We can continue the debate over whether driving a car with an automatic transmission is driving. For the purposes of this post, and the fact that the vast majority of cars on the road today are automatic transmissions, let’s say it is. It is true that transmissions on automatic cars wear out faster and have more problems than manual transmissions. Fortunately, there are some very obvious signs that your transmission is about to have serious problems. If you listen to your car and get it looked at promptly after you see, hear, or smell something wrong, you may be able to save a few bucks in the cost of the repair as opposed to when the transmission completely breaks down.
Here are some warning signs that your transmission requires repair.
Your car does not change gears smoothly or at all.
As you accelerate, you will notice that the RPM will rise, then fall, then rise again and again. This happens when your transmission shifts gears; if everything works well, those shifts will be completely seamless. Rough shifting between gears is a sign that something serious is wrong.
You Smell Something Burning
Anytime you smell something burning, you must bring your care in immediately. A burning smell is never good. If you are attuned to the different oils and what they smell like, you can tell if the burning you smell is coming from your transmission. Regardless, what it is at the moment is irrelevant when it comes to a burning smell. Get the car into our shop immediately.
Strange Noises
Just like burning smells, unusual noises are never good, and you should bring your car in as soon as you hear noises. If you hear strange noises when your car is trying to shift, it is a sign that your transmission is on its way out.
Leaking Fluids
There are several types of fluids in the care, and none should be leaking. The only time you should see fluid under a car is from the condensation from an air conditioner. If you are parked on a street, and you can’t tell what the fluid is that is leaking, put a box or an old sheet under your car so you can see what color it is. The transmission fluid is dark red.
Slipping Gears
Rough shifting is one thing, but slipping gears is another. Slipping gears is when it feels like your car is shifting into the wrong gear before settling into the right one. Slipping gears can make the car feel like you driving on ice or it can feel like you are temporarily losing all power before the transmission settles back into gear.
Check Engine Light
While the Check Engine is not specific to any one system, you should have the codes checked as soon as you see the check engine light come on. If you have any of the above issues along with a check engine light, it would be fair to say the codes you have will probably point back to the transmission.
If you have any questions or concerns about your transmission, don’t hesitate to bring your car to Sonny’s Auto Repair Service.
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