Transmissions don’t just go from operating at peak efficiency to imploding and falling out of your vehicle the next day. As with most things in this world, there is a progression. Transmission problems progress from bad to worse and, ultimately, to non-functional. And, as with most things, you can spare yourself a lot of stress and save yourself a lot of money if you can spot these problems early on and nip them in the bud. But how do you do that? How do you check for transmission problems?
Automatic transmissions use transmission fluid. Manual transmissions are different. They usually use something called “transmission oil”. Because most vehicles in Canada are automatic transmission, we will focus on them, but if you drive a manual transmission please know that the oil or fluid you use serves much the same function as automatic transmission fluid does for automatic transmissions.
Transmission fluid is the lifeblood of the transmission. Fluid is needed to lubricate your transmission, to help it keep cool, and to avoid grinding. Without transmission fluid your transmission won’t work. While not every single transmission problem is the direct result of an insufficient amount of or insufficient quality of transmission fluid, there really isn’t a transmission problem that can’t be caused or worsened by a lack of fluid. That’s why you should check your transmission fluid every month.
Using your dipstick, check the level of your transmission fluid. Is it where it needs to be? If not, top it up. If you notice that you have to top up your transmission fluid every single month, something is likely wrong. You shouldn’t be losing fluid that quickly. Check under and around your vehicle for leaks. Pools of reddish liquid indicate that you have a transmission leak. Do not procrastinate getting these leaks sealed.
But quantity isn’t everything. The quality of your fluid can tell you about the quality of your transmission. Is your transmission a reddish clear color with a neutral odor? Great! You should be good. But what if it smells bad and looks opaque? Then you got a problem on your hands. Bring your vehicle to a Mister Transmission repair shop as soon as possible.
Transmissions generally don’t make any noise that can be heard above the hum of your engine (assuming you drive an internal combustion vehicle and not an electric car). If your transmission is making noise, listen to it. Whirring, humming, grinding, and clunking noises are not good. They suggest something is amiss with your transmission. Get it checked out.
You don’t need “spidey senses” to feel if your transmission is developing a problem. You can feel it when you shift gears. Hard gear changes or grinding gears are not what you want. These suggest you have a transmission problem. And if your transmission slips out of gear into neutral? Then you definitely have a transmission problem.
To learn more about transmission problems, please contact us. We can check for transmission problems in ways that the average person cannot. Our unique Multi-Check Inspection will be sure to determine whether or not you have a transmission problem.
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