Transmission Problems – Signs and Symptoms
Does your car have problems? If so, keep reading…
A car is a complex machine, just like the human body. And it’ll break down over time, especially if you don’t maintain it well…So you’ve got to regularly maintain your car’s health, just like you maintain your physique. And today, we’ll help you with that.We’ll show you how to identify transmission problems with your car, and how to fix them!
Bad Transmission Symptoms of Malfunctioning
The two basic symptoms are lack of shifting and whining at the back of your car.They’re both obvious, and both usually occur on-road (making them quite dangerous).So if you do notice those transmission symptoms, make sure you take your car for a checkup. Otherwise, you risk getting stuck without a paddle shift!Should You Drive With Bad Transmission?
Vehicles with malfunctioning transmission shouldn’t be driven for whatever reason. You risk putting your safety at risk, especially when driving at high speeds.A vehicle with malfunctioning transmission can spontaneously shift gears mid-drive. And this can cause your car to swap into a gear inappropriate for the speed you’re at, leading to a harsh kick – thus an accident.And if kicks don’t cause a collision, they’ll surely cause engine damage – leading to a fully malfunctioning transmission. With that, you might end up replacing the full transmission equipment, costing you a lot financially.
Does Transmission Failure Have Signs?
Yes it does.When your transmission starts to slip, we recommend an immediate checkup. You have to fix the transmission problems before they escalate to a total malfunction – which can happen soon afterwards, leaving you on the side of the road.So what should you look for? Check out the list below, and we’ll mention a few symptoms of blown transmissions!The 5 Signs of transmission problems
1.Transmission Slips
With automatic transmission vehicles, the car may feel like it’s shifting too soon or too late. Also, it may sometimes shift for no reason, especially when driving at a stable speed.A slip isn’t just noticeable from odd transmissions. It can also be noticed in engine noise changes, especially if a pitch or a whine starts to sound.Also, your car may seem to struggle in acceleration, where transmission problems may make it feel under powered.
2. Rough Shifting
Your car might feel like it isn’t changing gears like normal, or the gear shifts aren’t smooth enough. Usually, the car might have a thudding/clunking sound when shifting.Another thing to look out for is difficulty accelerating after a shift.3. Slow Engagement
If this occurs, you might notice delays before your car switches to drive and begins to move forward.When you shift out of park and into drive, you may experience a long pause where your car engine revs while you give it gas – but it isn’t moving ahead as necessary.4. Fluid Leakage
Transmission systems are usually sealed machines which should never lead to fluid leaks. If you see leakage on your garage floor or drive way, then take this as a caution sign.Start by checking if it’s an active leak. Stick a piece of cardboard under your car, and check if the leak is ongoing.From there, try to determine the source of the leaks. Check to see if it is transmission-related (you’ll notice brown/dark red fluid).If so, call a tow, and take your car to an auto-shop. You’ll need to inspect the transmission package, while refilling new transmission fluid!
5. Warning Lights
Warning lights of themselves can indicate a transmission issue.However, note that this isn’t a reliable “standalone” symptom, since warning lights can activate for a variety of reasons.So we recommend paying attention to this symptom, especially if it appears in tandem with the previously mentioned points!Factor to consider for Transmission Repair
How much you pay to fix transmission issues depend on the problems you have.You might end up paying anywhere from $150 for minor changes, to $2500 for the replacement of an average gear box. And obviously, costs go higher for more luxurious cars.Additionally, costs depend on the shop installing the transmission. We recommend taking the time exploring the shops in your area. And be sure to find a mechanic that either specializes in your vehicle model, or specializes in transmission repairs.Specialization matters – as this ensures less problems with transmissions in the future.Transporting Your Car
For safety reasons, we recommend towing a car with transmission problems – unless you’re willing to drive very slowly.You can usually tow your car back and forth without much problems.Also, do note that you can always test your vehicle in an attempt to replicate and correct issues with it.This might add time to your repair, but it does add a layer of security, ensuring that the necessary faults are fixed!Should I Bother Fixing My Transmission Problem?
It depends.First, you’ve got to determine if the damages are worth repairing. You have to assess the damage, and see if it is best sell or fix the car.The best way to do that is to get a professional to evaluate the damages. Also, get someone to evaluate the current worth of your car.
Perform a comparative evaluation. See if you can profit after fixing your car, and in a manner that lets you afford a better and newer ride.When Should I Keep My Car?
This depends.We highly recommend keeping your car if the engine is running properly, and its components aren’t totally destroyed. From there, you might have to pay a few hundred dollars for fixes.We recommend visiting a local repair shop to get a proper estimate. You might even be able to afford a proper rebuild that’ll keep your car running.However, ensure that the cost of fixing doesn’t exceed the car value. If it does, then you might as well get rid of the car!Any Other Options?
You might not always have the option to fully fix your transmission problems. If so, we don’t recommend straining yourself, unless you vitally need your car.Consider selling the car – and downgrading for cheaper (but newer) models in age. That way, you ensure a top-notch and lasting transmission system!
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