What does it look like when your car’s transmission fluid may need changing? These signs from Erik’s Automotive can help you to stay alert for signs of transmission issues, including problems with the fluid.
The Transmission Feels Different
When there’s a change in how your car’s transmission is working, you’re likely to feel it fairly quickly. You might not necessarily realize that’s what you’re feeling at first. Some of the issues you might experience could be slipping or hesitating when the transmission shifts gears. Or you might feel the transmission shifting harder than it normally does. Any time you’re noticing that the car feels different while shifting, it’s important to get the transmission at least checked.
Or it Sounds Different
Something else you might notice are some different sounds coming from the transmission. The transmission is in the rear of the car, so you’ll hear those sounds coming from behind you usually. Grinding, clunking, whining, and more can all be signs that there’s something not quite right in the car’s transmission.
There’s a Transmission Fluid Leak
One big sign that you need to get your car’s transmission fluid checked is that you’ve spotted a bit of transmission fluid underneath your car. Again, the transmission is in the rear of the car, so you’re most likely to see transmission fluid underneath the back end of the car. The color of the fluid you’ve found under your car can also tell you a bit about what’s going on. If the fluid is red and clear or reddish-brown and clear, the transmission may be alright aside from the leak. Black or pink transmission fluid mean that you need to get your car into the shop as soon as possible.
You’ve Got the Dreaded Check Engine Light
Your car’s transmission directly affects engine performance and if there is something wrong in the transmission, you may see the check engine light come on. If you do, that’s a sign that you can’t ignore until you’re ready to deal with it. Your car is letting you know that the problem needs to be addressed right away.
Want to make sure that your car’s transmission and fluid are alright? Erik’s Automotive in San Antonio, TX is happy to help. Set up an appointment right away and we’ll inspect your transmission fluid, the transmission itself, and recommend the best path forward based on what we find is happening.