For car owners and drivers, transmission problems are just about the last thing they want to experience. Such problems are often very expensive and time-consuming to fix, especially if they require a total rebuild or replacement. Sometimes the more expensive work can be avoided, however, if you catch the problems early enough. With that in mind, there are a few things to look for that may indicate trouble ahead.
Mechanical Signs of Transmission Problems
If your car is shifting rough, meaning that it seems to be slow to change gears or you can feel a thump and a slight jerk to the car in between gears, there is a pretty good chance that something is wrong with the tranny. It could be as simple as a linkage needing lubrication or it could require as much a total rebuild. The second thing to watch for is slippage. When transmissions slip, it feels like your can changes gear for no apparent reason. You may recognize this by a whining sound if it slips into a lower gear or by a sudden loss of power if it slips into a higher gear. Either way, it’s a sign of repairs being needed soon. Sometimes you will notice a long delay between the time you put the car in “drive” or “reverse” and the time the car actually starts to move. Again, this indicates trouble.
Other Signs of Trouble with Transmissions
There are two really obvious signs that your car is having transmission trouble that do not involve shifting gears. The first is when there are fluid leaks. The fluid is reddish in color (or brown if it’s old or burnt), and if you’re finding it on the ground where you park, you should check your fluid level, add fluid if needed, and get the tranny checked out for leaks. Sometimes, your car may go ahead and tell you there’s trouble via an engine warning light. It might mean a variety of different problems, of course, but a trip to the mechanic or auto parts store can get the code read from the computer, revealing the nature of the problem.
If you are seeing the warning signs of problems with your transmission, you should contact Trans Works Transmissions today.
