What Is a Transmission?

Each part of your car works together to get you to your next destination. The transmission pushes power to your wheels so that it moves where you want them to go. It can be surprising when you try to get going, and it won’t move an inch.

If you’re gearing up to drive your kids to school or to take a hike in Hurd State Park, you’ll be disappointed when you’re stuck in your driveway.

Signs That Point to a Bad Transmission

Of course, you may expect your dashboard lights to surface or even flicker when a transmission may be on the fritz. Other signs may be less apparent and earlier in the game. Watch out for them, and you could avert them before they get worse.

Unexpected noises may erupt from your car that signal transmission trouble. Grinding usually indicates an issue with your car. When you do hear an odd sound like grinding, it could be that you’re low on transmission fluid.

You may not associate burning toast with anything other than a mishap. Oddly enough, once you smell it coming from your car, you’ll forever pair it up with your transmission. When you’re using older transmission fluid, it eventually emits this scent and should be replaced.

Slipping gears and those that shake point to the need for transmission service. This sign can be very unnerving, but our service center can get you in for a quick check and resolve the issue. Make your appointment online or call us, and we’ll get you in as soon as possible.

Check for a Transmission Leak

When talking about transmission issues, leaks may come up. They’re very common and can be detected without visiting our service center. You can do so yourself, and if you determine that you indeed harbor a leak, we’ll take care of it.

Now here’s what you can do in your very own driveway. Grab a piece of cardboard and put it under your car. After a few minutes, pull the cardboard out from under your car. Do you see a red or pink blotch? Does it smell cloyingly sweet?

If you do see the blotch and smell the scent, your car has a transmission leak. Let us know by calling or scheduling an appointment online. We’ll patch it up and give a cursory check of other systems to see if anything else sticks out.

If the transmission has older gaskets or seals holding it together, it could likely develop a leak. It could also stem from a corroded or damaged transmission pan. If you recently went for a transmission flush or radiator repair, this could be an unforeseen result of this.