If your transmission is older or if you have been experiencing trouble with it, you may be wondering what the signs of having a bad transmission are. Just because your transmission makes an odd noise or feels one way may not be an indication that it is failing. If you think that your transmission is failing then you need to have it inspected by a professional mechanic right away. Below, you will learn more about the ways to tell if your transmission has a potential problem.
Trouble Shifting Gears
If your vehicle does not shift gears smoothly then this is a red flag that something may be amiss. Your vehicle should easily and flawless shift throughout the gears without giving you a hard time. When something is wrong with your transmission, you will notice that the vehicle either refuses to shift gears or that the vehicle cannot get up to speed as quickly as it needs to. In addition, you will hear clunking or a thud when the vehicle shifts.
Burning Smell
If you notice a distinct burning smell coming from your vehicle, you need to take it in to the shop. Your transmission fluid should be pink to reddish in color and have a sweet smell to it. If the fluid smells as though it is burning then this means that your vehicle is burning the coolant. If you allow the problem to persist, you may wind up with a damaged transmission.
Whining Transmission
If you are driving your vehicle and hear a loud whining noise, you should have your transmission checked. The whining is often a sign that there is something wrong with the transmission and you should not ignore it. The noise may come and go, but leaving the vehicle alone will only cause the problem to get worse.
Transmission Leak
If you notice that your transmission is leaking then you need to have it checked out. One way to test if you have a leak is to place something underneath the vehicle. Allow the vehicle to sit overnight and then check the cardboard. Typically, when the transmission is leaking you will notice a red or brownish colored liquid on the ground.
Choosing a Transmission Mechanic
If you are in need of transmission repairs or a replacement, choose who you work with wisely. A transmission repair may cost you as little as a couple hundred dollars, but it can cost up to as much as a few thousand dollars as well. When choosing who to work with, you want to make sure that you pick a mechanic who is not only licensed, but qualified to perform the repairs needed.
Transmission repairs are a serious thing and you should never take them lightly. When searching for quality auto repair in Charlotte, NC, look for a mechanic that can offer you the best rate and service.