If you drive an automatic vehicle, then you’ll know that the transmission system is one of the most important elements. Your car’s automatic transmission consists of gears, brakes, clutches and a fluid drive, which work together to automatically change the speed.
These elements all need to work in harmony and automatic transmission systems are far more complicated than their manual counterparts. It’s important to seek specialist repairs if you suspect an issue with your automatic transmission, so see below for some of the warning signs to look out for.
Noises like whining, screeching, humming or clanking can indicate a range of issues, but they should never be ignored. Unusual noises could be a sign that the fluid in your transmission has broken down. This fluid keeps the gears and other components lubricated but it can lose its protective properties over time, resulting in friction which causes these types of noises.
Gear changes should be smooth and steady, with no shakes or vibrations. If you notice your vehicle shaking when changing gears, take it in for an inspection as soon as possible. Leaving the issue unattended can result in costly repairs further down the line.
A burning smell can be a sign of overheated fluid in the transmission. Again, this is due to friction caused by a breakdown of fluid. Lack of lubrication puts extra strain on your car parts and it can lead to a total breakdown of the transmission. This can be very expensive to fix, so address any unusual burning smells straight away.
Slipping gears can be dangerous for you and other drivers on the road so it’s essential to get the issue checked out. Like the other issues mentioned, slipping gears can be caused by a lack of transmission fluid (or fluid that has worn out). Check your transmission fluid levels and top up if necessary; if this doesn’t fix the issue then you may have a problem with the solenoid.
You’ll need a specialist technician who can examine your vehicle’s onboard computer, so book an appointment as soon as possible.
If you’re in need of professional
automatic transmission repairs, get in touch with the experts at The Gearbox Specialists. With over 90 years of combined experience, we’ve got all the knowledge and expertise you need for transmission repairs or rebuilds. We’re proud to provide reliable automatic gearbox repair for all makes and models and we can also supply and fit reconditioned units. For more information about our automatic services, give us a call today or
contact us online.