If you don't know much or anything about your car's transmission, this post can help you identify transmission issues so you can get them fixed before they're allowed to grow.

Do You Have a Transmission Problem?

Knowing how to identify a transmission problem can be hard for the average driver. Most drivers will be able to detect an obvious sign of trouble in their car when it is visible, but since the transmission isn't as visible as a tire and doesn't directly notify you of an issue like your temperature gauge, it can be more difficult to diagnose. For this reason, this post is packed full of different signs you can look out for to detect a transmission issue the next time something comes up. Just like with the other systems in your car, it's important that you get your car professionally inspected if you come across any of these issues.

Transmission Basics

It's easy to understand why most drivers aren't experts in every system in their car, and frankly, it would be unreasonable to ask this of all drivers. But this doesn't mean you should completely forget about learning even the basics of some of the most important systems that keep your car knowing. With even just some basic information, you can ensure your car is able to stay in better shape for longer. If you don't know anything about your transmission, it helps to first understand that this system is what sends power from your engine to the driveshaft. This results in your wheels getting the right amount of power for the speed you're traveling at. When you shift gears, your transmission is also what ensures that these gear shifts are smooth and reliable. Of course, for this all to happen smoothly you will have to keep up with your transmission maintenance. Since there is a lot of friction and heat being produced as you drive and change gears, your transmission will suffer some wear. Over time, this can lead to some issues that can add up in repair costs. Your best defense is to know what issues to look out for and keeping up with regular maintenance. Below are some signs that indicate that your transmission needs to be looked at by a professional.

Leaking Transmission Fluid

Any sort of leak in your car will be an obvious sign of an issue. When your transmission fluid is what's leaking, you will notice some drops or even a puddle of a red, clear fluid under your car. Transmission fluid typically smells a bit sweet unless it's old and needs replacing. If the fluid still smells sweet, you may just need to get the leak fixed and your fluid may need topping off. If the transmission fluid smells burned, then it's best to flush your old fluid and replace it with a brand new bottle of it. Keep your transmission working smoothly with AMSOIL's Signature Series Fuel-Efficient Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid. You can find more transmission fluid options and synthetic oils for your next synthetic oil change in Fayetteville by visiting Huff Oil Group's online store. Contact Huff Oil Group at (910) 988-9328 to learn more.

Won't Go Into Gear

Another sign of trouble to look out for is your car hesitating or refusing to go into gear when you're trying to make a gear shift. Making a simple gear shift from park to drive, for example, should happen smoothly and without any hesitation. If your car doesn't do this immediately, there is cause for concern. You shouldn't feel any sort of delay while shifting gears, and if you do, it's time to visit your mechanic for a professional inspection of your transmission system.

Burning Smell

The smell of something burning emanating from your car is never a good sign. If this scent is coming from your transmission, this most likely means that your transmission fluid is overheating and has broken down. When this happens, there tends to be an increase in friction and heat in the transmission. This can lead to more wear, corrosion, and sludge formation. To prevent further transmission issues, check on your fluid's condition and level. If it's running low, top it off but if it's no longer good, it's time to flush it.

Noisy Transmission When in Neutral

A noisier than usual transmission isn't ideal, especially if it's quite noisy even when it's in neutral. While it may sound awful, this problem may not be so huge. In many cases, this nosiness while in neutral is caused by low levels of transmission fluid or old fluid that needs to be replaced. Check your fluid and take the necessary steps to resolve this issue. If your transmission continues to be noisy even after you've changed the fluid, you may need to replace some parts. Worn gear teeth or bearings are just a couple of the things that may need to be replaced for a less noisy transmission.

Synthetic Oil Change in Fayetteville

Keep your car in the best shape possible by using the best products on the market. Contact Huff Oil Group at (910) 988-9328 to find all the products you need for your next synthetic oil change in Fayetteville.