Your car’s transmission is one of the most important parts of your vehicle. It’s responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels, and it helps your car change gears. Transmissions are tough, but they’re not indestructible. Over time, they can wear down and start to have problems.
How can you tell if your transmission is starting to go? Here are five signs to watch out for.
Grinding or Shaking
One of the most common signs that your car’s transmission is having problems is grinding or shaking. If you feel regular shaking when you’re driving, or if your car starts to make a grinding noise when you shift gears, it’s time to take it to a mechanic, like those at Elite Automotive. These could be signs that your transmission is wearing out and needs to be repaired or replaced.
Burning Smell
Another sign that something is wrong with your transmission is a burning smell coming from under the hood of your car. This could mean that there are leaks in your transmission fluid line, or that the fluid itself is low or dirty. Either way, it’s a good idea to have a professional take a look at it as soon as possible.
Slipping Gears
If you notice that your car seems to slip out of gear while you’re driving, or if it takes longer than usual for it to shift gears, there could be a problem with your car’s transmission. This is often caused by low transmission fluid levels, so be sure to check your fluid levels and top them off if necessary. You may also need to have your transmission flushed and refilled if the problem persists.
Leaking Fluid
One of the most obvious signs that something is wrong with your transmission is leaking fluid. If you notice a reddish-brown fluid leaking from under your car, chances are its transmission fluid. Low levels of transmission fluid can cause all sorts of problems, so be sure to top it off as soon as possible if you notice any leaks.
Check Engine Light
If the check engine light on your dash comes on, there could be a problem with your transmission (among other things). The best way to determine what’s causing the light to come on is to take it to a mechanic and have them run a diagnostic test. They’ll be able to tell you whether or not there’s an issue with your transmission (or something else entirely).
If you notice any of these five signs while driving, it’s time to take your car in for some maintenance. Chances are, there’s an issue with your transmission that needs to be fixed before it gets worse—and more expensive! Be sure to bring your car to a reputable mechanic who specializes in transmissions so they can properly diagnose and fix the problem.
More from auto: Don’t Try to Fix Your Car Yourself: Why Car Repairs Are Best Left to Professionals
Author: Lizzie Weakley
Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball.
