Your transmission is the power shifter on your car, a system that makes sure the right amount of energy gets to your wheels at the right time. If you don’t take care of this important car component and your car can’t shift, you’ll lose out on fuel economy and you may not even be able to drive at all.
Here are three common transmission problems that you want to take care of right away to keep your car on the road, and to keep you out of transmission trouble.
Leaking Fluids
Transmissions rely on a sealed system of fluid cycling through to keep the parts moving and working properly. If there is a leak it is a sure sign of transmission trouble and should be looked at by an expert in transmission services Canada, as soon as possible.
If your transmission is leaking, you should be able to tell right away. Look under your car for any sign of leaking fluid, or place an empty cardboard box under your transmission and check for leaks. Transmission fluid is red in colour and has a sweet smell. If you see any signs of fluid like this, get to your mechanic right away to prevent any further transmission damage. If the fluid is darker brown or smells burnt, this is a sign that it needs to be replaced.
Rough Shifting Gears/Slipping Gears
If you find that your car is having trouble shifting into gear, or you hear a grinding sound or jerking when you shift, it could be a sign that something is wrong with your transmission. Your gear should shift into gear right away in a smooth motion, without delay. Sometimes vehicles with transmission problems won’t be able to shift at all. Any rough or difficult shifting is a sign that something is wrong. If you hear a clunk or thud sound when you shift this is also an indication that your transmission needs to be checked.
If your car starts slipping out of gear while you are driving without you shifting, this is very dangerous and you should get to a mechanic right away. If your car shifts out of gear while you are driving and you have no power to your wheels this could put you in a very dangerous position. Don’t delay. Go get it fixed.
Engine or Warning Light
A final important sign that something is wrong with your transmission is if you see the “check engine” or warning light. The light does not always mean that there is a serious problem, but if you see the light and notice any of the other problems mentioned then it is a good idea to have your vehicle checked right away.
The warning lights often mean that your car is generating a computer error code. If you see the code “P0700” this is a sign that there is a problem with your transmission.
If you see any of the above issues you should get your car checked immediately. With a bit of care and maintenance, you can keep your car running safely on the road. If you notice changes with your vehicle, be sure to have it checked by a qualified mechanic.
