The transmission is an essential component of a vehicle whose function is to send power from the vehicle's engine to the wheels. Both automatic and manual transmissions operate under a lot of pressure and heat. They should be properly maintained to ensure optimal performance of the vehicle. Failure to do this can result in regular breakdowns and costly repairs. The best way to avoid transmission problems is by understanding your car's warning signs of trouble. Here are some of the common but potentially dangerous transmission problems that you should never ignore.

Leaking and low fluid

The transmission requires fluid to operate under high pressure. When the fluid is low due to leaks or irregular servicing, you may begin to experience problems with the vehicle. If you don't detect and repair the leaking components on time, you may be forced to incur huge costs of repair or replacement of the transmission depending on the extent of the damage.

The transmission fluid is usually bright red or reddish-brown in colour. Old fluid that hasn't been replaced for long may have a dark red colour. If you notice fluid leaks beneath the place you usually park your car, take your vehicle to an auto repair shop for diagnosis and repairs.

Strange noises and shaking

Vehicles often produce strange noises when some components are not functioning properly. The transmission, in particular, has several moving components that work to send power to the wheels. When these components are defective, you may hear unusual noises, shaking or clunking every time you shift gears. You may not be able to deduce the source of the sound immediately, but an experienced mechanic can pinpoint the faulty components just by the sound produced.

Laboured shifting

Have you ever experienced resistance from your vehicle when trying to shift gears? If the process of shifting gears doesn't feel as smooth as it used to be before, you may be looking at a transmission problem. Also, you may notice that your vehicle doesn't pick up speed as fast as it used to. Rough shifting can cause problems when reversing and should be addressed to avoid accidents that may result from the inability to shift gears.

Slipping transmission

Sometimes you may feel like your vehicle automatically changes to a higher or lower gear on its own. When this happens, the engine usually produces a strange whining sound or changes pitch. Slipping transmission is a potentially dangerous problem as the gear may shift when the vehicle is in park. It is usually an indication of defective components of the transmission and should be addressed immediately.

Regular servicing and proper maintenance of your vehicle are the best ways to ensure that your transmission remains in good working condition. If you notice any of the above problems, take the vehicle for manual or automatic transmission repairs immediately to avoid accidents associated with a failed transmission.

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