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When it comes to keeping your Mitsubishi in top shape, few things are more important than a routine oil change. It's one of the simplest forms of vehicle maintenance you can do, yet it plays a huge role in protecting your engine and extending the life of your vehicle. Fresh oil lubricates the moving parts inside your engine, reduces friction, and helps prevent overheating. Over time, oil breaks down and collects dirt and debris, making it far less effective at doing its job. That's why staying on schedule is important— especially if you want to protect your investment for the long haul. What Happens When You Skip Routine Oil Changes for a Mitsubishi Routine oil changes for a Mitsubishi are straightforward but skipping them can lead to some costly consequences. Old, degraded oil loses its ability to properly lubricate engine components, which causes increased wear and heat buildup. Over time, this can lead to sludge formation and, in severe cases, serious engine damage. Every Mitsubishi model — from the Outlander to the Eclipse Cross to the Outlander Sport — is engineered with components that depend on clean, fresh oil to perform properly. Neglecting this basic service can void parts of your coverage and lead to repairs that far outweigh the cost of a simple oil change. more How Often Should You Change the Oil in Your Mitsubishi The right oil change interval depends on your specific model, the type of oil your vehicle uses, and your driving habits. Many newer Mitsubishi vehicles are designed to use full synthetic oil, which generally lasts longer than conventional oil. As a rule, most Mitsubishi owners should plan for an oil change every 5,000 to 7,500 miles when using synthetic oil, though your owner's manual is always your most reliable guide. If you frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic, extreme temperatures, or on dusty roads — you may need to change your oil more frequently. Mitsubishi's Warranty and Maintenance Program Have You Covered One of the standout benefits of owning a Mitsubishi is the brand's commitment to backing their vehicles long after you drive off the lot. Mitsubishi offers America's Best-Backed Vehicles, which includes a 10-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty, 5 years of roadside assistance, and a 2-Year/30,000-Mile Limited Maintenance program. That Limited Maintenance coverage includes three oil and filter changes, three tire rotations, three multi-point inspections, and one cabin filter change — all within specified time and mileage windows. It's a great way to get your routine oil changes for a Mitsubishi taken care of without the added expense during those first couple of years of ownership. Signs Your Mitsubishi Is Due for an Oil Change Your vehicle will often give you clues when it's time for fresh oil. Paying attention to these signals can help you avoid putting extra stress on your engine. Watch for your oil change indicator light or check engine light appearing on your dashboard. You might also notice the engine running louder than usual, a dark or gritty appearance when you check the oil on the dipstick, or a subtle burning smell coming from the engine area. Any of these signs means it's time to schedule an oil change sooner rather than later. Visit Rath Mitsubishi for Your Next Oil Change Keeping up with your Mitsubishi oil change schedule doesn't have to be complicated. At Rath Mitsubishi, the service team is equipped to handle all of your routine maintenance needs with care and efficiency. Drivers throughout Fort Smith, AR, can visit Rath Mitsubishi or head to rathmitsubishi.com to schedule a service appointment. Staying ahead of your oil changes is one of the best things you can do to keep your Mitsubishi performing the way it was built to.

