Your vehicle’s transmission is one of the most complex and vital components under the hood. Whether you're driving an automatic or manual car, the transmission is what allows your engine's power to reach the wheels — making movement possible.
When the transmission begins to fail, it doesn’t happen all at once. There are often early warning signs that drivers can spot if they know what to look for. Ignoring those signs can lead to costly repairs or even complete transmission failure. In this blog, we'll break down what the transmission does, common signs of transmission trouble, and how to protect and extend the life of your transmission.
What Does a Transmission Do?
The transmission is a system of gears that transfers power from the engine to the drive wheels, adjusting torque and speed depending on how fast you want to go and how much load the vehicle is under. Essentially, it ensures the engine operates within an optimal RPM range while providing the right amount of power to the wheels.
There are three main types of transmissions:
- Automatic Transmission: Shifts gears on its own based on speed and load.
- Manual Transmission: Requires the driver to shift gears using a clutch pedal and gear stick.
- Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT): Uses a belt and pulley system to provide seamless acceleration without traditional gear shifts.
No matter the type, the transmission must stay in good health for your vehicle to function properly.
Common Signs of Transmission Failure
Here are the most important symptoms to watch for:
1.Slipping Gears: When your vehicle suddenly changes gears without input (especially in automatics), or if it seems to slip out of gear while driving, it’s a serious red flag.
What to notice:
- RPMs spike unexpectedly
- Loss of acceleration
- Engine revs but vehicle doesn’t move accordingly
2. Delayed or Rough Shifting: If you experience hesitation, jerking, or hard shifts when changing gears, your transmission could be struggling.
Especially noticeable when:
- Shifting from park to drive or reverse
- Accelerating onto highways
- Coming to a stop or starting from one
3. Unusual Noises: Strange sounds are often an early indicator.
Pay attention to:
- Grinding (manual transmission)
- Whining, humming, or clunking (automatic transmission)
- Clicking or buzzing while in gear
4. Transmission Fluid Leaks: Transmission fluid is essential for lubricating gears, cooling components, and maintaining hydraulic pressure.
Look for:
- Red or brown puddles under the vehicle
- Low fluid levels on your transmission dipstick
- Burning smell (often from overheated or old fluid)
5. Check Engine Light: Many modern vehicles have sensors that monitor the transmission.
If the check engine light comes on:
- Use an OBD-II scanner or visit a mechanic
- Transmission trouble codes (like P0700) may appear
6. Unresponsive Transmission: If your vehicle won’t move after you shift into gear, or hesitates significantly before doing so, this points to serious issues with the internal mechanics or electronics of the transmission and Hannah's Mastertek can help.
7. Burning Smell: A hot, acrid odor (especially when paired with slipping or leaking) can signal overheated transmission fluid or friction between gears.
8. Grinding or Shaking: In manual transmissions, worn-out clutches or synchronizers can cause grinding when shifting. In automatics, rough gear changes may feel like the vehicle is shaking.
9. Noise in Neutral: Hearing unusual sounds while your vehicle is in neutral can still point to worn bearings, low fluid, or internal damage.
How to Prevent Transmission Problems
Maintaining your transmission properly can prevent many common failures. Here's how:
Check Transmission Fluid Regularly
- Use your dipstick (if equipped) to check fluid level and condition.
- Healthy fluid is red/pink and slightly sweet-smelling
- Dark brown or burnt-smelling fluid should be replaced
- Top off or flush fluid as recommended by your owner’s manual
Service It on Schedule
Follow the manufacturer’s recommended service interval — this may include:
- Transmission fluid change
- Filter replacement (on some models)
- Pan gasket replacement
Don’t Overheat the Transmission
Transmission fluid breaks down quickly when overheated.
Avoid overheating by:
- Not towing loads beyond your vehicle’s capacity
- Installing an auxiliary cooler if you tow often
- Avoiding aggressive driving in hot weather
Use the Correct Transmission Fluid
Always use the fluid type specified in your owner’s manual by bringing your vehicle to Hannah's Mastertek to ensure proper care. The wrong fluid can lead to poor performance and wear – let the experts help.
Come to a Full Stop Before Shifting
- Changing from reverse to drive (or vice versa) without stopping first can damage the transmission over time.
- Avoid Riding the Brakes or Slamming the Gas
- Hard driving puts unnecessary strain on the transmission.
- Accelerate smoothly
- Brake gradually
- Don’t “floor it” often unless necessary
Watch for Leaks: If you see red fluid under your vehicle, have it inspected at Hannah's Mastertek ASAP. Even small leaks can lead to transmission failure if left unchecked.
Warm Up the Vehicle in Cold Weather: In freezing temperatures, allow the engine and transmission fluid to warm up slightly before driving off, especially if you're towing or carrying a load.
Pay Attention to Warning Signs: The sooner you address odd noises, warning lights, or performance issues, the more affordable the repair is likely to be.
Transmission failure can be one of the most expensive repairs on a vehicle. But with proper maintenance and quick attention to early warning signs, you can avoid most major issues and keep your transmission running smoothly for the long haul.
If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, it’s wise to get your vehicle inspected by the professional technicians at Hannah's Mastertek as soon as possible. Catching a small issue early could save you thousands in repair costs.
Need help with a transmission issue? Our team of certified technicians at Hannah's Mastertek in Aurora is here to help diagnose and repair any problems before they turn into something more serious. Give us a call or stop by today!