Transmission issues are simple to identify once vehicle owners are made aware of the symptoms, which need to be caught early if they are going to be attended to properly and not require a full replacement.
Some common issues with transmission include difficulty shifting, failure of the car to move, slipping gears, and leaking fluid. There are various other symptoms that may also indicate a problem with the transmission, such as abnormal noises or vibrations when shifting or unusual smells coming from the engine. If any of these signs are present, it is important to take the vehicle in for
ISSUES TO BE AWARE OF WITH TRANSMISSIONS
The most common issue with transmissions that leads to a driver going into the shop is trouble with gear shifts, often creating a harsh grinding sound when making turns or even when the vehicle is moderately accelerating. Even if it just becomes difficult to sustain or delay a gear shift altogether, these are signs of fault in the transmission as well.
These issues can also be accompanied by a burning smell, which is likely a fluid leak that needs immediate attention. Check engine lights are often reliable to come on when these issues are present, it is still important however to be vigilant and catch them early on in order to avoid a full-service replacement of the transmission.
CHECKING FLUID ON YOUR OWN (DIY)
To check the fluid in your transmission, the aptest method is to use a dipstick when the vehicle isn't in motion, and a few minutes after the engine was initially turned on. There will be indicators on the dipstick whether or not the fluid needs to be filled or not, as well as color indications to identify if there are other issues present. If the fluid's color looks too dark or is contaminated, then it is likely an issue with the transmission and needs to be serviced.
It is also important to check for any visible signs of leaks or damages in hoses and other components related to the transmission system. If there are any leak spots, it should be taken into a mechanic to be assessed and serviced.
WHEN WAS YOUR VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION LAST INSPECTED?
If your vehicle is fairly new, it's common to not feel that the transmission could already be having issues. Usually, this ideology is tied to the price tag that it would take to replace, or the fact they're expected to last with correct upkeep and maintenance.
Unfortunately, transmissions can fail even within the first 100,000 miles. It's intended to of course be sufficiently effective for longer than that, which with steady maintenance, can last up to over 300,000 miles for the vehicle.
Finding a trusted mechanic that you feel comfortable with is a crucial element to your relationship with a new vehicle, especially with new cars. It's easy to feel you are being ripped off when pursuing help with vehicle maintenance, which harbors the desire to go and get these issues fixed.
GETTING YOUR TRANSMISSION REPLACED
Transmissions can be hard to come by depending on the climate of shipping parts. They can often be in short supply, which is why attending to the issues present in your transmission prior to requiring a full replacement is vital.
These replacements can get to be very pricey for the driver as well as the provider, which is why it's recommended to buy in bulk if possible when expecting multiple vehicles in the same make or model. This caters well to auto shops that are specialized to a particular manufacturer, both maintaining and modifying vehicles in a similar class.
Take a look at some of our transmission options and learn more about what you can expect out of a full replacement if your transmission has issues beyond repair and needs a full replacement. Keep your car maintained, find a reliable mechanic, and keep yourself safe on the road.