Knowing how to jump-start a car is an important skill for any driver. It may look complicated, but it's a very easy process if you know the right way to do it. As your Mitsubishi dealer, we want to guide you through the simple steps to jump-start any vehicle. In the example below, your Mitsubishi will be used to jump the failed battery in another vehicle. more 5 Easy Steps To Jump-Start a Car: Position Correctly Jump-starting requires connecting your battery to the dead battery of another vehicle and giving it enough juice to get the other vehicle's engine to start. You'll need jumper cables and want your Mitsubishi to be as close to the other vehicle's battery as possible. This reduces the need to stretch the cables tightly, and the jumper cable clamps are less likely to slip off the battery terminals. Most vehicle's batteries are located under the hood, but some vehicles have their engine and battery in the trunk. Confirm the location of the other vehicle's battery before you position your Mitsubishi, and then park as close to it as possible. Once you're in position, ensure both vehicle's engines are switched off and pop the hoods. Red Cables First Jumper cable sets include red and black cables, and these cables must be connected in a precise order. Incorrectly connected cables can prevent the other battery from charging and, in extreme cases, could even start a fire. The red cables must always be connected first, starting with connecting one red cable clamp to the positive terminal in the dead battery. Ensure the first red cable clamp is securely in place, then connect the second red cable clamp to the positive terminal in your battery. Positive terminals are identified with a + sign, or they may have a red plastic cover. Black Cables Second Now the red cables are in place, it's time to connect the black cables. Connect one of the black cable clamps to the negative terminal on your battery. The final step is very important, as the remaining black cable clamp must be connected to any unpainted metal surface in the other vehicle's engine. Jump the Battery Start your engine and allow it to idle for several minutes. Electricity will start flowing from your battery to the dead battery. After a few minutes, try to start the other vehicle. If it starts, allow it to idle, and your job is done. If the other vehicle doesn't start, return to your Mitsubishi, let the engine idle for another ten to fifteen minutes, and try to start the other vehicle again. Disconnect the Cables Once the other engine is running, you can disconnect the cables. The cables must be removed in the reverse order of their installation. If you have any questions about jump-starting, contact us today at Rath Mitsubishi in Springdale, AR.

Mitsubishi automobiles are known for exceptional reliability, ranked 6th out of 32 manufacturers by RepairPal for low projected and reported annual maintenance costs. With a reputation for dependability and a top-tier manufacturer warranty on every new vehicle from your authorized Mitsubishi dealer, peace of mind is the name of the game. Put any other concerns to bed with an extended warranty to get every last mile out of your car. more The Diamond Care Protection Extended Warranty, Available from Your Mitsubishi Dealer With a Diamond Care Protection package, the bumper-to-bumper factory coverage on your new Mitsubishi can now be upgraded with up to fifteen different levels of year/mileage extension, for a possible maximum of 10 years and 120,000 miles, effectively doubling the life of the original warranty. There are three tiers of service contract available, and most vehicles less than 10 years old and with fewer than 100,000 miles on the odometer are eligible. The Powertrain Package Covering 620 different components, the Powertrain warranty offers effective coverage of the engine, transmission, and drive axle. This package applies to hybrid and electric vehicles as well, but does not cover high-capacity battery replacement. The Deluxe Package This upgrade to the Powertrain warranty provides comprehensive coverage of your engine, transmission, and drive axle, and adds effective coverage for brakes, the electrical and fuel systems, steering, suspension, climate control, and body/interior, for a combined total of 1,334 warranties components. The Supreme Package This full-bodied, top-of-the-line service contract adds advanced driver assistance systems and the onboard infotainment panel to the coverage offered in the Deluxe plan, with comprehensive coverage of each of the 2,026 parts that can be serviced or replaced. Bonus Features Zero Payment Service Visits While a competitively affordable deductible may accompany the cost of some services, you pay nothing beyond that at the time of your appointment if your vehicle is in need of a warrantied repair or replacement. 0% Consumer Payment Arrangements Financing your extended coverage is easier than ever, offering convenient payment options, terms tailored to fit your budget, and no credit check required. Customer Service Features on All Plans Along with your extended coverage, all Diamond Care Protection packages feature nationwide 24/7/365 emergency roadside assistance, towing reimbursement, car rental allowance, trip interruption reimbursement, and excellent customer service. Anybody who has been to a mechanic recently knows that the rising cost of repairs isn't slowing down any time soon. With a Diamond Care Protection Plan, Mitsubishi owners can rest assured that the same exceptional warranty that they get from the factory will keep on giving for miles to come. Speak with one of our warranty specialists today at Rath Mitsubishi, located in Springdale, AR, and we'll get you covered.

