Photo by Kevin Mueller

Transmissions are what transfers the power created by the engine to the wheels, which is what makes them spin. When your transmission goes out or has to work overtime it affects how your car moves, if you can get it to move at all.

Thankfully there are warning signs you can take note of before your transmission breaks down while you’re out.

Keep reading to learn the seven tell-tale signs that you need a transmission service done as soon as possible.

Turn your music off and listen to the noises your car is making. If you hear a whining noise it could mean that the pins in the torque converters that are in your transmission are wearing out.

Pay attention when you come up to a red light, if once you stop your car makes a whining noise, drive right to the mechanic.

While your driving, take note of any smells your car could be emitting. If you catch a whiff of something that reminds you of paper burning this could indicate a transmission issue.

Especially if you have a manual gear shifter, and you notice the smell when you shift gears, it could be a transmission issue. It could also mean you need a new clutch plate.

Either way, it’s important to take your car to a professional so they can determine the issue and fix it.

With a manual transmission car, the one sign that indicates you can’t drive anymore without going to the shop is if it’s popping out of gear.

This can be extremely dangerous because it prevents you from having total control over your car. When your car pops out of gear it feels as if you’re driving over ice, or hydroplaning, which is what makes it so dangerous and can’t be ignored.

Also, pay attention to if your car shifts at unnecessary times. This indicates an issue with either the transmission computer or that it needs transmission fluid, but let the professional mechanic take care of that for you.

Leaking fluid from your car can be from many different things, so pay attention to the color of it. If you’ve had your AC on, which let’s be honest in Texas with temperatures reaching as hot as 95 degrees Fahrenheit, that’s pretty often, you may notice a clear liquid coming from your car.

If the liquid is a dark brown, or black it could mean an oil leak, which also shouldn’t be ignored but it wouldn’t necessarily indicate a transmission issue.

Transmission fluid is easily recognizable as a red liquid coming from your car. If there’s a distinct red liquid coming from your car, call the mechanic and get your car in right away.

If your car is shaking roughly, or you feel like it’s grinding while your idling it’s time to take it in. Even if while you’re driving your car shakes, this could indicate a transmission issue. This is true for both automatic transmissions as well as manual transmissions, your car should always drive smoothly and not make you motion sick.

You know your car best. When you take off it should smoothly and effortlessly get to your desired speed, there should be no stalling whatsoever. If it’s not accelerating like it used to, then this is not okay.

When your car is maintained properly it should drive like it did the first day you got it.

This may seem overly obvious, but with 29% of people ignoring their check engine light we have to bring it up. A check engine light can indicate many different issues with your car, and a transmission problem is one of them.

If you notice any of these signs, and your check engine light also comes on you have to get a transmission service as soon as possible.

A transmission service cost varies wildly depending on the issue. If you need new transmission fluid or a transmission flush, you’re looking at up to $250, but could also cost significantly less as well.

Worst case scenario, your new transmission could cost as much as $5,000. That’s why we are so adamant about getting your car serviced regularly to prevent any high, unexpected costs.

Fixing your transmission is not one of those car maintenance items you can DIY. If you miss even one step you could completely ruin and destroy your car. Transmission issues require complex work done by someone with years of experience.

Even if you’ve watched a YouTube video and thought you could do it yourself, stop and consider if you can afford a new car if something goes wrong. If the answer is no, I cannot afford to buy a new car then you need to take your car to a professional.

Now that you know the seven warning signs that show it’s time to schedule a transmission service, assess your vehicle to see if you have any. If you have even one of the above warning signs, it’s time to schedule a transmission service.

Contact us a get a free quote today, we are the best place to call for transmission repair work near Houston, TX, and are eager to help keep your car healthy.