All too often, you hear a car owner claim that their transmission simply blew up, making their car completely worthless and undrivable. This does happen sometimes... but it does not have to happen. If you watch out for these signs of transmission trouble and get your car into the shop as soon as you notice them, then you can prevent larger, more detrimental problems.
1. Fluid Leaks
Your transmission contains fluid to keep it from rubbing on itself. If your transmission loses fluid, then friction will increase and your risk of a transmission failure goes up exponentially. When you park your car, keep an eye out for drips of fluid beneath the car when you pull away. If the fluid is red or brown, it is transmission fluid. Your repair shop should be able to easily fix the leak by either plugging or replacing a fluid line.
2. Warning Lights
Most newer cars have a transmission problem warning light. This light may be shaped like an arrow or a spiral. If it lights up on your dash, do not ignore it — even if it goes away the next time you turn on your car. Similarly, if your check engine light goes on, this could indicate a transmission problem that requires attention.
3. Slipping
When your car shifts into a new gear, do you feel like it slips and hesitates? The car may jerk or stall a little as it shifts. This could mean you have something foreign in your gas tank, but it could also mean you have a problem with the transmission. It will happen more often when your car shifts into a higher gear than when it shifts downward.
4. Thudding Noises
Your car might feel fine as it shifts from gear to gear, but it may make a "thud" noise as it shifts. This may sound like someone is hammering on the car's floor or hood. Depending on the model of your car, the thud may sound more like a clink.
5. Trouble Reversing
Most people do not reverse their cars very often, so trouble backing up can take a while for you to notice. The car may shudder as you reverse, or it might make a strange noise. The transmission may have trouble getting the engine into reverse before it starts struggling with the forward gears. However, there is hope. If you fix your car at this point, things shouldn't get worse.
To have your transmission inspected, reach out to a transmission repair shop like AAA Commercial Transmission.
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