Your transmission is an integral part of your vehicle and routine transmission maintenance is a common part of auto repair. In fact, according to IndustryARC, a customer and supplier intelligence company, the transmission repair industry is projected to have an estimated value of $292 million by 2026. If your transmission breaks down entirely, a full rebuild or replacement can be one of the most costly fixes during your vehicle’s lifetime. When you know what to look for, you’ll be able to catch any issues your transmission is having so you can bring it in for transmission repair instead of a complete overhaul. Here are the most common signs that it’s time to head to a shop for auto transmission repair.

Burning Smell

This is one of the first signs of something wrong with your transmission. The burning smell indicates that the transmission fluid is old and burning. However, other things can also cause this smell, such as an oil leak. That’s why it’s essential to have the car adequately evaluated.

Gears Going Out

When the transmission starts to go out, gears can go out individually. It’s rare for the entire transmission to stop working suddenly. Typically, one gear will go out at a time. For example, you will attempt to use reverse, and nothing will happen. Neutral or other gears may go out first. This is a sign that the other gears might start going out soon, too.

Slipping Gears

A transmission slipping gears is another sign that it’s time for auto transmission repair. If this is happening, you’ll notice that the car will slip from one gear to another without you touching the gear stick. Your vehicle may hesitate while switching gears, too. In automatic cars, this is seen when the car starts to speed up because that requires it to shift from one gear to the next.

Fluid Problems

One of the most common problems with a transmission is leaking fluid. You’ll notice red liquid in a small puddle under your car. Also, sometimes the transmission fluid will have metal flakes. This indicates that there is corrosion somewhere and needs to be evaluated by a professional. The fluid that has a gritty texture tells you that the filter needs to be changed.

Odd Noises

Strange noises coming from your car almost always indicate that there is some type of problem. If your transmission has a problem, you may notice a grinding sound or clunking noises when the transmission attempts to shift gears. This is a signal that parts are worn out or broken.

Recognizing the signs that indicate your vehicle might need auto transmission repair is essential for maintaining the health and longevity of your car. Contact A-J & H Transmission at the first sign of transmission trouble.