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There are all kinds of transmissions these days, from pure automatics to dual sequential clutch (DSC), constantly variable (CVT) and the tried and true 3-pedal manual gearbox. No matter which one your car is equipped with, if you ignore the symptoms of pending transmission problems you can be looking at a very complicated and expensive repair. Caught early, most transmission issues can be resolved quickly and economically. Here are some tips on recognizing a problem early, before your transmission needs major surgery:
1. Changes in operation - A transmission is something you feel working through the seat of your pants and after a very short period you naturally know how your transmission "feels." It may sound simple, but any change in the way your transmission engages, shifts or idles can be an early sign of trouble. Next time you get in your car, pay attention to the way the transmission operates and create a mental baseline that you can refer to so you will know if anything changes. If you notice a change, take it by a professional service center, like Ramon's Tire and Service, and let them feel what you feel.
2. The dreaded clunk - If your transmission shifts itself, that is if it is an automatic or a dual sequential clutch transmission, a sure sign of something going wrong is a clunky, abrupt shift or a delay in engagement when you put the car in drive. Automatic transmissions use fluid pressure to shift gears for you, and anything that keeps that pressure from building, from debris in the fluid to fluid loss or component wear can cause those shifts to happen more abruptly. If your tranny clunks when going into gear or when shifting up or down, have it checked out immediately. A flush, fill and filter might just save you a ton of cash.
3. Slippage - Modern automatics, DSCs and CVTs use sophisticated computer controls to tell the transmission when to choose a different gear. If you notice the shift taking longer than usual this can be a sign of internal wear. Shifts should be quick and crisp without being clunky. Anything else could be a computer malfunction or something failing inside the transmission.
4. Slipping clutch - Although manual transmissions get more rare all the time many high fuel mileage, high performance and modern muscle cars can still be had with a stick. Manual transmissions are very durable, however they require a friction disc called a clutch to get the power from the engine into the transmission. Over time the clutch wears, and if you let it go until it's too late clutch failure can leave you stranded and can damage a number of related components. If you let out the clutch and the car sits still, even for a few seconds, you may have a clutch problem. Fix it before it leaves you on the side of the road.
Once you have established your baseline, it is often easy to notice a change that can mean trouble. The best tip is to have your transmission serviced regularly by the professionals at Gulf Freeway Tire & Auto and to take the time to listen and feel the transmission so you will notice a problem long before it becomes terminal.
Gulf Freeway Tire & Auto proudly serves the local Houston and La Porte, TX area. We understand that getting your car fixed or buying new tires can be overwhelming. Let us help you choose from our large selection of tires. We feature tires that fit your needs and budget from top quality brands, such as Bridgestone, Firestone, and more. We pride ourselves on being your number one choice for any auto repair, from brake repairs, A/C repair, and oil changes to tire repair and wheel alignments. We also provide Texas state inspections. Schedule an appointment today!
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