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how to independently maintain your car

One of the most difficult adjustments I had to make after my divorce was learning how to maintain and repair my own vehicle. That was one thing that my husband had always taken care of for me. Since the divorce, I have learned quite a bit about maintaining a car myself. I have picked up a few tidbits of information that has helped me avoid being overcharged for simple things that I can quickly do myself - like jump-starting my dead battery and changing a flat tire. If you need to learn how to independently maintain your vehicle for the first time, take a moment and visit my site.

4 Signs That You Have Transmission Problems

31 March 2015
 Categories: , Blog

Transmission problems in your car can become very serious. In fact, transmissions are one of the most expensive fixes you can have with a car. This is why it is important that you catch the problem early on so that you make the necessary repairs. In some cases, if you notice the problem early enough you can just repair the transmission without having to replace the entire thing. Here are a couple things to watch for.

1. The Transmission Is Noisy In Neutral

If you suspect transmission problems, try putting the car in neutral. While it is in neutral you should hear a low purr and nothing else. The car is not going to be completely silent, but there shouldn't be any loud noises. Any kind of grinding, loud humming, or wheezing, is a sign that there is a problem with the transmission.

2. There Is A Fluid Leak

Your transmission shouldn't be leaking fluid. In some cases, you will have a small fluid leak in the car, like with the AC fluid, or even a small oil spill when you get the oil changed. But you should never see transmission fluid. This is a sure sign that there is a problem with the car.

Transmission fluid is bright pink or red and should be clear. In addition, you can check the transmission fluid. If the fluid is black, smells burnt, or has little grits and particles in it, you probably have a problem with the transmission and it needs to be attended to.

3. Grinds When Shifting Gears

Whether you are driving a manual or automatic, the car should shift without noise. If when you try to shift gears the car grinds or makes unpleasant noises you might have a problem. If you suspect a problem, but can't tell while you are driving, try putting the car in park and shifting between reverse, neutral, and park. This will give you a chance to listen to the shifting.

4. The Transmission Doesn't Respond Quickly

Lastly, your transmission should respond quickly when you try to shift gears. If while shifting there is a lagging period, or you have to shift a couple times, this could be a sign that something is amiss. If you start to notice this problem you should be very careful about driving. It could be dangerous if the car won't go into park, reverse, or drive properly.

By looking for these signs, you can know if you have a transmission problem. For assistance, talk to a professional like Alaska Professional Auto.