Transmission Repair: Signs of a Bad Transmission
A transmission repair tends to be one of the most daunting repairs for many of our customers. Once a transmission starts to fail, the clock starts ticking. It’s important to get it checked out fast, as transmission issues can escalate quickly, affecting connected parts of the engine or leaving you broken down on the side of the road. Luckily, there are a few early symptoms to watch out for.
What are signs of a bad transmission?
A bad transmission is easy to diagnose if you know the signs. The most common are:
- Slipping transmission: You might notice it takes a while for the gear to “catch” when you shift into drive or reverse. This delayed reaction, or delayed engagement, is a very early sign that something is wrong.
- Strange smells: You might notice strange smells when you change gears. This often happens when there’s a transmission fluid leak and the fluid is burning on surrounding parts of the engine as it heats up.
- Transmission Fluid Leak: If you notice transmission fluid in your driveway, even if it is a small amount, you should get the leak examined and repaired as soon as possible. If left unaddressed, the problem will get worse over time, put your engine under unnecessary stress, and eventually causing your transmission to fail completely.
- Rough shifts: Shifting gears will be noticeably difficult. You might also hear rough grinding or clunking sounds when you change gears.
- Transmission warning light: This one tends to be most obvious. If the warning light comes on the problem is pretty serious.
When should I come in for a transmission repair?
The short answer is: right away. A small problem is easier to fix than a big one, and transmissions tend to fail fast, so getting your car serviced in a timely manner is important. That said, every vehicle is different. Don’t be afraid to talk with your mechanic about your options. Can you can, realistically, get a few thousand miles in before you really need service? Would that cause additional damage? Would it be worth it? After looking at the problem, a trained technician will be able to answer all of your questions with a quick conversation or phone call, and help you decide the best plan of action.
At V&F
Driving with a failing transmission can cause catastrophic damage to your engine– and leave you in a tight spot if it conks out on the road. As soon as you notice your car is leaking transmission fluid or experiencing trouble, you should contact a certified mechanic for a transmission repair. The faster you get it fixed, the fewer problems you will have with your vehicle in the future.
Transmissions are notorious for being misdiagnosed, so avoid any trial-and-error service methods. At V&F, we offer transmission repair, rebuild, or replacement for when a simple transmission flush or maintenance service doesn’t solve the issue. Call us at (413)314-2280 or schedule an appointment online.