The transmission is one of the most important components of your car, and it can be very expensive to repair. To save some money–and your car–it’s important to be able to recognize signs of transmission problems early on. Here are five things to watch out for.

First, if transmission fluid is leaking, you know something’s wrong with the transmission. The fluid is critical for the car to shift, so even a small leak can be a big problem. You can identify automatic transmission fluid by its bright red color and its slightly sweet smell. If you check the fluid and it’s low, you have a leak. If it’s dark or smells burned, it needs to be replaced. Manual transmission fluid needs to be checked at the transmission case.

Another easy indicator of transmission problems is the check engine light. Just because the light comes on, it doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a problem with the transmission–it could be something else. But don’t ignore this warning sign. To discover if the check engine light is registering a transmission problem, plug a diagnostic scan tool into the instrument panel.

One sign that something’s wrong with the transmission is the way your car is responding when you shift gears. If you hear a grinding sound in a manual, it could be a clutch problem, but it may also be connected with the transmission. In an automatic, the car will seem to shimmy into gear or the transition will be bumpy. Anything other than a smooth shift means something is wrong and needs to be inspected.

A fourth indication: sound. Every car is different, but chances are you’ll hear something abnormal if the transmission is having trouble. In an automatic, it may sound like a buzzing or humming. In a manual, it will be clunkier. (Keep in mind that clunky noises may also be caused by CV joints or the differential.)

Finally, if the car is hesitating before moving into gear, you know there’s a problem. In automatics, it will be especially noticeable when you try to shift into “drive” or “park.” Kamagra Manuals may rev up after shifting into a gear but won’t move as quickly as they should. While there may be an issue with the stick shift or shift linkage, there may also be a more serious problem with the transmission.

As you drive, keep an eye and an ear out for these signs. If your transmission’s calling it quits, you need to know as soon as possible.

Author Bio: Carter’s Transmissions & Automotive (http://www.carterstrans.com/) has been doing Austin Transmission Repairs for more than 60 yrs and now your Complete One-Stop Auto Repair Shop in Austin, Texas.

Category: Cars and Trucks
Keywords: Austin transmission