Transmission Repair Diagnostic Tips For The Layman

Transmission repair is one of the most expensive and time consuming of all auto work. To further complicate matters, if you have little knowledge about cars, there is a likely chance that you may be given an inflated cost estimate or be pressured into unnecessary repairs. One way to protect yourself from money-hungry mechanics is to learn how to diagnose some common problems. While you may not get it right every time, you'll prove to the auto shop that you're no slacker when it comes to car knowledge, and that they won't be able to easily rip you off.

Like most car components, transmissions require fluid in order to run properly. Contaminates and leaks can have a great impact on your car's performance and over time will cause further damage. Fluid should be translucent red and most people will be able to notice a slight sweet smell when close to it. It can become burnt, in which case it will turn a dark color and the smell will be off. The fluid also doesn't deplete over time like oil does, so low levels will signify a leak in the system. Puddles of the fluid should also be visible underneath a car that has been parked for a while. Low level of fluids will cause increased wear, and eventually the car will stop running. Burnt fluid can be the result of an overworked car, and replacement is an inexpensive and easy solution.

Transmission repair is usually required for certain unusual noises which will vary greatly among car makes and models. It could be a hum, clunk, or whine. These problems can be difficult to pin down, because there are several other components such as the brakes that could also be creating the sound. And noise doesn't necessarily mean a problem, sometimes noises just happen. A good rule of thumb is that if it gets increasingly louder or is accompanied by grinding or shaking it is likely an issue with the gears. When you visit your mechanic, have them drive along with you so you can point out the exact sound that concerns you.

Sudden poor performance, difficulty switching gears, or bad starts are signs that you may need transmission repair or more likely, replacement. If you're lucky the problem may only be the clutch. Correctly diagnosing the exact issue can be very hard, even for a trained mechanic. In these cases, it will be in your best interest to receive multiple estimates. Pay attention closely to their diagnoses as well. There may be some significant variations in suggested work.

The cost to rebuild is usually very expensive, and can be several thousands of dollars, and may take several days of work to fix. If you have an older car, it is sometimes cheaper to just buy a new one rather than invest in one that is falling apart. Some mechanics will offer used parts as replacements, which can save you money, but this is less reliable than buying new. Carefully weigh your options before committing to any repairs.