Your vehicle’s transmission is one of its most important systems, which means it is imperative for you as a vehicle owner to make transmission maintenance a priority. But how do you know when you have a transmission that’s starting to go bad?
Here’s a quick overview of some common symptoms of a transmission that’s going bad in Conway, AR:
- Burning smell: A burning smell is never, ever a good sign when you’re driving a car. There is a wide variety of potential causes of burning smells in vehicles, but most commonly it will be the transmission fluid starting to overheat. You should make sure you get your vehicle checked out as quickly as possible if you notice this smell while driving.
- Strange noises: Just as strange smells are usually symptoms of a problem with your vehicle, so too are strange noises. Any time you operate a vehicle there’s going to be a hum and whir of the engine that is completely normal. However, noises such as whining, clunking and buzzing are all signs that there’s something wrong, and the problem could very well be with your transmission. Don’t hesitate to bring in a vehicle that’s making strange noises—you should get it checked out as soon as possible.
- Leaks: Have you noticed fluid left behind where you park your car? If so, take a piece of cardboard and place it underneath your vehicle while it’s parked. Let it sit for a while, then pull it out later and check to see a) if there’s fluid leaking and b) what the color of the fluid is. Transmission fluid is pinkish or a sort of orange in most cases, so if the color appears to fit that description, your car is likely leaking transmission fluid and you should bring your vehicle in to a mechanic to have it repaired as soon as possible.
- Grinding: Have you noticed a grinding sound or sensation when you change gears (with a manual transmission)? This could mean you’ve worn out the clutch, but it could also be a sign of damaged transmission parts. If you have an automatic transmission vehicle, rough shifting could be a transmission-related problem, or it could be something else entirely. The only way to know for sure is to have your vehicle checked out by a mechanic.
- Dashboard lights: When the service or “check engine” light shows up on your vehicle, there are a variety of issues that could be the cause, including transmission problems. You’ll need to have a professional read the diagnostic code and determine what is wrong with your vehicle.
- Lack of response: A healthy transmission should allow you to switch gears immediately. If there is a delayed response when you attempt to switch gears, then it’s time for you to take your vehicle in and have it checked out by a professional technician.
How do you know if your transmission is going bad in Conway, AR? We encourage you to contact the team at Riverdale Automotive today to discuss what’s going on with your vehicle. We’d be glad to take a look at it!