns in Remote Areas A road trip often takes you through remote or unfamiliar areas where access to roadside assistance or auto shops may be limited. A pre-trip inspection helps identify potential problems like worn-out belts, low fluid levels, or failing batteries before they cause a breakdown. Your mechanic can assess your vehicle’s overall health and help ensure you won’t end up stranded in the middle of nowhere, waiting hours for help. Ensure Tire Safety and Performance Tires are one of the most important parts of your car when it comes to safety and fuel-efficiency. Worn or underinflated tires can reduce traction, increase the risk of blowouts, and negatively impact gas mileage. During an inspection, the mechanic can check your tire pressure, tread depth, and alignment. If your tires are showing signs of uneven wear or are close to the end of their lifespan, you’ll have the opportunity to replace them before your trip, ensuring safer travel. Check and Top Off Vital Fluids Your car relies on several fluids to function properly, including engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, and brake fluid. Low or dirty fluids can lead to overheating, shifting problems, and braking issues. The mechanic can inspect fluid levels and condition and recommend changes if needed. This preventive maintenance can go a long way in avoiding unexpected mechanical failures during your trip. Confirm Brakes and Suspension Are Road-Ready Your vehicle’s braking system and suspension take on added importance when traveling long distances or through hilly or mountainous terrain. The mechanic can inspect brake pads, rotors, shocks, and struts to ensure everything is functioning correctly. Addressing any wear or damage ahead of time will give you peace of mind and improve safety for everyone in your vehicle. Auto Maintenance in Columbia Heights, MN For auto maintenance in Columbia Heights and the surrounding area, contact Hage-Kobany Transmissions & Auto Service at (763) 200-4945 . At our local auto shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!
The transmission is one of the most vital components of your vehicle, and when it starts to fail, it can severely impact performance and safety. Ignoring early warning signs can lead to more extensive damage and higher repair costs. At Hage-Kobany Transmissions & Auto Service, we provide expert transmission repair in the greater Columbia Heights, MN area. Here are four signs that you shouldn't ignore if you suspect transmission trouble. Delayed or Slipping Gears One of the most noticeable signs of a transmission problem is when your vehicle hesitates before shifting or slips out of gear unexpectedly. You might press the gas pedal and experience a delay before the car actually accelerates, or you might feel the car suddenly shift for no reason. These issues can signal worn-out transmission bands, low fluid levels, or internal component failure. If left unaddressed, slipping gears can compromise your ability to drive safely. Unusual Noises Grinding, whining, or clunking noises coming from your transmission are never a good sign. These sounds often point to mechanical wear or damage inside the transmission system. In automatic transmissions, whining or humming could suggest fluid issues or a torque converter problem. In manual transmissions, grinding often means there’s a problem with the clutch. Strange noises mean something is wrong, and the longer they persist, the more likely the damage will worsen. Fluid Leaks Transmission fluid is essential for keeping your transmission cool and lubricated. If you notice reddish fluid pooling beneath your car, it could be a sign of a leak. Leaks often stem from worn seals, cracked gaskets, or damaged transmission pans. Even a small leak can lead to serious issues if the fluid level drops too low. Driving with insufficient transmission fluid can cause the system to overheat and suffer internal damage, so it’s best to address leaks immediately. Burning Smell A strong burning odor coming from your car may indicate that the transmission is overheating. This often occurs when the fluid becomes old, dirty, or too low to do its job properly. Overheating can lead to accelerated wear of the transmission components and may result in a complete failure if not corrected. If you smell something burning while driving, it’s important to have your vehicle inspected as soon as possible. Transmission Repair in Columbia Heights, MN For expert transmission repair in Columbia Heights and the surrounding area, contact Hage-Kobany Transmissions & Auto Service at (763) 200-4945 . At our local auto shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!
Your vehicle’s transmission is one of its most important components, responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels. Without a properly functioning transmission, your car won’t be able to shift gears smoothly, which can lead to performance issues and costly repairs. Fortunately, with regular maintenance and good driving habits, you can keep your transmission operating smoothly. Here are four tips for keeping your transmission in top shape. Check and Change Transmission Fluid Regularly Transmission fluid plays a vital role in keeping your transmission running smoothly by lubricating moving parts, reducing friction, and preventing overheating. Over time, the fluid can become contaminated with debris or break down due to heat and wear. Checking your transmission fluid regularly and changing it as recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer will help prevent damage. If the fluid appears dark or has a burnt smell, it’s time for a change. Keeping the fluid clean and at the proper level helps ensure that your transmission operates efficiently. Drive Smoothly and Avoid Aggressive Habits Your driving habits directly impact the health of your transmission. Aggressive driving, such as rapid acceleration and hard braking, can put unnecessary strain on transmission components. Also, if you tow heavy loads, be sure you don’t exceed weight limits, which could cause your transmission to become overly stressed and potentially overheat. Shift Smoothly To help minimize the risk of transmission issues, you should always come to a complete stop before shifting between park and drive or reverse. If you drive a manual transmission, it’s important that you properly engage the clutch pedal when shifting, and that you don’t ride it while just cruising along. Pay Attention to Signs of a Developing Issue Your vehicle will often give you early warnings when something is wrong with the transmission. Common signs of trouble include delayed shifting, slipping gears, unusual noises, or a burning smell. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to have your transmission inspected as soon as possible. Ignoring these warning signs can lead to major damage and costly repairs. Addressing small issues early can save you money and keep your vehicle running smoothly. Transmission Service in Columbia Heights, MN For transmission service in Columbia Heights, MN and the surrounding area, contact Hage-Kobany Transmissions & Auto Service at (763) 200-4945 . Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!
