Nobody wants to deal with transmission issues. Not only can it leave you stranded on the side of the road; it can also cost a pretty penny to fix. Integrity Auto Repair recommends preventative maintenance to avoid problems with your vehicle’s transmission. Also, have your transmission inspected as soon as possible if you notice any of the following five signs that are indicative of transmission problems.
Leaks
You may have a transmission leak if you see red fluid on your garage floor. Transmission fluid can leak from the bell housing, gaskets, seals, transmission pan, driveshaft or your vehicle’s undercarriage. Driving with low transmission oil can damage crucial parts, so it’s best to have the leak fixed right away.
Low Fluid
It’s important to check the transmission fluid level regularly. The only problem is you may not be able to do it. The transmission fluid dipstick is underneath the vehicle, so make sure to have the levels checked when your car is in the shop. Low fluid without a leak means your engine is burning transmission oil.
Smells
One sign your engine is burning the transmission oil is a strange smell. You shouldn’t smell your transmission fluid at all, but if you do, it will smell a little sweet or tart depending on the fluid itself. If you notice that kind of smell or any kind of burning smell, drive to an auto repair shop right away.
Sounds
Whether you drive a vehicle with an automatic or manual transmission, you should never hear any grinding, squealing or screeching sounds when in neutral or in gear. Buzzes, hums or whines – especially when the car, SUV or truck is in neutral – means something is going wrong with the transmission.
Odd Movement
Automobile engineering is an almost perfect science and your vehicle’s transmission is designed to switch seamlessly between gears. If your automobile suddenly begins to hesitate or lurch from a stop, if it jerks during shifts, or if it slips out of gear, you have something wrong with your transmission.
Finally, your vehicle is equipped with an onboard computer that will shine a warning light on the dashboard if something is wrong. For transmission issues, it’s usually the check engine light, so bring your car into Integrity Auto Repair right away for a diagnostic check. We are located in Eugene, OR, and you can call us to set up an appointment for a transmission inspection.
