The transmission is a vital part of your vehicle, responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels. When it starts to fail, your vehicle's performance and safety can be significantly impacted. Recognizing the early signs of transmission trouble can help you avoid more expensive repairs or even total transmission failure. At Auto-Lab Complete Car Care Center, we provide expert transmission repair in the greater Plymouth, MI area. Here are five warning signs of a transmission problem.

Unusual Noises

Strange noises are often the first sign of a transmission issue. Listen for grinding, whining, or humming sounds, especially when shifting gears. These noises may indicate worn-out transmission components, such as gears or bearings. Automatic transmissions might produce a whining noise, while manual transmissions often emit grinding sounds when there's an issue with the clutch.

Difficulty Shifting Gears

If you experience resistance or delays when shifting gears, it's time to have your transmission checked. In automatic vehicles, this might feel like the car hesitates before engaging a gear. For manual transmissions, difficulty getting into gear is a red flag.

Leaking Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid is crucial for lubricating and cooling the system. A leak is a serious problem that can lead to low fluid levels, causing the transmission to overheat or malfunction. Look for reddish fluid under your vehicle. Transmission fluid leaks often occur due to faulty pan gaskets and damaged transmission lines.

Slipping Gears

If your car unexpectedly slips out of gear while driving, it could be a sign of a transmission problem. This often occurs when the transmission loses hydraulic pressure due to low fluid levels or internal wear. Gear slipping not only affects your car’s performance, but also poses a significant safety risk.

Burning Smell

A burning smell while driving may indicate overheating transmission fluid. This could happen if the fluid becomes dirty or insufficient in quantity. Overheated fluid loses its ability to properly lubricate and cool the transmission, potentially leading to severe damage if left unaddressed.

Transmission Repair in Plymouth, MI

When you need transmission repair in Plymouth, MI and the surrounding area, contact Auto-Lab Complete Car Care Center at (734) 404-7625. At our local auto shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!