Every car owner knows that regular maintenance and repair are necessary for their vehicle’s longevity. But when it comes to transmission troubles, the signs of trouble can be hard to spot before it’s too late. If your transmission isn’t functioning properly, you may find yourself in a tricky situation. You don’t want to wait too long and end up with costly problems, but you also don’t want to take your car in for repairs if it doesn’t need them. So how can you tell when it’s time to take your vehicle in? Let’s discuss some of the common warning signs that indicate transmission problems.
Delayed or Slipping Gear Shifts
If the gears in your vehicle are taking longer than usual to shift or slipping out of gear altogether, this could be an indication of a problem with your transmission. This often happens as a result of low levels of transmission fluid or worn-out components within the system, both of which can cause gears to slip or fail completely. If you notice this happening while driving, it is important that you have a mechanic inspect your vehicle as soon as possible.
Noisy Gear Shifts
Another sign that there might be something wrong with your transmission is unusual noises during shifts. If you hear strange noises coming from under the hood while shifting gears—clicking, grinding, buzzing, etc.—it is usually a sign that something is awry in the transmission system and should not be ignored. Have a professional look at it right away so they can diagnose what exactly is causing the noise and make repairs if needed.
Fluid Leaks
Transmission fluid leaks are another potential sign of trouble with your vehicle’s transmission system. A leaky seal or gasket can cause fluid to drip from underneath the hood onto the pavement below. The color of the fluid will help determine where exactly it’s coming from; red fluid typically indicates a problem with the transmission system whereas other colors may point toward issues elsewhere in the engine compartment.
While these are only three signs that something might be wrong with your vehicle’s transmission system, they are all good indicators that it’s time to take your car into a mechanic for an inspection and possible repair. If you notice any changes in how things sound or feel when shifting gears, pay attention and consider having it looked at by a professional before things get worse. Taking preventive measures now could save you money and hassle down the road.