Your transmission distributes power from your vehicle’s engine to its driveshaft and suffers more deterioration over time than any other part of your car or truck. Its moving parts interact with other parts causing them to wear down from the heat and friction of everyday usage and require professional repair, which we can provide at Havoline Xpress Lube.
According to the Transmission Repair Guide website, there are some common problems you should recognize as symptoms that your car requires transmission repair.
Common Transmission Problems
Response Hesitation – If you feel your car falter or fail to go into gear, something is wrong with the transmission. Maybe you see the RPMs increase but your vehicle isn’t moving the way it should. A professional needs to check.
Odd Sounds – Whether you think it sounds like whining or clunking, if your transmission has a sound that is new and different, it needs attention. Have a mechanic investigate a humming or buzzing sound, or especially a clunking noise, and make repairs.
Fluid Leaks – This is the easiest problem to spot and needs fixing immediately. If this lubricant gets too low, or leaks out altogether, your engine will be ruined. Transmission fluid should be red and smell sweet; if this is what you see, you have a hole to plug. If the fluid is dark or smells burnt, you need a flush and fill and may require some repairs.
Jerking Motion – Your vehicle is supposed to run smoothly. If you feel shakes or hear grinding, something could be wrong with the gears. Also, pay attention if you have to wiggle the engine into gear. It’s better to get it checked out than to risk serious damage.
Burning Odor – Overheating, which will generate the smell of something burning, signals the need for an immediate check-up. If your transmission system is running hot your parts could wear down and abrasive debris could build up.
Gear Won’t Shift – If you’re having trouble shifting gears, it could be caused by a low fluid level or an incorrect type of fluid. But, it could also be caused by a clutch linkage or shift cables that need attention, or even your computer system. A mechanic will give you a professional repair.
Check Engine Light – This little device indicates trouble that could require immediate repair. Whether the issue is in your transmission or not, something important is wrong somewhere and a professional needs to identify it.
Noisy in Neutral – If your transmission thumps or knocks while in neutral, the repair could be simple (like adding fluid) or more complex like needing new parts.
Slipping Gears – Your car or truck should stay in the selected gear until you (or the computer) change it and not be popping out or sliding into neutral. This is a serious safety issue and must be fixed immediately.
Regular maintenance, such as we provide at Havoline Xpress Lube, will unearth problems like these. Our experienced mechanics can repair small issues before they become huge, expensive problems.
