When it comes to the performance of your vehicle, the transmission has an important role. Responsible for transferring power from the engine into the wheels, it’s the reason why you’re able to drive your vehicle forward and backward. But just like any major or minor component in your vehicle, the transmission can be susceptible to wear-and-tear and failure. If you start experiencing problems, it’s important that you understand the warning signs. These signs will give you an indication of what’s wrong with your transmission so you can get ahead of the problem. If you don’t know what to look for, Lewis Automotive in West Chesterfield, Pennsylvania is here to help. Here are some signs of transmission failure that you can look out for!
Responsible for lubricating the inner components of the transmission and keeping it clean, the transmission fluid plays a big role in the overall performance of the transmission. Unlike motor oil, transmission fluid never gets consumed or burnt up. If you notice that the level of your transmission fluid is low, that is a sure sign that your vehicle is leaking fluid. Another sign of leakage is seeing fluid on the ground, which has a pink and clear appearance.
With so many causes for transmission fluid leaks, the best way to determine the cause is by meeting with a transmission specialist. If not properly serviced and replaced, the transmission can sustain serious damage down the road.
Another way to predict signs of transmission failure is by simply inspecting the fluid itself. Use the dipstick found in your vehicle. Start by cleaning off of any old fluid stains, then insert it into the transmission and inspect the consistency and appearance of the fluid. Good transmission fluid should have a pink, clear appearance to it and a sweet, tart, smell. If it smells burnt or has a brown appearance, that means the transmission fluid needs to be replaced.
Whether you own a manual or automatic vehicle, you should be able to smoothly transition between gears. If you feel a hitch or jolt when changing gears, that’s another sign that your transmission is having issues. Automatic vehicle owners will notice this when you shift from “Park” to “Drive” and vice versa, while manual vehicle owners will feel this whenever they shift gears in general. This can be very dangerous to drive with, so it’s important that you take action as soon as possible.
The transmission system plays a crucial role in the overall performance of your vehicle. If you experience these symptoms of transmission failure, make sure you take action and visit Lewis Automotive in West Chesterfield, Pennsylvania as soon as possible!
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