Your transmission is vital to making your car move. Responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels, your transmission experiences more wear than any other component. Like many other components of your car, when something goes wrong with your transmission, your vehicle can stop in its tracks.
Making sure your transmission is functioning properly is imperative. Fortunately, there are early warning signs of transmission failure. Ignoring these signs can lead to expensive repairs or complete failure, but a transmission repair can be quick and easy when caught early.
Strange Noises
Every car makes its own particular sound when driving. So, it's essential to pay close attention when your car starts to make a strange sound. Giving your mechanic as much information about the sound as possible can make it easier for them to find the cause and make an accurate diagnosis.
Your car's transmission has multiple components, and the failure of any can create a distinct sound. Manual and automatic transmissions also make different sounds, with manuals emitting mechanical noises, such as clunking, and automatics typically produce whining, humming, and buzzing noises.
Jerking, Grinding, or Shaking
Jerking, grinding, or shaking are critical indicators of a transmission problem. Gear grinding is a common issue with manual transmissions, whereas with automatic transmissions, you may experience hesitation when shifting gears. Many people describe this as feeling like the gears are slipping, and without maintenance, your vehicle will eventually begin shaking or trembling when you shift gears.
Leaking Fluid
Transmission fluid is essential to keeping your transmission working. Transmission fluid is formulated to lubricate components, reduce friction, prevent overheating, and facilitate gear engagement. A transmission leak is usually easy to spot, but reduced fluid levels can increase friction, cause overheating, and eventually lead to transmission failure.
Concerned About Your Transmission?
Transmission failure can be inconvenient and costly. So, it's vital to have your vehicle serviced at the first sign of trouble. At Subaru, our transmission experts can ensure that your transmission works as it should and help you avoid costly repairs. Use our online service scheduler to make an appointment for your transmission maintenance today.
