Transmission Trouble: Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Diagnosing your car’s problem may seem like an impossible task. In order to make things a bit easier, you should think of it as your own body. If your stomach hurts, you should probably create a mental list of the things you ate. The same principle should also be applied in diagnosing car problems.

Transmission repairs could be very expensive. That being said, you should pay attention to your car. If you think your car is having trouble, here are a few signs you shouldn’t ignore.

Burning smell

The role of transmission is not only to keep the moving parts lubricated, it also prevents the unit from burning up. If you get a whiff of burning transmission fluid, this may be a sign that the transmission is overheating. One of the most common causes is inadequate transmission fluid.

Leaks

Leaking transmission

Transmissions are sealed units that should not leak. In order to determine if it is leaking, try to lay down a piece of cardboard under your car. If your transmission is leaking, make it a point to visit an auto service shop before refilling any transmission fluid.

When refilling transmission fluid, factory specifications should be followed. Overfilling may cause an even bigger transmission problem.

Gears slipping

In a normally functioning transmission, the gear usually stays on the gear you choose. But if something is wrong, the car pops out of gear spontaneously while you drive. This can be extremely dangerous. When it happens, you shouldn’t be contemplating whether there’s a problem or not. It’s time to have your transmission examined.

Grinding or shaking

The way your car works when it’s not working properly depends on whether or not you have an automatic or manual transmission.

For automatic transmissions, the transmission makes a jarring transition into the next hear. With a manual transmission, a grinding feeling or sound is the most common sign of trouble. Both signs need attention. If you notice any of these signs, you might need to have your transmission checked.