You’re cruising down the Garden State Parkway en route to a fun-filled weekend at the shore, but you can’t shake the feeling that something seems wrong with your car. For starters, you’re hearing some fairly strange noises, and although you can’t say for sure, you’re pretty convinced that your car’s performance isn’t quite the same as it usually is. You ponder the notion of foregoing your plans in favor of heading over to a nearby auto repair shop, but instead decide to keep on going, all the while keeping your fingers crossed that your car will manage to make the trip.
If you’re been in this type of situation before, then you’re not alone. Most people have difficulty determining what’s wrong when their cars just plain seem off. That’s why you’ll need to have your car evaluated by an expert as soon as you come to suspect that something is amiss.
There are plenty of issues that could cause a car to not perform optimally, but if your mechanic tells you that you have a problem with your transmission, then you’re not likely to be a happy camper. Transmission repairs can be costly and complicated, and in some cases, a worn transmission may need to be replaced altogether.
Of course, a poorly functioning transmission is something that should never be ignored. Just ask Rich Varjan, the owner of European Exchange in Hackensack, New Jersey. As someone who has spent his entire life specializing in transmission replacements, Varjan is no stranger to issues with this particular automobile part.
Since a car essentially cannot operate without a working transmission, Varjan thinks it’s important for drivers to learn to recognize the signs of a potential transmission problem. If you notice any of the following issues with your vehicle, then be sure to have it looked at without delay:
Leaking fluids: These could be a sign that your transmission fluid is leaking out of your vehicle, which isn’t what you want. Check the sides and underneath your car from time to time to see if it seems to be leaving any sort of residue behind.
Abnormal shifting: While this type of issue will be more evident with a manual transmission, if you feel your car start to shake or vibrate when you shift gears, then your transmission is likely to blame.
Grinding noises: A transmission doesn’t need to make a lot of noise in order to operate, so if yours is making strange sounds, then that could be a sign that there’s something wrong with it. When driving, listen up for grinding or clicking sounds; and if you hear any, have your car looked at.
Poor vehicular performance in general: If you drive your car almost every day, then you tend to develop a sense of how well it can perform. If something about your vehicle just doesn’t seem right, then your transmission could very well be the cause.
Remember, your vehicle depends on a working transmission to function, so if yours starts acting up, then you’ll need to take your car in to a qualified repair shop sooner rather than later. Driving around with a transmission that’s on the fritz is only going to cause you more harm than good. So even if it means canceling your weekend plans and laying low while your car is being serviced, having your transmission repaired in time is a much better option than finding yourself in need of a brand new vehicle.