A transmission problem can leave you stranded in no man’s land if you do not catch it early. The following is a list of signs and symptoms that may be indicative of trouble. If you are able to recognize a potential problem and have it quickly seen by a professional, you may be able to get it fixed without needing a total transmission replacement, saving you a lot of energy, time and money.
The Fluid
Transmission fluid is a red, syrupy substance. If you notice a red substance leaking below your car, this could indicate a problem. If you are seeing a lot of fluid, the problem is more major and requires a mechanic’s attention immediately. You should study your car manual to learn how to check your transmission fluid. Low fluid could be because of a leak or the transmission running too hot and burning up the fluid. Also, if you notice metal shavings, this is a sure sign of major damage and you should talk to a transmission replacement Plano professional at once.
Shifting
The transmission is what takes your car from gear to gear. An automatic will do this for you, whereas a manual requires you to do the shifting. If you have an automatic, you can still hear when the gears shift. Imagine holding a long note, eventually you would have to take a breath. When it sounds like your car is “taking a breath,” it is shifting gears. Problems that happen during shifting are usually caused by a failing transmission. Look for the car “slipping” whenever it shifts, meaning that it takes longer to get to the next gear, the engine will rev and you won’t be able to accelerate. Or if the car begins to jerk in between gears, the transmission is in trouble.
