Identifying A Troublesome Transmission

Your vehicle relies on its transmission in order to shift from one gear to the next. A faulty transmission can render your vehicle inoperable, so being able to identify minor transmission problems before they become serious hazards is important.

Here are three tips that you can use to help identify a troublesome transmission in the future.

1. Look under your car each morning.

One of the easiest ways to gauge the health of your vehicle's transmission system is by watching for signs of a transmission fluid leak. Without proper fluid levels providing lubrication and the transfer of heat within your transmission, your vehicle's transmission system could fail.

Each morning as you pull your vehicle out of its parking spot, you should check the ground below the parked vehicle for signs of transmission fluid. Red stains could indicate a leak, and you should have your mechanic repair these leaks as soon as possible to avoid serious transmission damage.

2. Check the condition of your transmission fluid.

The condition of your transmission fluid can tell you a lot about the overall health of your vehicle's transmission system. If you are trying to diagnose potential transmission problems, checking your transmission fluid can be a great place to start.

The transmission fluid should be red and viscous, having an appearance similar to that of cherry cough syrup. Fluid that is brown or has a burnt odor could indicate that your transmission is starting to malfunction. Have your mechanic flush out the old transmission fluid and check your vehicle's transmission system for signs of damage when you notice changes in the condition of your transmission fluid.

3. Pay attention to the sounds coming from your vehicle.

Turning down your car radio and paying close attention to the sounds coming from your vehicle can be a simple and effective way to identify potential transmission problems. Your car should shift from one gear to the next smoothly and quietly.

If you hear a grinding or whirring sound coming from beneath your floorboards as you shift, these noises could indicate transmission trouble. Be sure to have your mechanic address any strange noises as quickly as possible to avoid serious transmission damage.

Being able to identify a troublesome transmission by check for transmission fluid leaks, looking at the condition of your transmission fluid, and listening for strange noises coming from your vehicle will allow you to address minor transmission issues before they become serious performance problems. Companies like B G & S Transmissions can help as well.