With some parts of your car, it’s easy to recognize when repairs are needed. For example, if your brakes aren’t bringing your car to a quick stop, you know that you need new pads or other repairs. If your air conditioning isn’t working, you can immediately tell when it doesn’t blow out cold air. But what about your transmission? It’s not always easy to identify when you need transmission repair, but there are a few signs you can look for.
Look for Leaking Transmission Fluid
One of the easiest ways to tell that something could be wrong with your transmission is if it’s leaking fluid. This fluid is noticeably different from oil or other fluids. It is red in color and smells sweet. Often, you’ll find it under your vehicle in the morning or after it has been parked for a short period of time.
You Smell Something Burning
Smelling something burning usually makes people wonder if there’s something wrong with the heater, but it can be a sign that there’s an issue with the transmission. In fact, this is often a sign that the transmission is close to overheating, which is very dangerous. It can also indicate that your transmission fluid needs to be changed. Old fluid can actually burn, which can also be very dangerous.
You Have Issues Changing or Remaining in Gear
If you have trouble changing gears or if your car slips out of gear, it’s a good indication that the transmission is having issues. When the gears slip, it can be very dangerous, especially if you’re driving fairly fast on the highway. Difficulty switching gears isn’t always an indication of a major problem, but at the very least, it means your transmission fluid is low.
A related issue occurs when your car is in neutral. If you hear odd noises from the transmission while in neutral, it’s definitely a sign that you need to bring your car in as soon as you can. Again, it may simply mean t6hat you need more transmission oil or that the oil needs changed. However, it could also indicate something more serious.
If your vehicle simply will not change gears at all, you certainly need to have it brought in as soon as possible, even if you have to have it towed. There is a very good chance that your transmission needs major repairs or even replaced. The team here at Key Transmission will assist you with all of your transmission repair needs, so contact us today to make an appointment.