Whether you are driving a vehicle with a manual or an automatic transmission, you want to make sure you are doing to part to maintain this critical system over the lifetime of the vehicle. If you’ve got a problem with your heart and chest pains, you’ll get yourself to a doctor right away… You should treat any transmission trouble with that same level of urgency. Many drivers don’t realize that replacing a transmission can cost more than the engine, which is why identifying warning signs is all the more important. Don’t get yourself in bind because you’ve put off a visit to the mechanic. If you notice any of the following symptoms, schedule an appointment today.
Experiencing one or more of the following signs lets you know there is something going on with your transmission. Noticing these indicators early on and taking quick action may end up saving you a small fortune over time. If any of the items listed pertains to your vehicle, don’t keep waiting to see what happens next!
One of the most important signs of a problem with your car is when the check engine light is active. Since the indicator could point to any sort of issue, it is easy to ignore it and assume your car is fine. You don’t need to be an expert code breaker to understand what the dashboard lights mean, and you shouldn’t be quick to assume the engine is fine. Your car’s onboard computer system is very sensitive to changes in engine performance and when things become less efficient, the light is alerting you to change. While it is possible to have a faulty sensor, AAMCO Colorado can check what error codes are associated with the light, and help you determine next steps.
Transmission fluid is required to ensure your transmission is able to perform it’s job properly. There is no engine fluid that should ever be leaking from your vehicle, so a leak is a great reason to be concerned. Transmission fluid is red, so watch for red liquid on the floor of your garage or on the ground where you usually park. Whether you’ve spotted a leak or not, transmission fluid should be changed 30,000 – 60,000 miles to avoid clogs and associated issues.
Transmissions, particularly of the automatic variety, should operate smoothly when shifting gears. You shouldn’t notice any grinding, squeaking, shaking, or hiccup sensations as your transmission shifts. These small changes in performance often precede more noticeable and severe damage. Once you take note of these changes, they will quickly escalate and become worse and worse. Get your vehicle to an expert transmission mechanic immediately for repairs.
Your vehicle should never smell like there is something burning or melting somewhere under the hood. One of the most common causes of a burning smell from the transmission is when the fluid is overheated. This fluid is vital to making sure each and every piece of your transmission is well lubricated and able to perform its job properly, but with age, mileage, and time, the fluid’s ability to move and lubricate is diminished. This results in friction, which inevitably leads to buildup of debris and sludge, eventually leading to a total breakdown.
