Have you ever experienced difficulty shifting gears while driving your car? Or have you ever noticed your vehicle is struggling to accelerate despite pressing down on the gas pedal? These could be indicators that your transmission isn’t performing at its best.
As a car owner, it’s crucial to be aware of these signs to prevent further damage and costly repairs. Here are the five signs that may indicate your transmission is lacking performance.
You Notice a Burning Smell
If you smell something burning while driving, there’s a good chance that your transmission is overheating. Overheating can occur when the transmission works harder than it should, such as when towing heavy loads or driving in hot weather conditions. If ignored, this can lead to transmission damage and costly repairs.
You Hear a Noisy Transmission
A properly functioning transmission should be relatively quiet. Strange noises coming from your transmission are clear indications that something is off.
Once again, low or contaminated transmission fluid and a worn-out clutch could be the culprit of the sound. Another cause could be damaged gears or bearings grinding together as the transmission attempts to shift gears.
You Feel a Delay in Shifting Gears
One of the most apparent signs that your transmission isn’t performing at its best is when there’s a delay in shifting gears. This means that when you shift from one gear to another, it takes a while before the gear engages.
A short interruption might seem like a minuscule problem. However, there could be serious issues within the transmission, including low or dirty transmission fluid, problems with the shift solenoid, or clutch issues.
You See Leaking Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid is the key to proper gear lubrication and maintaining a cool transmission temperature. Insufficient fluid increases the likelihood of grinding gears, delayed shifting, and an overheated transmission and engine.
If you catch sight of a puddle of reddish-brown fluid under your car, it’s evidence that your transmission is leaking fluid and requires attention. Be sure to have a mechanic examine the vehicle as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
You Detect Minimal Transmission Power
Automatic transmissions that don’t receive sufficient power will have trouble accelerating and reaching high speeds. This may result in sudden surges and sluggish movements.
These seemingly normal issues might be the result of a bigger problem. Low transmission fluid, clogged filters, a damaged clutch, and a malfunctioning torque converter are all potential causes of the minimal power generated from the transmission.
There are many ways to improve your vehicle’s power and performance to maximize speed, transmission function, and more. When you’re aware of the signs that your transmission performance is lacking, you can take these steps for an exceptional vehicle!
