Noticeable noises, changes in driving dynamics, or seeing smoke come out of the hood while you’re driving can be dangerous. That’s why it’s crucial to check if there are any problems with the transmission. Here are some warning signs that should prompt you to visit a transmission shop.
Delayed Shifts
When your car’s transmission gears shift slower than normal, it may be attributed to low fluid or damaged transmission parts. Possibly, after a flood, water may have entered the gearbox too. Water can thin out the fluid in the gearbox which can cause delays when shifting as you drive.
Additionally, your car’s computer system could be preventing gear-shifting. Automatic transmission systems are usually controlled by the vehicle’s internal computer. Note any of these changes and avoid driving your vehicle until it has been serviced, to avoid further damage.
Fluid Leak
Check your vehicle and see if there is something dripping from the undercarriage. Note the color of the droplets. If they are red and have a sweet odor, your car could be leaking transmission fluid. This is dangerous because the essential parts of the gearbox are losing the necessary fluid to prevent major damages while being driven.
Also, transmission fluid is flammable when the temperature is high. Its temperature increases while driving your car and remains high for a while after you have turned your engine off. Be sure to keep the leakage from anything that could ignite it. Keep your car off for several hours and have an auto mechanic take a close look at it right away.
Burning Smell
Your car should not smell like anything has been burnt outside, during, and after it has been used. If this happens, call a professional right away. If this occurred while driving, pull over to the side of the road and call for assistance. Transmission fluid can overheat and burn at a high temperature, which can cause a lot of damage to your entire vehicle.
Unusual Noise
If you hear your vehicle making a whining, buzzing, or clunking noise while you drive, it most likely has a transmission problem. These sounds occur when the gears that are part of the transmission system or gearbox, operate with little to no fluid. Low transmission fluid happens when there is a leak.
Other causes for such noises could include using the wrong type of fluid for the gearbox, faulty internal parts, and malfunctioning computer systems. Be sure to have a licensed professional inspect your vehicle immediately because any of these problems can lead to major damage if left alone.
Visit Graham Tire!
When you start noticing any of the signs above, bring your vehicle to a transmission shop immediately. This way, you can prevent your transmission from failing completely. Graham Tire provides auto services and pick-up and delivery options for your convenience. Call us to learn more!