Image via Mitsubishi Should you go for that affordable spare part you've just seen online, or go to your nearest Mitsubishi dealer for an OEM part? We'll take you through four benefits of OEM parts and leave the final decision to you. more 1. Quality OEM spare parts are thoroughly checked and tested to comply with the manufacturer's production standards and relevant regulations. They are also made from high-quality materials according to correct design specifications and tolerances to ensure perfect fit and performance. This is why they are delivered with a full warranty in case they prematurely fail or aren't manufactured properly. On the other hand, the quality of aftermarket parts differs from manufacturer to manufacturer. To keep costs down, some manufacturers build parts that just meet the minimum standards and others design parts differently to try to achieve the same effect offered by OEM spare parts. 2. Compatibility One problem we've seen with some aftermarket parts is that they don't fit quite right. This is because they are generally made to suit as many vehicles as possible, leading to maddening annoyances such as panels not aligning properly or windshield wipers making too much noise. In contrast, OEM spare parts are engineered specifically for your exact car make and model using precise specs. These parts have realistic tolerances, so you or your mechanic won't have to worry about drilling, sanding, grinding, or bending something just to get it to line up right. 3. Performance When you use aftermarket parts, you are using something your Mitsubishi was not originally designed for. Therefore, it may perform quite differently from what you're used to, and in some cases, the performance could go down. One item we recommend going for OEM is spark plugs because engines can be quite choosy about what they work with. While older engines could just use whatever plug as long as it was the right size, modern engines are more complex because of things like direct injection and precise timing. Electrical parts are also another area where OEM shines, since aftermarket parts may have resistances and voltages that differ with factory-installed stuff. 4. Long-Term Cost The affordability of aftermarket parts may seem like a small win in the short term, but this value may not be as great in the long term. The unreliable quality and poor fit of some non-OEM spare parts can cause them to wear down fairly quickly, requiring you to replace them sooner. These parts can also affect other areas of your vehicle that are costlier to repair or replace. Fitting your Mitsubishi with OEM spare parts is the best way to keep it running as good as new. Contact Rath Mitsubishi in Springdale, AR for quality OEM spare parts. We have a large selection of parts to keep your car in great shape.

Keeping your Mitsubishi in peak condition is essential for its performance, longevity, and safety. One of the most important aspects of this is getting a regular oil change. We'll guide you through the recommended intervals for changing your Mitsubishi's oil and discuss other factors that may influence how frequently you'll need this service at your local Mitsubishi dealer. more Mitsubishi Dealer Insights: Understanding Oil Change Intervals The general recommendation for Mitsubishi vehicles is to get the fluid changed every 7,500 to 10,000 miles if you're using synthetic oil, which is common in newer models. However, if your car runs on conventional oil, the intervals shorten to every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Following these recommended intervals will help ensure your vehicle operates efficiently while avoiding unnecessary damage to the engine or wear to the engine's components. Factors Influencing Lubricant Renewal Frequency Vehicle Usage The conditions in which you drive your car and how you use your car can both impact how regularly you should get your car's oil serviced. For example, frequent short trips, heavy towing, off-roading, or extensive idling can introduce contaminants into your oil more quickly, requiring more frequent lubricant renewal. Vehicle Age The age of your car has a big impact on how often you'll need to get this service done. Older models may not run as efficiently as newer models, requiring more frequent changes. This is because, over time, engine components can wear down, leading to a decrease in performance and contaminants more quickly entering the fluid. The Type of Oil in Your Mitsubishi Selecting the right type of oil is crucial for keeping your Mitsubishi performing as it should. Mitsubishis run best when you use the manufacturer-recommended oil type, which is typically synthetic or a synthetic blend. These offer superior protection and performance for most Mitsubishi vehicles, compared to conventional oil. Professional or At-Home Fluid Change Services While some vehicle owners choose to change their oil, getting it changed by a professional ensures that your vehicle not only receives fresh oil but also a thorough check-up. This may include inspecting your oil filters and diagnosing potential issues with your vehicle early, helping to ensure your car remains efficient and reliable. Regular Maintenance Beyond lubricant replacement, regular maintenance of your Mitsubishi is crucial for its overall health. This includes routine checks of the brake system, tire pressure, and fluid levels, among others. Additionally, your oil levels should be checked at least once per month. Establishing a regular maintenance schedule can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems down the line. Is it time for your next fluid change? If so, head over to Rath Mitsubishi in Springdale, AZ today, and we'll help get your car back in prime condition.

