Is your car making a rumbling noise? Do you not get enough power when you press on the gas pedal? Then you need to hop — or rather, drive — on down to the auto service shop. It's okay if you do not know what is wrong with your car, because that is the auto mechanic's job to figure out. They can take a look, run a few tests, and figure out what's going on. Then, they'll give you an estimate for the repairs. Your car will feel like a whole new machine once it's all fixed up! Learn more about that process as you read the articles we've curated here.
Signs Of Transmission Problems (And What To Do About Them)
Whether you drive a stick-shift or an automatic, you rely on your car's transmission to help you seamlessly switch gears and accelerate with confidence. And while transmissions are built to last for many years, they typically will run into problems at some point — and transmission repairs can easily range from hundreds to even thousands of dollars.
When transmission trouble is addressed early, however, the repairs tend to be simpler and less expensive. By looking out for some common transmission "red flags" and seeking help from a transmission repair service when you come across them, you can save yourself some hassle and money on long-term repairs.
Leaking Transmission Fluid
A transmission leak is one of the most common signs of transmission problems; if you notice any liquid pooling underneath your car after you park it, try grabbing a sheet of light-colored cardboard and placing it under your car. After a few minutes, remove the cardboard and assess the liquid. If it's red and has a sweet smell to it, there's a good chance this is transmission fluid. Bring the cardboard and fluid sample to your local mechanic to confirm.
The good news here is that a transmission fluid leak is often a relatively simple and inexpensive fix, especially compared to more complex transmission services like rebuilds and shift solenoid replacements.
Shuddering During Acceleration
Do you notice a clunking or shuddering when your car is attempting to switch gears? This common transmission problem may be noticed on both automatic and manual transmission vehicles, and is almost always a sign of problems. Often times, when this happens, the clutch itself is dragging or the gears may even be slipping. Either way, this is something you'll want to address sooner rather than later.
Transmission Failure or Something Else?
A lot of times, drivers will assume the worst when they have a transmission problem; in reality, though, you probably won't need a total transmission replacement or rebuild. This is especially true if you address signs of transmission problems early on. Depending on the exact diagnosis, you may need nothing more than a leak repair or even a fluid flush to get your car running smoothly again.
Still, the only way to know for sure what's going on with your transmission is to bring your car into a trusted mechanic. From there, you can get the help you need in running diagnostics and a reasonable quote for repairs.
For more information, reach out to a company like AAA Commercial Transmission.