4 Signs That Your Automatic Transmission Needs Attention

Your automatic transmission must be in good shape in order for it to be safe to drive your car. Your transmission is responsible for shifting your engine's gears, making it possible to cope with changes in speed and terrain as you drive. If you expect that any part of your engine is in need of repair, then you should make an appointment with an automotive repair shop at the earliest opportunity possible. You should also educate yourself about the warning signs that your engine is experiencing difficulty. Here are four signs that your automatic transmission needs to be looked at by a mechanic.

1. A burning smell points to transmission fluid trouble.

Automatic transmission fluid lubricates and cools the moving parts of your engine's transmission. If the transmission fluid has been compromised, then chances are your transmission is overheating and the moving parts are wearing each other down. This can be caused by a fluid leak or dirty transmission fluid that can no longer properly lubricate your gears and carry off heat.

2. Dark red or brown stains underneath your car suggest a leak.

Under optimal circumstances, transmission fluid should be transparent and red, and smell sweet. Dark red or brown puddles underneath your car are telltale signs of an automatic transmission fluid leak. If you see these patches of liquid underneath your car, then be sure to check your fluid levels. If the transmission fluid is dark brown and murky, then you should take your car to the mechanic to have the fluid changed.

3. Whining and buzzing sounds are signs of trouble.

Pay careful attention to the sounds that come when you shift gears. If gear shifting is accompanied by any unusual noise, then it is unsafe to drive your car. Common noises associated with problems with an automatic transmission include humming, buzzing, and whining. You should be familiar with the normal noises that come from your car, and so make sure you catalog any strange noises that pop up. Further, the more a strange sounds starts showing up, the worse the problem is becoming.

4. Gear slipping indicates transmission malfunction.

As you shift gears, your engine and car should respond seamlessly to the changes. You may notice gear slipping, when the car does not respond to the demands of the engine, if your transmission is in trouble. Your engine may be revving and racing, but your car is sluggish and does not catch up with its demands.

If you think your transmission may be having issues, contact a transmission repair shop such as Interstate Transmission.

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