When you climb behind the wheel of your car, it is always helpful if you have a bit of understanding about its mechanical components so you can avoid getting stranded. This is especially true when it comes to your transmission. You may not be the most mechanically inclined driver around, but with just a few pointers, there is a good chance that you will be able to point out signs of transmission trouble in your vehicle. Here are a few that you as a driver should learn to recognize so you can get help when you feel like there might be something going on.

Transmission Trouble Symptom #1 - Leaking transmission fluids

The transmission is a rather large unit that holds several quarts of transmission fluid. This fluid is what makes it possible for the unit to operate smoothly without overheating. If you start seeing spots in your driveway or beneath your car in a parking lot, make sure that what you are seeing is not coming from the transmission. Transmission fluid is generally red or reddish brown in color, very different from motor oil.

The transmission fluid is designed to be safely sealed inside of the lower housing unit when the vehicle is in park. If it is leaking out, this means that a transmission seal has ruptured, which can lead to major problems, even a need for a rebuild or replacement.

Transmission Trouble Symptom #2 - Delayed shifting during travel

One of the firs signs that a transmission is going bad will be delayed or hesitant shifts during travel. This can make your car feel almost like it is missing during acceleration or losing power. The delayed shifts will be especially noticeable with changes in roadway inclines. For example, when you are going uphill at a faster rate of speed, the transmission should automatically shift into a lower gear for more climbing power.

Transmission Trouble Symptom #3 - Stalled or delayed engagement into drive or reverse

When you manually switch the car from parked into either reverse or drive, the transmission should immediately cater to the change. However, a transmission that is going bad will often stall before it switches into gear. This is due to worn gears that may have to turn a few rotations before the internal cogs can catch. If you are seeing a stall when shifting from park, it is definitely time to take your car in to a transmission repair shop for attention.

Transmission problems are one of the biggest issues mechanically that a vehicle can have. Even though you may not be sure, if you even suspect that you are seeing signs of transmission failure, you should take your car immediately to a transmission repair center like Transmission Clinic of Colorado for an assessment. Doing so could not only prevent you from getting stranded, but also save you money on full-on transmission replacement later on.

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