4 Transmission Warning Signs To Pay Attention To

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To keep your car in motion, you need to keep your transmission healthy. As one of the more critical parts of a vehicle, a failure with the transmission will have serious effects on your car. One way you can minimize a breakdown due to a transmission failure is to learn how to identify a problem; here are some tips to help with this process. 

Rattling Noises

If you're driving down the road and hear a rattling noise, a problem with the transmission fluid could be to blame. Some drivers forget that this fluid has an expiration date. Debris and grime can settle in the fluid and lower its efficiency. As the fluid fails, you may start to hear rattling. A transmission might also rattle if it's low on transmission fluid. Respond to these sounds by checking the fluid levels. 

Hard Shifting

One benefit of an automatic transmission is a seamless transition between each gear. If you feel like changing gears on your auto feels more like a manual, don't ignore this problem. Hard shifting could mean that the transmission has too little fluid or that the gears are worn. If you continue to drive the car in this condition, failure is imminent, so ensure you're having it serviced. 

Whining Sounds

A whining sound is another noise not to ignore. The reason for this noise could be a pressure issue inside the transmission. To work properly, a transmission must maintain a certain level of pressure, and when this pressure changes, it could be the result of a failure of the pump or fluid filter. The whining noise might also be accompanied by slow shifting if low pressure is the problem. On the easier side, you might just need to replace the filter to repair the issues, but sometimes a more involved repair is required. 

Slow Shifting

If your transmission will go from gear to gear, but it seems slow to respond, the transmission fluid might again be the reason to blame. Among other things, transmission fluid is designed to lubricate the gears, and when the fluid isn't flowing freely, this could cause the delay. The problem could be that the filter that allows the fluid to flow through is clogged and simply needs to be cleaned or replaced. 

If your car is displaying any signs of failure, don't take this lightly. The problem will likely only get worse as time progresses. Take your vehicle to a transmission shop soon. 


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