Signs Your Transmission Needs Work

Is Your Transmission In Need of Service?

What You Should Be Looking For

Whenever you shift from reverse into drive, you can thank the transmission system for making it smooth and seamless. Without the system, power wouldn’t be directed into the wheels, and you couldn’t move forward or backward. The only way to move would be to find a nice downhill slope…or by going Fred Flintstone on your car (both of which are less than ideal!).

That’s why it’s so important to stay on top of the transmission’s health, and a great way to do that is to have it routinely serviced. But sometimes the transmission may experience issues between services. At that point, what can you do? Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do unless you take it to a professional, but what you can do is look for common signs of wear-and-tear and failure. Doing this will allow you to prevent a small issue from turning into a big problem, which could save you hundreds of dollars. So if you suspect issues with your car’s transmission, here’s what you should look out for:

• Low Transmission Fluid: transmission fluid and motor oil are similar in that they both help keep the major systems they’re flowing through — the transmission and engine — clean and lubricated. But where they differ is in consumption, as transmission fluid is never burnt up or consumed. Ideally, you shouldn’t ever have to worry about low fluid levels, and if you do, that’s a sign you’re dealing with a leak. Make sure to check underneath the car and under the hood. If you see a pinkish, sweet-smelling fluid in any of these locations, that lets you know you’re dealing with a leak.
• Rough Transitions: whenever you shift gears, it should be simple, smooth, and easy. That’s the beauty of a well-working transmission system, and anything other than that should quickly let you know that something is wrong. Pay attention to any sudden jolts forward, delayed responses, or your car falling out of gear. Any of these signs should let you know something is wrong with the transmission.

Dealing with transmission trouble is never fun, but it can be a lot more manageable with proactive action. If you sense something is wrong with your car’s transmission, opt for service with the Transmission Technicians! Our shop in North Massapequa, New York, can get your transmission operating properly and ensure you continue to drive with the control and precision you expect.