How To Tell If Your Transmission Is In Trouble
One of the most troubling problems a car can have is when the transmission starts to act up. It can start with warning signs that are not obvious to the average driver, which is why it is so important to know what to look for. Catching a problem early on can result in an inexpensive transmission repair as opposed to expensive transmission replacement.
Gears Slipping
It is difficult to identify slipping gears if you have never experienced it before. It may be something as little as switching from reverse to drive and noticing that the car hesitated a little bit to make the gear transition. It is typically followed by a sudden jerking motion when the car makes the gear change slight after you initiate it.
This problem is a clear sign that something is wrong with your car's transmission. Have an auto shop, like Import Specialty Auto, look at it immediately, because ignoring the problem can result in a car that refuses to shift into a specific gear. This could leave you with a car that is unable to shift into reverse or drive, making it impossible to use it.
Leaking Fluid
Transmission fluid is easy to identify when it is new, since it will be a red color that is very different from the other fluids in your car. Transmission fluid that is burnt can look black, and is easily confused with oil. Leaks happen because of a problem with your transmission itself or a hose, and should be fixed immediately.
Ignoring the problem will lead to more fluid leaking out of the system. A transmission that doesn't have the proper amount of fluid could cause the entire transmission to lock up and fail on you, which would require transmission replacement. Fix the problem early when it could be a leak in a hose, and you'll save yourself from having to pay for a costly transmission replacement.
Burning Smell
There are multiple things that may cause a burning smell under your vehicle's hood, including broken belts and leaking oil. You should be especially concerned when that smell is coming from your transmission. Check the fluid and see if it is dark brown or black, which is a warning sign that the transmission is overheating and burning the fluid. This can happen if the transmission does not have enough fluid and is running hot, or the wrong type of transmission fluid was used.
By identifying a transmission problem early, you'll avoid causing major damage to your car.