A car’s transmission is vital for how a car accelerates and changes speed, so any defects could not only cause serious damage to the rest of the vehicle’s mechanisms, it could also possibly place you and your passengers in danger. Be aware of the common symptoms of transmission trouble.
Fluid Leaking Out of Engine Bay
Transmission fluid acts as a lubricant for various parts of your motor and it doesn’t “burn off” or dissipate like other vehicle fluids. If your car is low on this fluid, it could result in damage to your vehicle’s transmission. If you notice puddles of a clear, bright red (or sometimes green) fluid, or if you see dipping from underneath the car, chances are good that there is a leak in your transmission system. Make a habit of checking your vehicle’s transmission fluid on a regular basis, it should always be well above the indicated minimum.
Burning Smells While You’re Driving
If you notice a burning smell from underneath your hood while driving, you need to stop and check it out. While it is not always the case, this could indicate a problem with your transmission. Most likely it’s because of problems with your transmission fluid, usually being the incorrect type or not having enough. Regardless, a smoking engine is never a good sign and is a definite indicator that you need to take your car to a mechanic immediately.
Gear Shifting Problems
Whether it’s hard to shift gears or your car will not go into gear at all, the transmission is always the first place you should check. This resistance or refusal to shift could be caused by a variety of transmission issues ranging from not having enough transmission fluid to certain parts dislodging themselves due to extended wear and tear on your vehicle. Regardless of the cause, your best bet is to have a mechanic check under the hood.
Continue reading to learn more about Indications You May Have Transmission Trouble HERE.