The dreaded transmission repair. No car owner wants to ever hear that their transmission is failing, meaning a costly repair is in their future just to keep their car running. Keeping up with regular transmission maintenance can help keep this scenario at bay, but it’s still a good idea to pay attention for any signs you should schedule a transmission service anyway. Some symptoms of transmission failure may show up early enough to prevent some of the most expensive transmission repairs if you pay attention and have them addressed by a mechanic.
While transmission failure can show up as difficulty shifting into any gear, one of the earliest signs can be specific to shifting into and out of reverse. If you start to have trouble changing gears, whether you drive a manual or an automatic transmission, the first thing you can try is to add more transmission fluid or have a mechanic do a transmission fluid flush. That way, if old or low transmission fluid is to blame, it should solve the problem. If not, you know you may have a bigger repair on your hands.
The reason difficulty shifting can show up first around reverse is because it’s hardest on your transmission. Shifting from reverse into drive or vice versa involves a complete reversal of direction, which can be tough on your transmission. If parts are wearing out, it will make that transition even harder before other gears become difficult.
Of course, any time you smell burning while your engine is running is cause for concern and should be checked by a mechanic. However, it can be an early warning signal that you could have transmission failure. What it could mean with your transmission is that your transmission fluid is way too old and has started burning. This is more likely to be an issue with older, high-mileage cars but if you don’t keep up with transmission maintenance as you should, it could happen.
One way to check on your transmission fluid is to keep an eye out for any leaks under your car. Just like engine oil, your transmission fluid may leak and form puddles under your parked car. Since any leaking fluid is concerning with cars, you should get your car to a mechanic no matter what so they can find the source of the leak and repair it.
No strange noise from your car is a good sign. However, depending on when you hear it and where it’s coming from, it can signal different problems. If you notice your car is noisier than usual while in neutral, it can signal a problem with your transmission. More specifically, like the other symptoms we’ve talked about already, it’s a sign that you should check your transmission fluid to prevent full transmission failure. When transmission fluid becomes too old and contaminated or too low, it can cause your transmission to make some strange noises.
If your transmission is to blame for the weird noises you’re hearing, they could also be accompanied by more revving of your engine than normal. Watch your RPM and pay attention to whether the needle is pumping or if it’s higher than it usually is while idling. If you notice a difference in your RPM or loud revving while idling, be sure to let your mechanic know so it can be addressed during your transmission service appointment.
No matter what symptoms you’re noticing with your car, transmission failure is no joke. Schedule a transmission repair with AAMCO Utah today if you’re noticing signs that could point to transmission trouble. Our mechanics are transmission experts who can find any underlying problem and repair it so that you feel safe driving away again. And if your symptoms have escalated so much that you’re not comfortable driving your car to the nearest location, give us a call and we’ll set up a free towing service to keep you and your car safe.
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The post Three Early Signs of Transmission Failure first appeared on AAMCO Utah Transmission Repair and General Car Repair.
