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7 Telltale Signs That Your Car Has Transmission Problems

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a man looking under the hood of his car on the side of the road

Your car’s transmission is one of its most important systems. The transmission regulates how the power generated in the engine is distributed to the wheels, affecting speed, safety, and more. It’s a complex system, and it needs to be working at 100% for your car to be in truly good shape.

Transmission repairs have a reputation for being particularly expensive, and they certainly can be—especially if a full replacement is required. But when problems are caught and addressed early, catastrophic damage can be avoided.

How do you know if your car’s transmission needs service? Be on the lookout for these telltale signs, and if you notice any bring your car in for service immediately.

Leaking Transmission Fluid

Have you noticed any unusual drips where you usually park your car? Is the liquid red in color, and sweet or tart smelling to the taste or smell? If so, you’re leaking transmission fluid, and should bring your car in for a diagnostic immediately.

Low fluid can mean bad things for a car’s transmission in short order. Possible causes for leaking transmission fluid can include worn seals or gaskets, a loose transmission pan, and more.

car dashboard closeup

Burning Smell

If you smell a faint burning odor while driving, something’s not right. If it smells like transmission fluid (slightly sweet and tart, remember?), odds are that’s the culprit.

Addressing this issue might just be as simple as a transmission fluid exchange, but it needs to happen as soon as possible, before the damage can get worse.

Strange Noises

If you hear whining, grinding, clunking, grinding, buzzing, or humming sound when shifting, there’s probably something amiss.

Try to take note of when the noise occurs (when accelerating, decelerating, braking, et cetera), how often it occurs, where it sounds like it’s coming from, and any other details you can. Have those observations on hand when you bring your car in for service—it will help the mechanic make a speedy and accurate diagnosis.

Poor Shifting

Whether your car has an automatic transmission or a manual transmission, you should be able to tell whether your car is shifting properly or not.

In a manual transmission car, you’ll notice that shifting is difficult due to a dragging clutch (clutch that doesn’t disengage properly). In an automatic transmission car you may just notice slow, jerky, or unusually loud shifting.

Stalling

Maybe the most blatant example of poor shifting, stalling is when your car stops running completely. This usually occurs at a stop sign or red light, and can be a sign of a transmission in need of service.

Dirty Fluid Color

Many vehicles have a dipstick to check transmission fluid similar to the one for engine oil. If yours has one, check the transmission fluid from time to time. It should have a distinct red color. If it appears more brown or even black in color, it’s too dirty and needs to be changed.

Check Engine Light

There are plenty of reasons why your check engine light might come on—some of them have to do with your transmission. If your check engine light engages and you’ve noticed any of the symptoms above, that’s a sure sign that the problem is most likely rooted in the transmission. Have it diagnosed as soon as possible!

check engine light

Need Transmission Service in Connecticut? Visit Tire Country of Enfield

If you’re in Enfield, Somers, Ellington, or surrounding Connecticut communities, and you think your car needs transmission service, bring it to Tire Country of Enfield today.

A full-service auto repair shop, Tire Country offers transmission diagnostics, repairs, and more for automatic and manual transmission vehicles.

Get in touch today to learn more or make an appointment for service

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