Figuring out if your car has a problem can be difficult, especially if you’re unsure where to look. Sometimes you might get some signs that there’s something wrong, perhaps in the form of strange noises, but that’s not always the case, so you’re left to try and see what exactly is wrong – and decide whether or not you need to take the car to a mechanic.
The transmission of your car is a complex mechanical system that controls the power from the engine to the gearbox. It starts to wear over time, mainly because of the interaction between the many moving parts of the car. Knowing if your transmission needs to be fixed might not be a straightforward answer, but you may want to stay alert to some of these clues:
Problems With Shifting Gears
When you’re trying to shift gears you may have run into the same problem a few times. Either it takes a while for the car to finally shift gears or it doesn’t change at all, which definitely means there’s something wrong. If the gear you chose slips into another one for no apparent reason, the problem may lie with the gearbox itself, although it can be a symptom with the transmission, so it needs to be checked out.
If you happen to get the scent of burning transmission fluid, the transmission is overheating for some reason, which is another problem that needs immediate attention.
Grinding
If you hear noises that sound like something grinding, the gears or the transmission might be at fault. The car should run smoothly without any shaking or grinding, but if you’re having issues every time you shift gears, it could be a clue to a bigger problem. The clutch might need to be fixed but, in general, if there’s a grinding noise when you change gears, the issue might be related to the transmission.
Fluid Leak
If you see fluid on the ground after you park the car, whether it’s a clear or cloudy liquid, you’ll want to get professionals to check out the car. The transmission is a sealed system, so there shouldn’t be any leaks. If there are, take a look at the colour. Transmission fluid tends to be red or dark brown, so check to see if that’s what you’re finding under the car.
Problems with the transmission can be fixed if caught in time, so don’t hesitate to get your car into a repair shop as soon as you find it. If you have questions about this issue, or about what we do, feel free to send us a message or call us on 01458 834 930.