No car owner wants to wind up with transmission trouble. Unfortunately, at some point, you’re bound to notice problems associated with your transmission and it’s best not to ignore them. The longer you wait to have a mechanic take a look, the more you risk serious transmission repairs. Many symptoms of a problem with your transmission will come on gradually, but once you notice any of these signs, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with a trusted mechanic.

Unusual Sounds When Driving or Changing Gears

You’re used to the typical hum of your car’s engine when running. If you start to notice new sounds starting up your car, pay attention to when it happens. Timing is key in pointing you in the right direction for any necessary car repairs that may be looming. Depending on what type of transmission your car has, there are different sounds associated with the most common problems.

Grinding When You Change Gears with Your Manual Transmission

Normally, when you shift gears, your manual transmission will quietly slide into the appropriate gear. If you notice a grinding sound when shifting into any gear, it’s cause for concern. Manual transmissions are mechanical systems, and they use gear plates to select the intended gear. A grinding sound could mean the gear plate is worn and should be replaced.

Clunking, Humming, or Whining from Your Automatic Transmission

Does your automatic transmission sound a bit whiney? Common sounds from a wearing out automatic transmission can be clunking, humming, or whining. If you hear any of those sounds when your car changes gears, it’s a good indicator that part of your transmission could be in trouble and you should get your car to a mechanic who specializes in transmissions.

Difficulty Getting into or Staying in Gear

Trying to get your car in gear and it just won’t go? Or maybe your car sometimes slides back out of the intended gear? Both can indicate a necessary transmission repair and shouldn’t be ignored. Not only do they mean you’re at risk of more serious transmission trouble, but they can also pose a safety hazard if you have trouble getting into or staying in gear while driving.

Slipping Gears Can Be a Sign of Low Transmission Fluid

Once you’ve shifted into the gear you want, you expect it to stay that way until it’s time to change to another gear. With automatic transmissions, you don’t tell your car which gear to shift to outside of Drive, Reverse, or Neutral. Still, you may experience slipping gears as sudden hesitation or a revving engine while driving. When this starts to happen, it’s possible your transmission fluid is low and you should schedule a transmission service soon.

Delayed Shifting is Cause for Concern in a Manual Transmission

In manual transmissions, you have control over what gear you’re in at all times – or you should. Along with slipping gears, you may notice hesitation from your car when shifting up or down. Delayed shifting can be a sign of transmission trouble and should be checked out by a trusted mechanic who’s well trained in transmissions.

No Response When Changing Gears

Trying to change gears and nothing happens? Not only can this leave you stranded, but it’s also a good indicator of a problem with your car’s transmission. While any issues around gear changing can point to your transmission, if there flat out is no response when changing gears, it’s become an even more urgent issue. This should be taken care of by a trusted mechanic, rather than continuing to attempt driving your car.

You May Notice This First with Shifting into and Out of Reverse

The most difficult gear for any car is Reverse. Shifting into or out of this gear requires a complete reversal of direction for your transmission. This means that when certain parts of your transmission start to wear out, you may notice it first with Reverse. In manual transmissions, this can also show up early with First Gear, since lower gears also can put more strain on your transmission.

Transmission Trouble? Trust the Transmission Experts at AAMCO

If you notice any of the above signs of transmission trouble or are worried you may need a transmission repair, there’s no better place to come than your nearest AAMCO. Our transmission experts are ready to diagnose any problem you’re experiencing and carry out the necessary repairs. Plus, if you find yourself stranded or don’t feel comfortable driving your car, we can help coordinate a free towing service to the nearest location so you don’t put you and your car at risk.