Fixing your car’s transmission problems can range from a simple repair to a costly rebuild. But how do you know if your vehicle needs minor repairs or has serious issues that require immediate attention? Watch out for the signs below that you need to have your transmission checked and serviced at your trusted Chevy dealer.
1. Foul Smells From the Engine
A long trip can lead to discovering new scents on the road. However, keep an eye out for odors that appear to be coming from your engine. A smoky or foul-smelling odor is a sure sign of transmission system problems. When transmission fluid becomes low, it is prone to overheating and burning. In addition, your engine might have to exert more power, causing the temperature in your car to rise and result in a heater core meltdown.
2. Clunking, Machine-Like Sounds
Strange noises suggest that something must be wrong with your transmission system. If you’re driving a car with a manual transmission, you may notice machine-like sounds while you’re shifting gears. As soon as you hear the odd sounds, it’s best to schedule a maintenance service to address the issue right away before your transmission system completely fails.
3. Excessive Noise While in Neutral
Is your car in neutral, and yet you hear bumping sounds? This sign indicates an issue with your transmission system. An auto inspection will let you know if your transmission is low on fluid or whether you have used the wrong fluid type. Your car bearings or gear teeth may also be out of alignment and require replacement, hence the excessive noise.
4. Inappropriate Response During Gear Shifts
Your transmission is designed to smoothly fit into the appropriate gear as soon as you trigger the shift. However, if your vehicle doesn’t respond right away, you might have a problem with your car’s transmission. Delayed shifts are usually the result of a faulty transmission system. In addition, you might notice noises in your engine that don’t match your driving speed.
5. Transmission Fluid Leaks and Spills
Problems in your transmission system can result in leaking fluid. How can you tell if the leak in your driveway is coming from your transmission system? In general, transmission fluids look red and have a distinctively sweet aroma. However, it can have a strong, burnt scent if you’re also dealing with engine overheating issues.
6. Dragging Clutch
A dragging clutch is a classic sign of problems in manual transmission cars. Do you have an excessively slack clutch pedal that makes it difficult for you to disengage? If your clutch can’t apply engine power to the drivetrain, changing gears becomes impossible. In addition to the clutch drag, you might also hear a screeching sound.
Does your car show any of the above signs? Ignoring the warning signs of transmission issues could cost you in the long run. Contact Bommarito Chevrolet South County and don’t miss the chance to keep your vehicle performing at its best. Schedule a service appointment with us, and you can be sure that our expert-trained team will deliver the service you deserve!
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