A transmission that needs to be repaired is not always as apparent as other more obvious repairs like a flat tire or broken windshield. You have to know the signs that your car needs a transmission repair to ensure you get it into your Wichita service center before your car completely stops running.
You Hear a Grinding Noise When You Shift Gears
Your car's gears are a major part of your transmission, so if you hear a grinding sound when you shift gears, you probably need to at least have your transmission fluid level checked. When there's not enough fluid in the transmission, your gears are not lubricated, so they'll make a grinding sound when they move against each other. If you wait too long, your gears will wear down to the point where they'll need to be replaced.
You Notice a Delay in Shifting
This is more of an indication of a transmission problem when you have an automatic transmission because a manual transmission will usually shift when you put the gear shift into position. In an automatic transmission, you might notice that the engine revs much higher than it should before shifting gears. This is known as delayed shifting and can indicate that your transmission is not functioning properly, as gears should shift smoothly at the proper RPMs.
You Notice Your Car Is Slipping Gears
Another potential sign of a transmission issue is if your car slips out of gear while you're driving. Not only is this annoying for you as a driver, but it can also be potentially dangerous if you're traveling along at a high speed when your car drops a gear without any input from you. If your gears are slipping, get your car to a service center right away so that your transmission can be inspected and repaired if necessary.
You Smell a Burnt Odor
Of course, a burning smell while you're driving is never a good sign, but for a failing transmission, it could be catastrophic. Your clutch could be burning up, or the transmission fluid could be leaking onto hot engine parts and causing the smell. Either way, you should always get a burning smell checked out so that you can make sure your car is safe to drive.
You See a Puddle of Red Fluid Under Your Car
A puddle of red, sweet-smelling fluid under your car is an indication of a leaking transmission. The less transmission fluid you have in your vehicle, the harder it is on your internal components like gears, which will start to wear against each other without the lubrication the fluid provides. The leak could be from a hose or it could be from the transmission itself. Have a qualified technician check it out to determine the right repair.
The Check Engine Light Comes On
Never put off a visit to the service center if your check engine light comes on. While this is not always an indication of a failing transmission, it will illuminate if the transmission is the problem. In any case, the technician will thoroughly inspect your car to find out why the light came on and how to fix it. Your car won't be able to drive forward or backward if your transmission completely fails. If you notice any of these signs, come by our service department here at Medford Motors Inc. today to get your transmission inspected and repaired.
