Early Signs Of Transmission Failure

A correctly working transmission is essential for a car to function. Therefore, its maintenance is a vital aspect of car care. However, transmission servicing differs a little from other car maintenance as it isn’t always carried out on a defined timescale. This doesn’t mean that it’s left to its own devices, as both automatic and manual transmissions still require care. What does need to be done regularly is the servicing of the transmission fluid.

Even with this, the transmission can fail. Knowing the signs to look out for and ensuring prompt, experienced attention is necessary to prevent a catastrophic failure and the related high cost of putting it right.

Transmission Failure: the warning signs

The 10 telltale signs of transmission failure

The 10 telltale signs of transmission failure

Early detection is key to preventing transmission failure. If you experience any of the following you should take your car to the repair shop as soon as possible:

A burning smell: This could signify an overheating transmission or that the transmission fluid needs changing due to age.
Slipping out of gear: This is potentially dangerous, as well as being disconcerting. If it starts to happen, then seek professional attention straight away.
Any shaking or grinding: Most usually experienced when an automatic transmission has problems. It occurs when the transmission shifts up or down a gear.
Difficulty in changing gear: This can happen when transmission fluid degrades, or the wrong type has been added.
The transmission fluid warning light appears: As with any dashboard warning light, this should be checked immediately.
A transmission fluid leak: You may notice a reddish, sweet-smelling fluid has leaked from under your car. Once again, this requires immediate attention.
The clutch drags: In a manual transmission, the clutch fails to disengage, or is slow to do so when you depress the clutch pedal.
You hear strange noises: Clunking, whining, squealing sounds when you change gear need to be investigated.
You can’t change from park to drive: Or vice versa.
The transmission makes noises when in neutral: This is a sure-fire sign that the transmission needs to be checked.

Preventing Transmission Failure

The importance of a regular transmission service
What a transmission service involves

The importance of a regular transmission service

While it’s true that a complete transmission service isn’t something a car requires on a regular basis, what it does need is regular attention to the transmission fluid. This is true for both manual and automatic vehicles. Doing so won’t only ensure that the car changes gear as it should—it also drastically reduces the chances of problems occurring with the system itself.

What a transmission service involves

There’s a variety of things carried out during a transmission service. Exactly what will be determined by the engineer working on the car and the intervals for carrying them out, as per manufacturer specification.

These include:

A ‘drain and fill’ service
Transmission fluid exchange
Filter replacement
Manual transmission-specific service

Trust Autobahn of Boca for all your Car’s Servicing Needs.

Autobahn of Boca is fast becoming the go-to car repair and maintenance shop for Boca Raton residents with prestige cars. This is down to a combination of their marque-trained engineers and their outstanding customer service.

For preventative maintenance, such as a transmission service and routine care, through to the expertise needed to repair transmission failure or another catastrophic event, the #1 auto repair shop in the city has an ever-growing legion of fans. Whether you drive an Audi, BMW, Porsche, VW, or Mercedes, you can be sure that their specialist engineers will service your pride and joy to the exact same standards (or often, exceeding them) as a main dealer.