When Good Transmissions Go Bad: Warning Signs and What to Do

The transmission is one of the vital components of your vehicle, literally converting the combustion of the engine to the momentum that is transmitted to your wheels. Usually, your car will give you warning signs of transmission trouble before failing, but what happens if your transmission goes out while driving? 

Transmission Failure: What to Do, and How to Predict It

What should I do if my transmission goes out while driving?

If the transmission in your car fails while you’re driving it, you will not be able to accelerate. This might not be as dangerous if you’re driving 25 mph in your neighborhood, but if you’re going 70 on the highway, or even 45 on a busy road, it can be pretty scary! Here’s what to do if that happens: 

• Turn on your hazard lights (aka emergency lights or four-ways).
• Get to the right and pull over as soon as it is safe to do so.
• Call for roadside assistance or call us to sell your junk car. We pay the most for junk cars in Atlanta! 

Of course, it’s definitely better to deal with a faulty transmission before you get stranded on the side of the road. Keep an eye out for these symptoms of a failing transmission.

What are the warning signs that your transmission will go out?

• If you hear a clunking, whining, or any other unusual sound coming from the engine, you need to check on your transmission.
• Sometimes the check engine light will come on if your transmission is in trouble.
• If you notice that the transmission fluid is low when you check your car’s fluids, it may be due to a leak. Transmission fluid doesn’t burn off like oil, so if it’s low, something’s wrong. A transmission fluid leak (or transmission fluid that has not been changed in too long) can cause serious damage to your transmission and the rest of your engine. 
• Shuddering or shaking while shifting gears is also a bad sign. If you’re feeling vibrations every time you change gears, you need to have your transmission looked at.
• Trouble shifting gears—or not going into gear at all—is another symptom of a failing transmission.
• If your transmission fluid is low due to a leak, or if it is dirty or degraded, your engine can run too hot and you may smell something burning. (A burning smell is never a good sign, so definitely investigate no matter what! Even if your transmission is fine, there may be another issue like leaking antifreeze or a damaged heater core.)

Stay safe on the road and keep your ride running smoothly with used auto parts from U Wrench It… Or if your car is not worth fixing, give us a call at 404-805-0900 to sell your junker for a great price!