Regular transmission maintenance is crucial for prolonging the life of your vehicle’s engine. When it’s not working properly, the wheels can’t get the power they need, and the engine is overworked, which leads to costly car repairs. That’s why professionals recommend understanding the common signs that you’re overdue for transmission services.

How to Know When You Need Transmission Maintenance

1. Unusual Noises

If you notice a grinding or brushing sound with an automatic transmission, it’s typically a sign that you have problems with the torque converter. The needle bearings have become worn down or damaged, and since they prevent the gears from grinding, it’ll cause them to deteriorate prematurely if the necessary transmission maintenance isn’t performed.  

2. Grinding Sensation

The shift from gear to gear should be seamless, so if you’re experiencing any grinding or shaking, there’s something wrong. The grinding typically starts small, but as the damage to the gears worsens, it becomes much more noticeable. If the required repairs aren’t made, it can lead to a complete transmission failure.

3. Delayed Response

With a healthy vehicle, the transmission should immediately switch from neutral to drive or reverse, so when it takes a moment to catch up to your commands, you’ll know something is wrong. This delayed response happens for a couple of reasons. Either you need transmission fluid maintenance because it has become too thick, or the computer system is malfunctioning and needs to rest.

4. Burning Smell

The transmission fluid is responsible for keeping all of the internal parts lubricated and functioning efficiently, so when it gets too old, or the levels drop, you’ll experience problems. The friction caused by the moving parts wears down the transmission and creates the burning odor, so if you ever smell it, it’s important to schedule repairs immediately.

5. Check Engine Light Is On

While this notification could be caused by a variety of issues with your car, when it’s compounded with any of these other problems, it’s crucial to take your vehicle in for an inspection. The sensors in the car can detect a variety of issues within the transmission, and by getting the maintenance done as soon as the light comes on, you can avoid more costly problems down the road.

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, schedule your transmission maintenance with the experts at Mr. Transmission in Cincinnati, OH. As one of the area’s premier transmission service providers for more than 50 years, they’ve helped local drivers with every type of transmission issue. Whether you have an automatic or manual one, they have the expertise and tools needed to diagnose any issues you’re having and provide fast and reliable repairs to get you back on the road. Schedule an appointment by calling (513) 769-3111 or learn more about their services online.