The transmission is one of the most important parts of your car, and yet it’s often one of the most neglected. Your transmission is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels, and if it’s not functioning properly, it can cause all sorts of problems. If you’re experiencing any of the following 9 symptoms, it’s time to bring your car to a transmission shop near you.
9 Common Transmission Problems Every Car Owner Should Know About
1. Shifting problems
One of the most common signs that something is wrong with your transmission is shifting problems. If your car is having trouble shifting gears, slipping out of gear, or shifting into the wrong gear, there’s a good chance that there’s an issue with your transmission.
2. Loud noises
Another symptom to be aware of is loud noises coming from under the hood of your car. If you hear grinding, whining, or humming noises when you’re driving, it could be a sign that your transmission needs to be repaired or replaced.
3. Leaking fluid
Another symptom to watch out for is leaking fluid. Transmission fluid is typically red in color, so if you notice a red fluid leak under your car, it’s likely that it’s transmission fluid.
4. Check engine light is on
If your check engine light is on, it could be due to a problem with your transmission. It’s important to bring your car in for diagnostics as soon as possible so that the problem can be addressed before it leads to more serious issues.
5. Problems with steering or braking
If you’re having difficulty steering or braking, it could be due to a problem with your transmission. These are both safety issues that should be addressed immediately by a qualified technician.
6. Gears feel “tired”
If gears feel “tired” this means they have less power and are not working as efficiently as they used to. This decreased efficiency will only worsen over time so it’s best practice to bring in your vehicle when first noticing this sign .
7. Partial engage
This means that the transmission is not engaging properly, and the car will start to move forward even if the gear lever is in neutral. Another symptom is a delay in engagement. This happens when you put the car into drive or reverse, and there is a delay before the car starts to move. Transmission issues can be frustrating and dangerous, so it’s important to be aware of the symptoms and take your car to a mechanic if you notice any problems.
8. Harsh engagement
Harsh engagement is when the transmission is banging into the gear. This can be caused by several things, including low fluid levels, worn clutches, or a faulty pressure plate. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to have your transmission checked by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. Left unchecked, engagement issues can lead to more serious problems such as transmission failure.
9. Burning smell
One potential issue that may arise with your car is a burning smell coming from the transmission. This could be caused by a few different things, but it is important to get it checked out as soon as possible as it could be indicative of a serious problem. One potential cause of the burning smell is that the transmission fluid is low or needs to be changed. Another possibility is that there is something caught in the gears and causing them to grind together, which would also produce a burning smell. In either case, it is important to take your car to a mechanic to have the problem diagnosed and fixed. Continuing to drive with a burning transmission can cause irreparable damage and may even lead to a complete failure of the transmission.
Transmission Shop Near You in Federal Way, WA
Never ignore even the smallest problems with your vehicle’s transmission. They usually lead to bigger, more expensive ones down the road. If you experience any of these symptoms, immediately bring your car to a transmission shop near you. Here at Mechanic Northwest, we can help you find and fix the problem before it becomes a huge headache (and bill). Schedule an appointment online or visit our auto repair shop today.