No car owner wants to face transmission problems, and the good news is that they're quite rare—especially in cars with less than 100,000 miles. Unfortunately, transmission problems can be very expensive, especially when they're put off to the point that the original problem becomes worse. This is why it's so important for car owners to be on the lookout for common signs of transmission problems early on.
Leaking Fluid
Leaking transmission fluid is never something that should be ignored. However, some drivers don't know what a transmission leak looks like and may mistake it for an innocent puddle of condensation from the car's AC. Transmission fluid is generally red in color, which should help it stand out. However, for those who park on darker concrete or asphalt, it may not be obvious. If you see your car leaking any fluid, it's a good idea to set down a white piece of paper or cardboard to determine its actual color and type.
Slipping Transmission
When your car shifts into its next gear, do you notice that the transmission seems to slip? When this occurs, you'll notice a "thud" as well as a noticeable shudder as your car moves into the next gear. If this happens just once or twice, it is probably not something to worry about. However, if it happens frequently in the same gear, it's time to have your transmission checked out.
Difficulty Accelerating
Another possible sign of a transmission problem is when your car has difficulty accelerating. You may feel like your car begins to shudder or doesn't respond as much to your foot on the gas pedal when it approaches a certain speed. This can also be a sign of other issues, such as an engine problem, but it's important to have it checked out.
Noisy in Neutral
Finally, if you notice that your car has become unusually noisy when it's in neutral gear, this could also be the sign of a transmission problem. Unfortunately, most people don't ever notice this because it's not often that a car is put into neutral. If your car is experiencing any of the other symptoms mentioned, try putting it in neutral and listen closely for strange noises to help diagnose the issue.
Any time you're facing transmission problems, it's important to have these done by an experienced auto repair shop, so be sure to have your car checked out promptly. For more information, contact a business such as Mr Transmission.