Performance Transmissions & Drivetrains

Need to know how to check transmission fluid? The first thing to do is either look in the vehicle owner's manual or research online for the correct checking procedure. Many automatic transmissions require the engine to be running in park before you check the transmission dipstick to make sure the fluid level is between the full and add marks on it. However, other automatic transmissions allow you to check with the engine off - or may not have a dipstick. Manual transmissions don't use a dipstick. Instead, they use a fill-and-drain plug. JEGS offers a wide selection of transmission fluid for your vehicle's needs.

CVT stands for a "continuously variable transmission." These types of transmissions are found in passenger cars and often are more fuel-efficient than standard transmissions. A CVT transmission doesn't require any input from the driver (like a manual transmission) and doesn't have any gears. In place of the gears, it uses two pulleys (in the most common type of CVT transmission), with one connecting to the engine and the other connecting to the wheels. It is connected by a flexible belt. The width of the pulleys changes depending on how much power the vehicle needs. This provides an infinite number of gear ratios (unlike a fixed automatic transmission). The CVT transmission is designed for efficiency and everyday driving and is not typically found on performance vehicles.

When trying to determine which transmission you have, first look in the vehicle owner's manual for more information, assuming the transmission you have is the original unit that was in the vehicle and has not been modified. If you do not have the owner's manual for the vehicle, a quick search online will help you find the transmission's type by inputting your car's year, make and model.

If you need to know how to change transmission fluid, keep in mind that there are several ways to do it. First, locate the vehicle owner's manual, which should tell you the correct procedure. If you do not have an owner's manual, the easiest way to perform this service is to remove the drain plug from the transmission pan, if it is equipped, to allow the fluid to drain into a catch can. If there is not a drain plug, the next option is to remove the transmission pan. When removing, be careful of transmission fluid leaking out - have the floor protected and a catch can ready before removing the pan. If there is a transmission filter present, replace that at this time as well. Once the fluid has been drained, reinstall the drain plug or pan, confirming the seals are in good condition to prevent leaks. Replace the seal(s) if in doubt. Then, fill the transmission fluid to the correct level by either using the guidelines in the owner's manual or looking up the capacity online. Care must be taken when looking up the capacity; confirm only for fluid changing service - if the vehicle has a torque converter, it will hold more fluid than you can change.

A transmission is a large component that helps convert power from the engine to the vehicle's wheels by using more than one gear. By using more than one gear, the transmission can improve both vehicle acceleration and top speed. A transmission can be either manual (using a clutch), or automatic, with variations on each type. The number of gears in a transmission can range from two to as many as eight or more. Most manual performance transmissions are either a 4-speed, 5-speed or 6-speed. JEGS has a large selection of transmissions for sale to fit your vehicle and its performance needs.