The transmission is designed to ensure the right amount of power is going to your wheels so that you can drive at your chosen speed. In manual transmissions, when you change gear you are changing the amount of power that goes to your wheels. In an automatic transmission, there is a torque converter that senses the change in speed as you accelerate/slow down and automatically shifts to a higher/lower gear.
Essentially, the function of any transmission is to transfer engine power to the driveshaft and rear wheels. The aim of the transmission is to convert both speed and torque into power to move the vehicle. It is responsible for making the engine efficient by reducing the amount of fuel that is consumed whilst doing so.
In this article, we will be discussing the 5 main symptoms of a bad transmission.
Fluid Leaks
Transmissions are sealed units that contain fluid in order to function properly. If the transmission is in good condition there should be no way for the fluid inside to leak.
To discover whether you are experiencing a leak in your transmission, look out for red fluid on the floor in the areas where your car has been parked.
A good way to do this is by placing a piece of cardboard underneath the front and middle of your car so you can determine where the leaks are.
Transmission slipping
Transmission slipping can occur in both automatic and manual vehicles. It is where your transmission slips as you change gears and can be caused if there is not enough fluid present. However, as both automatic and manual transmission systems wear down over time, there is still the possibility that your transmission is worn out.
Typically with transmission slipping, it may feel as if your gears are changing for no logical reason. Your engine may start to create a whining sound or pitch when it occurs. Alternatively, it may feel like you haven’t got enough power to drive at the desired speed.
If left untreated there may come a time where your transmission will not engage at all. therefore, we strongly recommend you check in with your local garage to ensure you are not facing any problems.
Rough shifting
Typically, when your transmission begins to fail you may start to notice some form of difficulty when changing gears. Occasionally you may hear or feel a clunk noise when you shift gear. Another sign of a rough shifting is difficulty in accelerating to the speed for the gear that it is in.
Delayed engagement
Delayed engagement is most noticeable with automatic transmission vehicles if the transmission is worn out. If you notice a slight delay before your car starts to move forward as you shift from park to drive, there is a high chance that you are having problems with your transmissions.
Transmission warning light
If you begin to notice any of the symptoms above and a warning light pops up on your dashboard, there is a strong possibility that you are having problems with your transmission. Failing to act on upon the key signs could result in you putting your safety at risk. For example, if your vehicle slips into another gear whilst driving, it could cause your car to jolt forward which is dangerous at high speeds
To avoid any hazard on the road please don’t hesitate to contact us or book an appointment. We would love to go through any concerns that you currently have with your vehicle.