Your vehicle’s braking system is one of its most critical safety components. When your brakes start to fail, your ability to stop quickly and safely is compromised, putting you and others on the road at risk. Recognizing the warning signs of brake trouble early can help prevent dangerous situations. At Hage-Kobany Transmissions & Auto Service, we provide expert brake repair in the greater Columbia Heights, MN area. Here are five common signs of a brake problem. Squealing or Grinding Sounds A high-pitched squealing sound often indicates that the brake pads are worn down and need to be replaced. Many brake pads have built-in wear indicators that create this noise to alert you that it’s time for new pads. If you hear a grinding sound, it may mean that the brake pads are completely worn out, causing metal-to-metal contact with the rotors. Driving in this condition can significantly damage your braking system and lead to costly repairs. Vibrations When Braking If you feel vibrations when applying the brakes, it may be due to warped brake rotors. Rotors can become uneven over time due to excessive heat. Warped rotors can reduce braking efficiency and make stopping distances longer. A professional brake inspection can determine if resurfacing or replacing the rotors is necessary to restore smooth braking performance. Car Pulling to One Side When Braking If your vehicle pulls to one side when you apply the brakes, it could be a sign of a stuck caliper. This greatly reduces your ability to control the vehicle, especially in emergency situations. For safety reasons, this needs to be addressed ASAP. Brake Warning Light on the Dashboard Most modern vehicles have a brake warning light on the dashboard that illuminates when there’s a problem with the braking system. This could indicate low brake fluid, malfunctioning wheel speed sensors, or other issues. If this light comes on, it’s important to have the system checked as soon as possible to prevent potential brake failure. Soft Brake Pedal A brake pedal that feels soft or spongy when pressed is a clear indication of a problem. This could be caused by air in the brake lines or low brake fluid because of a leak. A brake fluid leak is a major safety hazard and means you should get towed to the shop. Brake Repair in Columbia Heights, MN For auto repair in Columbia Heights and the surrounding area, contact Hage-Kobany Transmissions & Auto Service at (763) 296-8803 . At our local auto shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!
Transmission fluid plays a crucial role in keeping your vehicle's transmission system running smoothly. It lubricates moving parts, provides hydraulic pressure, and helps regulate temperature. Over time, transmission fluid can become contaminated with debris and metal shavings, leading to performance issues. At Hage-Kobany Transmissions & Auto Service, we can expertly address issues with transmission fluid. Here’s a look at five warning signs that your transmission fluid is contaminated. Dark or Dirty Fluid Healthy transmission fluid is typically bright red and has a slightly sweet smell. If the fluid becomes dark brown or black, it indicates contamination from dirt, debris, or excessive heat breakdown. Checking the transmission dipstick regularly can help you monitor the condition of the fluid. If the fluid appears dirty or has visible particles, it’s likely time for a transmission flush or fluid change. Burning Smell A strong, burnt odor coming from your transmission is a serious warning sign of contamination. Overheated fluid can degrade, losing its ability to lubricate and protect internal components. This often results in increased friction and premature wear on transmission parts. If you notice a burning smell, it’s essential to have your transmission checked immediately. Slipping Gears Contaminated transmission fluid can cause erratic shifting, hesitation, or slipping gears while driving. When the fluid is degraded or filled with debris, it struggles to maintain the proper hydraulic pressure needed for smooth gear transitions. If your vehicle unexpectedly shifts between gears or struggles to stay in gear, it could be a sign that your transmission fluid is compromised and needs to be replaced. Delayed or Rough Shifting If you experience delays when shifting gears or notice a rough transition between gears, it may be due to contaminated fluid. This can result in hard shifts, delayed engagement, or a jerking sensation when accelerating or decelerating. Addressing the issue early can prevent more extensive transmission damage. Unusual Noises from the Transmission Strange noises—such as whining, grinding, or clunking—coming from the transmission could be a sign of contaminated fluid. When transmission fluid is dirty, it can no longer properly lubricate internal components, leading to increased friction and wear. If you hear abnormal sounds while shifting or driving, it’s important to have your transmission inspected. Transmission Service in Columbia Heights, MN For transmission service in Columbia Heights, MN and the surrounding area, contact Hage-Kobany Transmissions & Auto Service at (763) 200-4945 . Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!
