Top 5 Signs You Need Your Transmission Fixed

Whether you have a manual or automatic car, it’s important to know what to look out for when your car breaks down. Often, it might be a problem with the transmission or clutch – which can prove to be expensive in the long term. Your transmission is essential for shifting gears and it supplies power to the wheels, so the moment that you notice something wrong, it’s vital that you contact a transmission repair shop to take a look at it.

So what are the top five signs that you need your transmission repaired?

1. You can smell a burning odor 

If the moment that you step out of your car you can smell a burning odor, chances are it’s your transmission fluid. Often you will be able to smell this before you even see it. When gears overheat because of excessive friction, it can also cause a burning odor. Either way, if you do smell a burning odor, it’s important to contact a repair shop as soon as possible so that they can identify the problem and fix it quickly. 

   2) You are having problems with shifting gears

Gears are integral to both the transmission and your ability to drive. Any irregularities that are occurring with these, therefore, should be one of the first indications that something is wrong. The top symptoms you should notice are:

• The gears slipping out of place when you are driving
• The car falling out of gear when in motion 
• Sudden movements when you are shifting gears

   3) Grinding gears

If, when you are changing gears you hear a grinding sound (when you have a manual car) or a shimmying between the gears (in automatic cars), it can be a direct indication of either a worn clutch or a broken transmission. As soon as you notice this, get in contact with a repair shop.

  4) The transmission fluid is leaking

If you start to notice red fluid in the place that you have your car parked, it’s a sign that something is wrong. As it continues to leak, it can cause incredible damage to your car – so whether the fluid is cloudy or clear you should contact a mechanic. 

5) It’s making strange noises

Transmission trouble can be spelled out by odd noises, such as a buzzing or whining. The moment that you notice these sounds is the time that you should try and investigate them so that the problem does not progress to an issue that costs you more than it should have.

Whether you have a new car or an older model it can be at risk of a broken transmission. Therefore it’s important that you know how to correctly look after your vehicle, to guarantee that it isn’t costly in repairs in the long term. If you do have to contact a repair shop, it’s a good idea to look at reviews of each shop, alongside the prices to ensure that you are getting the best possible service.