Transmission Replacement: Signs Of Trouble

Transmission replacement is never going to be cheap. Even if you go to the best mechanic in town—one who might owe you a favor—you’re not going to escape this scenario without shelling out some serious dough. Because of this, people like to pretend nothing is wrong, putting off repairs or even inspection until the last minute. Cars don’t fix themselves, however. And the longer you let a problem go, the better the chances are that you will run into more expensive problems down the line. For best results, turn down your radio once in a while and listen to what your car is telling you. It could be the best thing you ever did.

Any doctor will tell you that you should learn to listen to your body. Your body will tell you when it is hungry, when it has had enough, when it needs sleep, and more. Those who are in tune with what their bodies are crying out for are far more likely to lead healthy lives. The same is true for those people who know what their cars are crying out for. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to learn a bit about car mechanics. It just takes a willingness to learn. You don’t need to know how to carry out a transmission replacement to know how to identify a problem.

One aspect of car maintenance that any owner should be aware of is checking for leaks. This doesn’t need to be a complex process. It just means checking underneath your car from time to time. You don’t even need to get down on your hands and knees. Simply pull your car out and observe the ground. Do you see fresh puddles or stains? What color are they? If you see red stains, you are likely looking at transmission fluid. Now, just because you have a fluid leak doesn’t necessarily mean you need to seek transmission replacement. Still, a rebuild or reseal may be needed, so don’t hesitate to take your car in for inspection.

Pay close attention to the feedback your car is giving you while in traffic. Common signs of impending transmission replacement or repair include vibrations when the driver is shifting into another gear. You may even be able to notice these vibrations in an automatic. Also pay attention to how the car shifts. Does it move quickly and smoothly into the next gear, or is there a pause? How far does the needle climb into the redline before the shift is made? These are important considerations and you’ll only know if there’s something to be concerned about if you’ve been paying attention to how your car normally operates.