Of all the car parts that transfer power from the engine to the wheels, your transmission is arguably one of the most fundamental. When something goes wrong with your transmission, your vehicle simply can’t operate the way it’s supposed to. Fortunately, most transmission problems can be solved inexpensively if you act quickly.
How to Identify Whether Your Transmission Has Problems
Be wiser and more attentive to changes in car performance. Common signs that something may be wrong with the transmission include:
- Slipping Gears: If your car suddenly changes gears without your interference or is incapable of holding a gear, then this is definitely due to transmission failure.
- Delayed Shifting: When the car experiences some problem in shifting and usually does it with a bit of hesitation, or it produces a noticeable loud clunk, that may be something wrong with the internal transmission.
- Warning Lights: Most modern-day vehicles have a system wherein a transmission warning shows up on the dashboard with your other lights. Again, it does not hurt if it does make an appearance to get a transmission checked out by a regular professional mechanic as soon and promptly as possible.
- Unusual Noises: Grinding, whining, or clunking noises are usually indicative of the problems a transmission may have.
- Fluid Leaks: Transmission fluid is not supposed to leak out of the system. If you have a reddish or brownish puddle under your vehicle, you could have a transmission fluid leak.
Common Transmission Issues
There are several common transmission problems that we often encounter in our auto repair shop, including:
Low/Dirty Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid lubricates the moving parts in your transmission. Over time, this fluid can drain or contaminate, causing overheating and poor transmission performance. A simple change of fluid can usually do the trick.
Worn-out Clutch
In any ordinary manual-transmission car, the clutch gets worn out with time. Besides increasing difficulty in changing gears in a worn-out clutch condition, it is bound to cause slipping or grinding no sounds. Regular checking and better care of the clutch would help anyone escape this problem.
Faulty Solenoids
The solenoids in your vehicle’s transmission regulate the flow of fluid. When they fail, the transmission may operate erratically or completely lose its operation.
Gears or Bands Damaged
Heavy use can wear or damage transmission gears or bands. Replacing these components can restore your vehicle’s shifting capabilities.
Overheating
Overheating causes many transmission failures. Excessive heat inside drastically damages parts and can lead to complete failure of the transmission. Common problems that would cause such disasters are too low a fluid level in those transmissions or their weakening radiators.
Get Your Transmission Checked Today At M & R Auto!
Don’t wait until your transmission problems get worse. In case any of the above signs pop up, don’t hesitate to take your car to M & R Auto in Belmont, CA, for a comprehensive checkup. Our experts will ensure that your car’s transmission is running well and at full potential, saving you from future expensive repairs. Call us now to schedule your appointment and keep your car in prime condition!