Image via Shutterstock Keeping your Mitsubishi's tires in peak condition isn't just about maintaining a smooth ride. It's important for safety on the road. Here's a closer look at telltale signs you might need new tires from the Mitsubishi dealer. Check on Your Tread Depth The easiest way to know if your tires are due for a change is to check the tread depth. Tires have built-in indicators that can give you a clue, but you can also test with a handy trick called the penny test. Simply insert a penny into the tread groove with Lincoln's head pointing down. If you can see the top of his head, your tread is too worn, and it's time for a new set of tires. Watch Out for Uneven Wear If your tires are wearing unevenly, it could be a sign of bigger issues, like alignment or suspension problems, or it might just mean you've skipped a few tire rotations. Uneven wear compromises your car's grip on the road and can cause one tire to wear out before the others, so don't ignore it. Cracks and Bulges are Red Flags Take a moment to inspect the sidewalls of your tires. Cracks, bulges, or gashes are serious red flags. These flaws can lead to sudden tire failures, like blowouts, especially when you're driving at high speeds. Vibrations and Noise Feeling unusual vibrations or hearing noise while driving on a smooth road? It might be your tires telling you something. While these symptoms can also point to alignment or suspension issues, they're often related to tire problems like imbalance or internal damage. Tire Pressure Warnings Constantly inflating your tires? You might have a slow leak. Regularly check your tires for any punctures or signs of damage. Sometimes, a simple repair will do, but significant damage will require a tire replacement. The Age Factor Tires age, even if they look okay. The common recommendation is to replace your tires every six years, even if they seem good. Rubber breaks down over time, affecting both performance and safety. Check your tire's manufacture date, a four-digit code on the sidewall, to see if it's time for a change. Seasonal Considerations Lastly, consider the season and the conditions you drive in. If the weather drops below freezing, switching to winter tires or all-season tires can greatly improve your safety. Winter tires wear down quickly on warm roads, though, so switch them out when the season changes. Shop for New Tires at Your Mitsubishi Dealer If you're ever in doubt about your tires' condition, a quick trip to the dealership can give you peace of mind or a much-needed upgrade. Our trained professionals can help you choose the perfect tires for your ride and get them on your car in no time. Worn-out tires pose a serious safety hazard, so never ignore signs that something isn't quite right with them. Call Rath Mitsubushi in Springdale, AR to schedule your tire inspection today.

Image via Shutterstock Your Mitsubishi's ignition coil plays a crucial role in starting your car's engine. It converts the battery's low current into enough power to ignite the fuel. A faulty ignition coil will cause various vehicle problems, from a loss of power and high fuel consumption to rough idling and stalling issues. Your Mitsubishi dealer has provided a list of symptoms below to help you identify ignition coil problems and get the necessary repairs before causing extensive damage. more Unresponsiveness If you experience a decrease in power when you press the accelerator, a malfunctioning ignition coil could be the cause. When the fuel-air mixture inside the engine doesn't ignite effectively, it can cause your vehicle to respond sluggishly. Vibrations and Rough Idling A failing ignition coil can disrupt the smooth operation of your vehicle. When the coil doesn't work correctly, your car may experience vibrations, rough idling, and sudden jerks when you accelerate to increase your speed. Misfires When one of the cylinders isn't firing properly or doesn't fire, it can lead to misfiring. The result is smoke from your tailpipe, a gas smell, and loud banging noises from the unused gas exploding in the combustion cylinders. Misfiring can significantly damage engine components and the catalytic converter, resulting in high repair costs. Unfamiliar Sounds In addition to loud banging noises, you may also hear coughing or spluttering noises when you start the engine. These sounds are generally due to a cylinder not firing during the ignition process. Stalling If your car's ignition coil starts to fail, it may cause the spark plugs to spark irregularly. As a result, you may experience stalling issues when idling, or your vehicle may even shut down abruptly without any warning. Hard Starts When you turn the key in the ignition, a clicking sound may indicate a problem with the ignition coil, making it hard to start your vehicle. Your vehicle's ignition system requires a spark to start the engine. If the ignition coil is faulty, it may not provide the proper voltage to the spark plugs, resulting in hard starts. High Fuel Consumption If your car's fuel consumption has increased lately, the ignition coil may be the culprit. When the spark plugs do not receive enough power from the car battery, your car will burn more fuel to compensate for it. The result is more frequent trips to the gas station. Illuminated Check Engine Light Problems with the ignition coil will cause hard starts and misfiring, triggering the check engine light on your dashboard. When the light is on, schedule an appointment as soon as possible for a diagnostic test and the necessary repairs to prevent severe damage. Don't struggle with misfires, stalling, hard starts, and poor gas mileage. If you have ignition coil problems, call Rath Mitsubishi today.

