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Bay Brothers Automotive Blog

4 Signs of Contaminated Transmission Fluid that Should Be Addressed ASAP

by Bay Brothers Automotive • 02 Nov, 2024
Clean transmission fluid plays a vital role in keeping your transmission running smoothly. It lubricates, cools, and helps transmit power, ensuring that gears shift seamlessly. However, transmission fluid can become contaminated, which can lead to significant problems. Being aware of the signs of contaminated transmission fluid can help you address issues before they cause serious damage. At Bay Brothers Automotive, we can expertly handle issues related to transmission fluid. Here are four warning signs that your transmission fluid is contaminated. Dark or Dirty Fluid Transmission fluid should be a bright red color. If you check your fluid and notice that it’s dark, murky, or has debris in it, this is a clear sign of contamination. Contaminated fluid will lose its ability to lubricate and cool the transmission properly, potentially leading to overheating. Burnt Smell Healthy transmission fluid has a slightly sweet smell. If you notice a burnt odor when checking the fluid, it’s a warning sign. This smell typically indicates that the fluid is either contaminated or has been overheated. Burnt transmission fluid can’t effectively protect the transmission’s internal components, which could lead to significant issues. Sluggish or Delayed Shifting Contaminated transmission fluid may cause your vehicle to have difficulty shifting gears. If you experience delayed or sluggish shifting, it could be due to a buildup of debris in the fluid. The dirtier the fluid, the harder it is for the transmission to smoothly shift. Abnormal Noises Unusual noises—such as grinding, whining, or clunking sounds—could indicate contaminated transmission fluid. As the fluid becomes less effective at lubricating the moving parts within the transmission, increased friction can occur, leading to these noises. If left untreated, this friction can cause internal damage to the transmission’s components, which can be costly to repair. Transmission Service in Tampa, FL When you need auto repair in Tampa and the surrounding area, contact Bay Brothers Automotive at  (813) 491-7439  . 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!

See the Latest Customer Reviews for Bay Brothers Automotive in Tampa!

by Bay Brothers Automotive • 01 Oct, 2024
At Bay Brothers Automotive, we strive to earn our customers’ satisfaction by providing top-quality repairs and maintenance at fair prices. Whether you need an oil change or in-depth engine repair, our local mechanics will work meticulously to complete the job to the highest standards. And we appreciate it when our customers offer feedback about their experiences with us. Here’s a look at some of our latest customer reviews. “Bay Brothers Automotive is where everyone should be taking their cars. I am grateful someone referred them to me. They are honest, trustworthy and they have the best mechanics that know what they are doing. You definitely should give them a call for your car maintenance experience.” — Felicia J. “Had to have my daughter’s car towed here for a flat tire. Not only did they get it in right away and fix the tire, they did a full vehicle check too at no charge. They were immediately responsive and communicated often so we knew what was happening. All for a tire plug. If I ever need more auto work done in the Tampa area, I can guarantee you I’m going here! Service as it used to be, great job Bay Brothers!” — Bill B. “The work performed was excellent and done in a timely manner plus the cost was moderate compared to other shops.” — Paul W. “The best auto mechanics in Tampa. Known this place for a while—don’t trust no other place but Bay Brothers.” — Jesus M. “I have been going to Bay Brothers for years and they have always given me great service at affordable prices. It’s hard to find a trustworthy mechanic, but thankfully the Bay Brothers team has always had my back!” — Demetri S. “The team at Bay Brothers was beyond professional. I was in Tampa visiting my son and became concerned about the brakes on his car. They worked me into their schedule immediately. They took the car for a drive and placed it up on the lift to assess the brakes. As it turned out, the brakes were not the problem. They took care of the issue quickly and easily. As the daughter and sister of many mechanics, I was impressed with their honesty and integrity. I highly recommend this organization.” — Amy L. Auto Repair in Tampa, FL When you need auto repair in Tampa and the surrounding area, contact Bay Brothers Automotive at  (813) 491-7439  . At our nearby auto shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!

5 Indications that Your Vehicle Could Have a Coolant Leak

by Bay Brothers Automotive • 05 Sept, 2024
Your vehicle's cooling system is vital for preventing engine overheating, which can lead to severe damage. Coolant circulates through the engine, absorbing heat and dissipating it through the radiator. If a coolant leak occurs, it can compromise your engine's ability to maintain a safe operating temperature. At Bay Brothers Automotive, our local mechanics are experts at identifying and fixing coolant leaks. Here are five signs that your car might have a coolant leak. Overheating Engine One of the most obvious signs of a coolant leak is an overheating engine. If your temperature gauge is consistently climbing into the red zone, it could mean that there's not enough coolant circulating through the system. Without adequate coolant, your engine can't efficiently dissipate heat, leading to overheating. If you notice this happening, it's best to safely pull over and let your car cool down to avoid engine damage. Low Coolant Levels If you find yourself frequently topping off the coolant, it’s a strong indication that there’s a leak somewhere in the system. While it's normal for coolant levels to drop slightly over time, a significant or consistent loss of coolant suggests a leak. For safety reasons, be sure to only check/add coolant after the engine has cooled down. Visible Puddles Under the Car Another common sign of a coolant leak is the presence of a puddle under your car. Coolant is commonly a bright green, orange, or pink fluid (although your color might be different) with a sweet smell, making it relatively easy to identify. Sweet Smell Coolant has a distinctive sweet smell due to its ethylene glycol content. If you detect this odor either inside or outside your vehicle, especially when the engine is running, it could indicate a coolant leak. White Exhaust Smoke White exhaust smoke can be a sign of a more severe issue related to a coolant leak. If coolant is leaking into the engine's combustion chamber, it will burn off during the combustion process, resulting in white smoke coming from the exhaust. This is often a sign of a blown head gasket, which is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Cooling System Repair in Tampa, FL When you need auto repair in Tampa and the surrounding area, contact Bay Brothers Automotive at  (813) 491-7439  . 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!
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