Your car’s transmission is one of the most critical parts of your vehicle. Not only does it allow you to shift gears, but it also works as a hydraulic pump that helps transfer power from the engine to your wheels. If your transmission is failing or has already failed, some telltale signs let you know before significant problems start.
Delayed engagement
A sign of a failing transmission is delayed engagement. This means that when you put the vehicle in drive, it will rev up, but there will be a delay before it starts moving. This could be a sign of other problems with your car (ex., battery), so check those before assuming that your vehicle requires transmission repair.
The transmission won’t go into gear.
If your transmission is acting up, there are a few things you can do to figure out what’s going on.
Check the transmission fluid level.
The first step in identifying a problem with your car’s transmission is to make sure that it has enough fluid in it. The recommended amounts vary depending on what type of car and what type of transmission fluid your vehicle uses; consult your owner’s manual for more information about how much each type needs and how often to check it.
Check the fluid colour and condition.
Routinely inspect the colour of your vehicle’s gear oil (also known as automatic transmission fluid). If it looks dark brown or blackish-brown rather than red or reddish-brown, then there may be some problems with internal seals within a gearbox that could lead to failure down the road.
Slipping gears
A worn clutch, low fluid levels or a faulty transmission can cause a slipping gear. A slipping gear means that your vehicle is experiencing difficulty switching gears and may indicate that your transmission needs to be replaced.
Leaking transmission fluid
Transmission fluid is the lifeblood of your transmission. It keeps all the gears in motion and lubricates them to run smoothly. If you are having trouble with a clutch or gear shifting, your transmission likely needs servicing.
If you notice a leak from your vehicle, especially red, brown or black, this may indicate a problem with the transmission itself. Transmission fluid should not be leaking at all; if it does leak out over time–especially without being driven for extended periods–it’s best to have it checked out by a mechanic to fix any issues before they end up costing more money than necessary later on down the road when a transmission repair is needed more urgently due to more significant damage caused from faulty parts within
Grinding or shaking in neutral
To check if your transmission is wearing out, put the car in neutral and make sure it is not moving. You need an excellent surface to work with if the vehicle is moving or turning. Also, ensure that your vehicle is not vibrating or shaking; this could indicate something wrong with your transmission.
Wrapping up
The best way to avoid this situation is by being proactive and having your vehicle checked by a mechanic as soon as you notice any signs of trouble. While it may seem like an expensive repair at first glance, doing so can save you from having even more costly problems down the road when it comes time for another repair job or even replacement parts!
