Signs of a Bad Transmission
Your car is sort of like your pet—it’s with you for most of the day, usually full of life, and has lots of pep in its step. Every now and then, though, it starts to feel a little under the weather. When it does, you notice immediately.
There are a variety of reasons why your vehicle could be acting up, and one of them has to do with its transmission. McDonald Hyundai is here to let drivers in Littleton, Parker, and Castle Rock, CO, know what the signs of a bad transmission typically look and sound like.
What Does a Transmission Do?
To understand why a car’s transmission is so important, we must first understand what it does. The engine is the car’s source of the power, while the transmission is ultimately the power converter that controls the engine power when the car is in motion. Basically, as its name suggests, the car “transmits” the engine power into usable energy.
Here’s what to look for to keep your transmission running smoothly:
1. No Engagement
Communication is the key to everything in life, and this includes the communication between a car’s engine and its transmission. If you put your car in “drive” mode but it keeps stalling and refuses to move, there may be a leak of transmission fluid.
2. Shift Delay
One of the main signs of a bad transmission relates to the gear shift. If you notice that your car is taking a while to get in gear, this can signify a bigger problem, like low transmission fluid.
3. All Revved Up
Hearing your engine purr is a great sound, but hearing it rev up too intensely is a cause for concern. This may mean that there is some wear and tear to the internal transmission parts, so it needs to be checked out.
4. Something Is Leaking
Before you get into your car, you might notice a pool of fluid on the ground. This could be a sign of a transmission fluid leak, possibly from a loose seal or gasket.
5. Is Something Burning?
If you notice a burning smell while in your car, it could very well be a fluid leak related to your transmission. It’s important that you act quickly. The sooner you act, the better chance you have of saving your transmission from severe damage.
6. Random Noises
There are numerous audible clues the transmission might emit to let you know that something is wrong. If you notice any strange buzzing, humming, or clunking sounds, it could very well be internal problems or signs of a bad transmission.
7. Low Power
Your car runs on power. So, if you notice it starts to move sluggishly, the root cause could be a limited power output by the transmission.
8. Check-Engine Light On
Did you know that the check-engine light could turn on due to issues with your transmission? The light reflects a number of things that could potentially be wrong, including a slipping transmission.
9. Grinding Gears
If you have a manual transmission, you may notice the gears grind while you switch them. This could be an issue with the clutch, or it could be a sign of low transmission oil.
10. Low-Clutch Pedal
The clutch pedal plays an important role in changing gears on cars with manual transmissions. If you notice the clutch grabbing low when you push it, it may need to be adjusted. If you notice that it grabs high, it could be a sign of a worn disc.
Have You Noticed Signs of a Bad Transmission? Come See Us Today!
Being aware of the signs of a bad transmission is important to diagnosing a potential issue. Our team of certified car experts here at McDonald Hyundai can handle your transmission issues, along with other service requests.
Residents in Littleton, Parker, and Castle Rock, CO, are welcome to stop by or schedule their appointment online today—our team can’t wait to see you!
