A Car Needing Transmission Fluid vs. Transmission Failure
Low Transmission Fluid
When your car is low on transmission fluid, it can cause a number of problems, including:
- Slipping gears
- Difficulty shifting gears
- Jerking or shuddering when shifting gears
- Leaking transmission fluid
- Overheating transmission
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to check your transmission fluid level and add fluid as needed. You can usually find the transmission fluid dipstick under the hood of your car. If you’re not sure how to check the transmission fluid level, consult your owner’s manual.
Transmission Failure
If your car’s transmission fails, it will no longer be able to shift gears. This can make it impossible to drive your car. Symptoms of transmission failure include:
- No power to the wheels
- Difficulty shifting gears
- Grinding or squealing noises when shifting gears
- Leaking transmission fluid
- Burning smell
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to have your car towed to a mechanic as soon as possible. Transmission failure can be a major expense, so it’s important to catch it early.
Preventing Transmission Problems
There are a few things you can do to help prevent transmission problems, including:
- Check your transmission fluid level regularly and add fluid as needed.
- Change your transmission fluid and filter according to your car’s maintenance schedule.
- Avoid driving in stop-and-go traffic, which can overheat your transmission.
- Don’t tow heavy loads with your car.
By following these tips, you can help keep your car’s transmission running smoothly for years to come.
