5 Warning Signs of Automatic Transmission Trouble

Your transmission is a vital component that keeps your car running properly. Transmissions are composed of complex hydraulics and electronic parts that transmit power from the engine to the axles that enable your wheels to move.  

Cars today can suffer from various transmission problems that can cause major damage resulting in costly repairs if you ignore the problem. The sooner you catch transmission trouble, the better. Here are five signs that you're having transmission problems.

An automatic transmission is a self-shifting component that changes gears when it detects changes in speed. A lack of response when shifting is a warning sign that your transmission is having some problems. When you drive, you may notice that when you increase your speed, your car doesn't react properly and still feels as if you are driving at a slower speed.

Your car may make sounds such as whining from the engine, or you may feel your vehicle jerk forward as the gears change, yet the speed fails to increase.  

Check this by test driving in a clear area where you can increase the speed. Pay attention to whether the gears shift smoothly as the speed increases. Contact a service center if you experience jerking, engine whining or a lack of response when shifting gears.

You could also notice that when your vehicle does change gears, the vehicle doesn't do so right away. A healthy transmission will engage smoothly to accommodate increases and reduces in speed.

Focus in on how quickly your car or truck changes gears. If there's a significant delay between the time you change speed and the time the vehicle reacts by shifting gears, you're likely experiencing transmission issues.
  

If the delay happens once, it may just be a fluke. However, if you notice this happening frequently, take your vehicle to have the transmission checked.

Sometimes something innocent like a loose hose can cause fluid such as coolant to leak. Other times leaking fluid is a warning sign of trouble. The transmission is sealed and thus shouldn't leak any fluid under normal circumstances.  

If you notice red or orange fluid leaking from your car, that fluid may be a sign of a faulty transmission. You'll need to have it looked at to know for sure.

A transmission overheating is the culprit behind many problems that can affect this part of your car. When your transmission overheats, other vital components such as fluid pressure are negatively impacted. Other parts of the vehicle will often start having problems.

When the transmission overheats, your vehicle will experience fluid loss. The fluids will also look dirty, and you may notice a burnt smell as you drive. Have your transmission checked if you notice your fluids are low for no reason.

When you drive down the road your vehicle should feel smooth. When the transmission becomes faulty, you may notice that your car no longer drives smoothly. A car that shakes and trembles a lot as you drive may be warning you of transmission problems.

Sometimes brake rotors cause vehicles to shake, so take note as to whether it shakes when driving or when you apply the brake to stop. If it shakes when you change speeds, as opposed to when you apply the brakes, you may need your transmission repaired.  

Most cars today have warning lights that come on indicating that a component of your vehicle is experiencing trouble. Even if your transmission light doesn't come on, be proactive about taking care of your car if you see these signs. Contact All Transmission World to have your transmission issue diagnosed.