Detecting car problems early can cut costs and prevent an accident from occurring. This could also potentially prevent a severe injury, so there’s no reason to avoid taking your car into the shop if you notice anything abnormal about your vehicle. With that in mind, here are signs that it’s time to repair your transmission.
Your Car Struggles When You Switch Gears
If you notice an unusual amount of friction when you change gears while driving, you’re most likely encountering a problem with the transmission. If you use the incorrect type of transmission fluid or don’t have enough in the system, it can result in the gears grinding or shaking. You can prevent this from happening by monitoring your transmission fluid levels, but if the problem is already occurring, seek a professional consultation immediately.
The Smell of Burnt Material Lingers
A telltale sign of an impending catastrophe is the smell of smoke or burning materials. If you notice this smell coming from your car, go to a mechanic shop right away.
This smell can indicate that your transmission is overheating and burning the old fluid inside it. The same advice holds true, whether it’s a manual or automatic transmission.
You Start Hearing Strange Noises Coming From Your Car
Any time you hear new sounds coming from your car, you should be concerned. No matter what type of sound it is, you should know what it means for your car and take the necessary steps to eliminate the noise. For example, noises from under the hood could mean that you need to replace the transmission oil, or one of the parts inside might be experiencing mechanical wear.
Fluid Leaks From the Bottom of Your Car
One of the most obvious examples of trouble with your transmission is when it starts leaking fluid below your vehicle. An effective way to test for this is to leave cardboard or paper underneath your car after parking it.
If you see a wet spot, it most likely means your vehicle is leaking fluid. Let your mechanic know the next time you see a red fluid underneath your car.
Now that you know the signs that it’s time to repair your transmission, you can start driving safely after you fix it.