Accidents are an unfortunate fact of life, and while no one anticipates being part of one, they sometimes happen. Your Mitsubishi might have taken a hit, but your Mitsubishi dealer is fully equipped with a proficient team, top-of-the-line technology, and authentic Mitsubishi parts to return your vehicle to its pristine state. more Step 1 Entering our repair facility post-accident, it's natural that you may feel a bit disoriented. Our empathetic team will help ease your worries and guide you through the process of getting your vehicle registered for repairs. We'll also collect information from your insurance company if they are involved in overseeing the repairs. Step 2 Post the initial visual inspection, your vehicle will be meticulously cleaned to eliminate any residual dirt, ensuring a more precise damage evaluation. Our skilled technicians will then proceed to dismantle the affected parts as necessary and inspect the car's structure for any hidden damages. Rath Mitsubishi's paint experts will also be planning the perfect color match for your Mitsubishi in the next step. We'll create a comprehensive repair and cost analysis, which will be communicated to you or your insurance company. We also engage with your insurance company to streamline the process. Step 3 Upon receiving approval from you or your insurance company, we'll procure the necessary replacement parts. We'll provide you with a timeline for the completion of repairs and update you regularly on the progress. Our technicians will rectify any structural damage to your car and apply corrosion protection. Step 4 At this stage, we'll prepare the new parts and your car for painting. Leveraging our expert color-matching skills with our access to Mitsubishi's proprietary paints, we'll be able to ensure the new parts blend flawlessly with the rest of your Mitsubishi. A basecoat and clear coat will be applied to the parts and any other sections of your car that require it. Step 5 Any parts that were removed for painting or repair will be installed onto your car, if necessary. Post reassembly and testing, our quality control team will scrutinize the repairs to ensure they meet Mitsubishi standards and your car will function just as you've always experienced. Final Step Once your vehicle has passed our rigorous quality checks, we'll notify you that your Mitsubishi is ready for pickup. After you've inspected the work and are content, your Mitsubishi will be all set to accompany you back on the road. Should your Mitsubishi require any repairs, don't hesitate to get in touch with our service department at Rath Mitsubishi on our website or by phone at 479-303-8077.

