Vehicles are machines and like all machines they do break down on occasion. Luxury cars tend to hold together a lot better and you only encounter problems if there’s a collision. Of course, regular maintenance is necessary no matter what make or model and can stop certain problems from arising.
Transmission issues can be caused by any number of reasons. It’s usually not possible to pinpoint problems on the first attempt but knowing the likely causes can cut the diagnosis time and get a vehicle up and running quicker. Here are a few common issues to watch for as well as possible causes.
Burning smell: Always a bad sign, a burning smell in the air should never be ignored. Don’t worry, your car isn’t likely to burst into flames but it’s best to get it checked immediately. More than anything, overheated transmission fluid is the cause so adding the required check my car amount (of the required brand) is the only way to solve the problem.
Transmission fluid is recognizable by its red hue and almost sweet smell. Fluid that turns a dark brown or a black color with evidence of dirt means it needs to be changed.
Loose gear: The gear box is typically tight in that once you’ve put the vehicle into gear it stays that way until you change it. However, there are times when the gear inadvertently shifts while driving. Not only is this a nuisance but it carries potential danger as it can force the vehicle to go out of control.
The only solution is to have it checked at a body shop. It could be that the gears aren’t rolling on each other properly or that something’s loose. Only a professional repair shop will be able to take care of the issue.
Shaky car: Vehicles give a little shudder immediately after you change gears as they adjust to the new control. But there’s a limit to how much they should shake and loud, persistent grinding noises should definitely be examined. It may not be due to the transmission but because of a worn clutch in which case it’s just a matter of replacing it.
A shuddering action or a grinding noise can also be caused by the gears going out of sync. Remedying this is a little tough because it means having to realign the gears. Broken components, if any, must naturally be replaced and since it can take time, don’t expect the work to complete in a couple of hours.
Obstinate gears: Even if the clutch is fine, you may feel some resistance when trying to move forward or speed up. The problem may be caused by a worn clutch and also by transmission issues that need immediate professional repair.
Problems like these can lead to waste of precious fuel as the vehicle can’t pull as fast as the engine’s running. It’ll likely also compound the existing problem. Since the cause could be any one of several reasons, a professional checkup at a body shop is your only recourse.
Vehicles are built to last reasonably long and with good care, can go the extra few thousand miles. Keeping an eye out for problems, getting a vehicle checked periodically and resolving issues before they balloon to unnecessary proportions are a few ways to ensure longevity and save on extensive repair costs.