Whether your car has an automatic or manual transmission, one thing is for sure, it will experience wear and tear over years of use. As the transmission system transfers power from the car’s engine to its wheels, gradually, the components will receive a significant amount of stress.
For this reason, it’s essential to have your transmission serviced regularly. Ensuring transmission components aren’t malfunctioning or causing any problems while driving is a huge step to keep your vehicle running for years to come. That being said, there are clear signs and even early signs of transmission failure. When you’ve spotted an issue, it’s important to take your car into Master Muffler of Murray as soon as possible.
1. Issues With a Manual Transmission
Even though manual transmissions have fewer issues compared to cars with automatic transmissions, there are several key indicators that your manual transmission is on its way out.
- Sign #1: You’re having trouble getting your vehicle into gear.
If you’ve been having trouble getting your car into gear—even with the clutch completely depressed—it’s a clear sign that there’s an issue with the transmission. There could be several causes, like the wrong transmission fluid, low fluid levels, or even a link in the clutch cable that needs adjustment.
It’s easier to identify the problem completely if, on top of issues with the clutch, you’re hearing an unusual noise while your vehicle is in neutral gear.
- Sign #2: Your vehicle is slipping gears.
Slipping gears isn’t easy to notice, This literally means your manual car is slipping in and out of gear without your influence. You may even find it particularly difficult to keep your car in a single gear. If you notice that your clutch is “popping” or “slipping”, take your car to a mechanic immediately, as gear slipping can be dangerous for yourself and other drivers around you.
2. Burning Smells
If you’ve noticed a burning smell, it’s likely your transmission fluid. This is another clear sign that something is a miss.
- Sign #3: Transmission fluid frequently smells like it’s “burning”.
If you’ve noticed a burning smell, it’s likely your transmission fluid. This is another clear sign that something is a miss. Transmission fluid lubricates the gears in your transmission to move smoothly and efficiently. If there is not enough lubrication, the friction begins to increase, which causes heat to build up inside your transmission. The increased heat will start causing wear on your transmission components, leading to slippage and other problems over time.
3. A Dragging Clutch
Is there too much slack in your clutch pedal? Of course, not every driver can feel slack in the clutch, but unfortunately, it’s another sign that there’s an issue ahead of you.
- Sign #4: The clutch does not fully disengage.
Are you having difficulties engaging in first gear or even reverse gear? It might be a dragging clutch, indicating a potential transmission issue. This could mean the clutch needs replacing, at the very least.
It’s Time to Head to Master Muffler
Although we’ve gone through several early signs of a failing transmission, there are many more things you should learn to spot. There’s a lot to look out for, from leaking fluids to noises while in neutral gear. If you have issues with your transmission or simply have a check engine light turned on, stop by Master Muffler Murray. Our technicians are ready to diagnose the problem and get you back on the road in no time. We’re a full-service auto shop with the knowledge and tools to get the job done right. Contact us today!
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