Is your car experiencing electrical problems? If various electrical functions are struggling when the engine's off, your car battery might be on its last legs. Here are even common warning signs of a battery that needs to be replaced. If you notice any of them, visit your closest Mitsubishi dealership for a new car battery as soon as you can. more You're Having Trouble Starting Your Car In order to start your car in the morning, the starter needs a strong burst of electricity from the battery. So when a car battery begins to lose power, you'll find it harder and harder to start up on cold mornings. Your Headlights Are Dimming Headlights should remain bright and powerful even without direct power from the engine and alternator. So if your headlights grow a lot dimmer when you turn off the engine, your battery is struggling to provide enough power and might need to go. Your Electrical Accessories Are Failing If you think your battery might be faltering, try turning on many electrical accessories at the same time when the engine's off. If they don't all work properly, it's quite likely that your battery can no longer do its job. Your Engine Is Weakening The engine needs a steady flow of electricity from the alternator. But a failing battery sometimes requires more and more energy to charge. This additional draw of power puts excess strain on the alternator, diverting voltage away from the engine. As a result, the engine might begin to misfire and lose power. Have Your Local Mitsubishi Dealer Diagnose Your Engine Trouble A misfiring engine has many potential causes. Misfiring can also cause other car parts to start malfunctioning as well. So it's usually best to have a mechanic figure out the underlying problem and fix it without delay. You Catch a Sulfur Smell When a battery grows really old, its outer casing can sometimes crack. This might allow battery acid to leak out, which can damage your car. Battery acid has a pungent sulfury smell that you're likely to detect from within the cabin. Your Battery Casing Is Warped As car batteries age, they often begin to lose their proper form. If you notice your battery's casing beginning to warp, that battery doesn't have much time left and should be replaced. Your Battery Terminals Are Corroded The terminals at the top of a battery need to be clean to conduct electricity properly. As the terminals are metal, they can sometimes begin to corrode or rust, especially in cold and humid climates. You might be able to clean away a little corrosion, but if it's extensive, you'll need a new battery. Have your battery tested and repaired or replaced at Rath Mitsubishi. We're a full-service dealership that's been helping out the region's Mitsubishi drivers for over twenty years with great cars and great customer service.

Engine problems are usually due to worn or old components. As time passes, filters can block, hoses can leak, and problems will develop. Regular engine services can identify these problems before they start. If your engine has a problem, it's time to visit your Mitsubishi dealer for repair. These are some of the problems we can fix. more Blocked Radiator The radiator's job is to control your engine's temperature by removing heat from the engine. The coolant flowing through your engine absorbs engine heat and transports this heat to the radiator. Once inside the radiator, the heat is removed from the coolant by heat exchange. As the coolant moves, it also absorbs dirt and other debris from your engine. The debris collected by the coolant is deposited inside the radiator when the coolant flows out. This debris can build up and block the radiator and cooling tubes. If this happens, the coolant won't enter the radiator for cooling, and your engine will rapidly overheat. We can fix this problem by removing your radiator and flushing it to remove the blockage. Once the radiator's clean, we'll reinstall it. Damaged Starter Motor When you push the start button, the battery sends an electrical charge to the starter motor to power it. The starter motor will then crank your engine, and the combustion process starts. Its job is critical, as your engine can't start without it. We'll need to repair or replace it for your engine to work. A starter can suffer wear and tear like any other component, and it can become damaged. If you hear a series of clicks when you try and start your engine, the starter has failed. We'll examine the motor to find the problem. The solenoid in the starter can fail, and its failure prevents the battery's electrical charge from powering the motor. We can easily replace the solenoid to fix this problem. Misfiring Misfires occur when the contents of an engine cylinder don't ignite successfully at the precise time. The fuel and air mixture necessary for combustion is mixed and drawn into the cylinders. Once inside the cylinders, the mixture is compressed and ignited at the high point of compression by the spark plugs. If the ignition isn't successful, you'll hear the sound of a misfire, and your car will lurch. Worn spark plugs are one of the main causes of a misfire, but damaged electrical wiring, a failed ignition coil, or a fuel-rich engine can cause the problem. We'll need to examine your engine to identify the cause of the trouble, and then we'll repair it. If your engine isn't working as well as it should, call us today at Rath Mitsubishi.

