Some cars can go for years without needing transmission repair while other cars may need it sooner.  But at some point, every car is going to need to have the transmission looked at.  How do you know it’s time for a transmission repair?  Look for these signs.

Trouble Shifting Gears

Anytime a car is having trouble when shifting gears, it’s a telltale sign of transmission trouble.  It could be that it slips out of gear when driving, it hesitates slightly when shifting, or the car jerks when you shift.  If your car does any of these, it’s time to have it looked at by a qualified repair shop before things really go wrong.

Whining or Other Unusual Noises

Whining, clunking, or buzzing noises are sounds associated with transmission problems.  Unusual noises while the car is in neutral is also something to look for.  While these noises could be associated with other problems, it could also be the transmission that is the culprit.  Never ignore unusual noises, but have your car looked at right away.

Grinding or Shaking When Shifting

If you shift and you hear a grinding noise (for manual transmissions) or the car unexplained shakes ( for automatic transmissions), it could be a clutch issue that needs to be addressed.  Persistent grinding or shaking will only cause more wear and tear and should be repaired as soon as possible.

Burning Odor

Cloudy transmission fluid and a burning smell are a bad combination.  Excess friction of the gears can lead to a burning odor.  When the transmission is going bad, you will usually smell a burning odor when you step out of the car, either from overheated gears or burnt transmission fluid.  Either way, seek attention immediately from an expert repair shop If you suspect transmission trouble, contact Liberty Garage to have your car looked at right away.