What Happens If Your Transmission Goes Out & How to Prevent It?

What Happens If Your Transmission Goes Out & How to Prevent It?

As a car owner, you understand that numerous problems can arise with your vehicle. One of the most important parts of your car is the transmission, which is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels when you are driving. Whenever a transmission fails, you should call a trusted transmission repair company as soon as possible. To learn more, let's examine some of the signs of a failing transmission and the steps you can take to prevent it.

Warning Signs Your Transmission Is Failing

Listening to your car can alert you to problems with your transmission if you know what to look for. The following signs indicate that it is time to have your transmission inspected.

• Transmission warning light. When there's a problem with your transmission, this is the easiest way to spot it. Sensors in vehicles alert the computer if they detect any abnormal readings. The transmission warning light on the dashboard is triggered when the vehicle's computer reads the code that tells it what the issue is. It may come on for several reasons, including out-of-range transmission, fluid temperature, too little transmission fluid in the system, or too much transmission pressure. If you continue to drive with the transmission warning light on, it will only lead to costly and extensive repairs in the future.
• Transmission slipping. A slipping transmission indicates that your vehicle is not getting enough traction. When you press down on the gas pedal, the engine might rev, but you don't accelerate immediately. It feels as if you hit a patch of ice. As soon as it finally goes into gear, it will jerk, and your car will start moving forward.
• Unusual noises. Regardless of automatic or manual transmissions, the driver will usually notice when they are about to go out by whining, buzzing, or humming in an automatic transmission. However, in a manual transmission, the driver will hear and feel the gears grinding. If you hear any noises while in neutral, this could signal other mechanical problems, such as worn gear teeth.
• Leaks or smells. Cars can leak a variety of automotive fluids, so it is important to keep track of and identify them. Your transmission is usually malfunctioning if you see red fluid leaking. The burning fluid can also cause an unusual smell from underneath your car. It's time to get to the repair shop when both of these occur.

Preventing Your Transmission from Going Out

After knowing the signs to look for when your transmission is having problems, you can take the necessary steps to prevent and fix it. Transmission maintenance should not be neglected or skipped. Your vehicle can run smoothly if you follow the recommended maintenance guidelines from your trusted mechanic. Make sure that all transmission components are inspected for wear and that the fluid is the right color and level. When you notice any issues with your transmission, make sure to get it to a repair shop as soon as possible. By taking the proper steps, you can save yourself time, money, and maybe even your transmission.
Give the experts at Best Western Transmission a call if you're having problems with your transmission! To get you back on the road as quickly as possible, we have a team of experienced professionals who can diagnose and fix the issue. If you catch problems early on and bring your vehicle to us, you can prevent them from becoming costly down the road.