Having an up-to-date and well-stocked car first aid kit can put your mind at ease. Emergencies can happen at any time, be it a simple graze on a kid's knee, or something more serious like a road accident. As your local Mitsubishi Dealer in Springdale, AR, we want you to be safe and prepared. That's why we've put together a list of 10 essential items for your first aid kit. more 1. The Box It is important to get hold of an appropriate storage box. Your first aid kit box will preferably be transparent, with multiple compartments so that you can easily find what you are looking for. Make sure that it is durable and sealable. 2. Band-Aids and Bandages Be sure to have a good stock of various shapes and sizes of band-aids to cover cuts. Remember to make sure that they are waterproof and of good quality. 3. Gauze Pads Gauze is can be useful for people who are allergic to regular band-aids, but more crucially it can be used to cover larger wounds and grazes, so you'll want to pack a good supply of gauze pads of differing sizes. 4. Surgical Tape Surgical tape can be bought in rolls. It is used to hold gauze pads in place. It can also be used to cover earrings, and when combined with gauze, as a hypoallergenic alternative to band-aids. 5. Hand Sanitizer Always remember to sanitize your hands before dealing with an open wound. This will prevent bacteria from entering the body and lessen the chance of an infection. 6. Antibacterial Lotion and Saline Solution Saline solution or antibacterial lotion can be used to wash out wounds before dressing them. Neglecting to do so can cause infection and further complications, so having these items is vital. Saline solution can also be used to wash out irritated or itchy eyes. 7. Antihistamines Having a couple of different packs of antihistamines is a good idea for anyone, but if you or someone you know suffers with allergies or asthma, then it is vital that you have a good stock of the correct medication. 8. Pain Relief It is always useful to carry Advil and Tylenol in your kit in case of mild headaches or sudden fevers. Some people are allergic to certain pain relievers, so always check before administering. 9. Digital Thermometer This is especially important if you have young children in the car. Children can get a high fever quickly and being able to catch it early means that you can provide them with the care and attention that they need. 10. Tweezers From tiny splinters to shards of glass, tweezers are a handy item to keep in your box. Your Local Mitsubishi Dealer in Springdale, AR Not every emergency can be prevented, but one of the best things you can do is to make sure that your vehicle is safe and roadworthy. Visit Rath Mitsubishi today to learn about our roadside assistance and services, and browse our inventory of new and used vehicles.

Your transmission is a big player when it comes to the components of your automobile. It's in constant use, working hard to make sure your vehicle runs smoothly and efficiently. With this much use, there comes a time when it's going to need a little tender loving care. This can mean servicing, rebuilding, or even replacing. Here are a few signs to let you know that it might be time for transmission repair from your Mitsubishi mechanic in Springdale, AR. more 1. Burning Smell Although the most likely culprit of a burning smell will usually be oil, a belt, or your tires, after coming to an abrupt stop, your transmission could be responsible as well. When your transmission fluid ages, it can gradually thin out. Without its proper viscosity, it will begin to heat up too quickly and burn up. You can usually tell that it's the transmission fluid burning by the sweet smell that it produces. 2. Leaking Fluid Your transmission fluid isn't like oil, in that oil burns off and will need to be topped up from time to time. T-fluid should always stay at the same level and shouldn't need reinforcements until it's time for it to get flushed completely during routine maintenance. If you check your dipstick and the fluid level appears to have receded, this probably means that you have a leak. You might also notice a pooling of reddish liquid underneath your car. 3. Unfamiliar Sounds Your vehicle has a wide variety of moving parts, each of which could be responsible for making strange or unfamiliar noises. The way to identify the noise as a transmission problem is when the sound occurs when the vehicle switches gears. Most vehicles are automatics and change gears on their own, but if you hear a grinding or growling sound while this is occurring, it could be related to your transmission. 4. Poor Response Time When your vehicle shifts gears it should be so smooth that you don't even notice it happening. If you're driving along and feel your car slowing down before it jerks back into gear, this is a tell-tale signal that your transmission is struggling. It should be fairly easy to spot, as you'll feel a lag or a kickback that will make for a choppy and uncomfortable ride. It could be the result of a worn-out gear. 5. Engine Light Comes On In some cases, newer vehicles will have a designated light to alert you specifically of a transmission problem. But a lot of models will rely on the good old “check engine” light as a blanket warning that could mean a large number of things. If either of these lights come on, it's in your best interest to take your vehicle to the shop and have a diagnostics test performed. Like most parts of your vehicle, if you nip a problem in the bud early, it will save you a lot of money and heartache in the end. If you're experiencing any of these warning signs, call Rath Mitsubishi today and schedule an appointment with our skilled team of professionals.