MINIs are a wildly-popular compact car created by the timeless BMW brand. The manufacturer designed the MINI Cooper, the MINI One, and the MINI convertible for fun and safety. They are celebrated European cars that carry all the convenience and appeal of a compact car with the excitement of a high-performance vehicle.
Behind their small exterior, MINIs contain a powerful engine that delivers a one of a kind driving experience. Drivers know their car inside and out. MINI drivers have reported that they can detect an issue with their MINI sooner than they might with another vehicle, due to the compact size and sensitive handling.
The MINI’s transmission is one vital system that smart drivers will need to observe carefully, trusting its maintenance and any repairs to an experienced team of auto technicians who are well versed in the unique design of the MINI. Let’s take a closer look at the MINI’s transmission.
Your MINI’s Transmission
The transmission system in an automobile is how the power from the engine is applied to the complex arrangement of mechanisms that allow the car to move, switch gears, and change speeds.
The transmission system is made up of many moving parts including the gearbox, clutch, wheel shaft, and driveshaft, among others. In a manual transmission system, the driver will switch gears to adjust the speed and power of the vehicle, while an automatic transmission will do this without the driver.
You may be familiar with issues in manual automobiles that result from shifting gears incorrectly, negatively impacting the transmission over time. It turns out this is also a concern with automatic transmissions. Both MINI owners and automotive experts have reported that there are sometimes issues with transmission failure in both the automatic and manual versions of the MINI transmission.
Most transmission damage or even failure is often caused by regular wear and tear or driving or the accumulation of high mileage over time. Damage to the transmission can be severe and make a lasting impact on your MINI, which is why it is so important to take note of any issues immediately. Luckily, these issues can be solved by regularly replacing the transmission fluid, as recommended by your trusted auto mechanic or repair shop.
Transmission Issues and Warning Signs
Replacing the entire transmission system in your MINI can be extremely costly, sometimes even more than the current value of the vehicle. Look out for these warning signs and make sure that your MINI is regularly diagnosed and serviced at a qualified auto shop.
The CEL, or check engine light, is a pesky but priceless reminder that there is an issue in your MINI. Although the CEL can signal trouble in many areas of the vehicle, it is the signal flare that lets you know it is time to get your MINI checked out by a qualified technician.
Next, if you ever see red fluid leaking from the bottom of the car, this is a transmission fluid leak and should be handled right away. As mentioned above, the compact design of the MINI allows drivers to feel every turn in the road as well as every odd sensation in the transmission. If it feels like your car is vibrating as you drive, this could be a sign of transmission trouble that needs to be checked right away. If you suddenly sense a marked difficulty shifting gears in your MINI, this is another definite warning sign that there is a transmission issue.
Lastly, if the engine overheats, take it as an urgent message from your MINI and head directly to your trusted auto shop.
Master Mechanics Auto Repair Will Repair your MINI’s Transmission
At Master Mechanics Auto Repair, our ASE-certified technicians are your best choice for servicing your MINI in the greater Kalamazoo area. Although we provide expert service on all car brands, we specialize in servicing and repairing MINIs and are deeply familiar with their unique design and specifications.
Bring your MINI in for service or repair on everything from AC repair to fluid checks and replacement, and especially if you need an expert touch with your transmission.
Our loyal customer’s feedback says it all. Our honesty, quality customer service, speed of work, and professionalism is what sets us apart from the rest.
Master Mechanics is recently under new management and ownership by a highly-qualified mechanic with over 20 years of automotive experience. We will always be the preferred choice of an auto repair shop for your one of a kind MINI.
Find out for yourself exactly why Master Mechanics Auto Repair is the best choice for your European Import automobile. You can book online, call us, or walk-in today at one of our three Master Mechanics Auto Repair locations in Battle Creek, Portage, or Kalamazoo, MI. We look forward to becoming your trusted repair and service shop.