Common Signs that Your Car Needs Transmission Repair

Apr 4
07:49

2012

Andrew Stratton

Andrew Stratton

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Instead of wondering what that strange noise is under the hood, check out the common signs that your car is in need of some transmission repair. It may be time to see a transmission specialist!

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If you're beginning to think you have a major problem with your car's engine,Common Signs that Your Car Needs Transmission Repair Articles you are probably right. You've been driving this little car for years and all of a sudden it just doesn't sound or feel right. Go see your local mechanic right away! Now, if he thinks there's a problem with the transmission, you'll probably want to take your car to a transmission repair specialist before allowing your mechanic to do any work.

Believe it or not, transmission repair is a specialized field within the automotive industry. The average mechanic must complete at least 144 more hours of schooling and 2,000 hours of hands-on experience installing, repairing, and replacing transmissions before he can even consider taking the test to become certified as a transmission specialist. For this reason, you want a qualified transmission specialist looking at your car if you suspect transmission problems.

Some of the most common problems include the engine light, strange noises, slipping gears, delayed shifting, leaking pinkish fluid, power struggle, and a host of other issues. The transmission connects your car's powerful engine to the driving wheels through a set of gears, so problems of all kinds can happen just about anywhere along the way!

The check engine light can indicate a myriad of problems. You may simply need to have a valve tightened or you may have some serious repairs that need to be done. If the check engine light combines with strange noises - clunking, knocking, screeching, grating, or grinding - you may want a transmission repair specialist to have a look.

If you notice your car takes a while to settle into the new gear you've chosen, or if it seems to take on a mind of its own and shifts into gears that you haven't chosen, it's probably time to see a transmission specialist. The gear shift works directly with the transmission to regulate how much of the engine's power goes to the wheels, so where shifting problems are involved, you can assume the transmission is the problem.

Another probable sign of transmission issues is leaking fluid. A few drops under the car aren't usually a problem; they're just condensation dripping off the engine. But if you find a pinkish puddle of liquid underneath your car in the mornings, take a dipstick and check the level of your transmission fluid. If it's low, you'll definitely need to see a transmission specialist, since transmission fluid typically doesn't leak.

Sometimes a shifting problem called "slippage" occurs where it appears you've engaged the gear but the car refuses to move, no matter how much you rev the engine. It's time to call a tow truck and head to the nearest transmission repair shop!

These are just a few common indications of transmission problems. As the owner, you drive you're car every day and you'll notice if something doesn't sound or feel quite right. Don't hesitate to bring your car in to be looked at by a trusted mechanic or transmission repair specialist. Where cars are concerned, it's definitely better to be safe than sorry!