5 Signs Your Transmission Has Gone Bad

Is your transmission going bad? WeBuyJunkCarsFast can help you identify the warning signs and develop a plan of action if your car's transmission is slipping.

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What Is A Transmission?

The transmission in a vehicle transfers the energy from the engine to the wheels. This process allows you to go at the exact speed you want when you want. In essence, a transmission enables you to control the power that’s generated by the engine and direct it accordingly.

Transmissions modulate power and speed through torque conversion and gears or belts and pulleys. With so many moving parts, it’s easy to see how a small issue can quickly develop into a bigger mechanical problem.

How Do You Know Your Transmission Is Going Out?

transmission slipping signs

Without a properly working transmission, you’ll have a harder time controlling your speed and gears. This can be especially dangerous on the highway or when you’re off-roading.

To prevent a potentially hazardous situation, make sure to look out for these five signs of a bad transmission:

  1. Burning Smell: If your transmission is working harder than it is supposed to (or is equipped to), it can overheat and you’ll begin to smell burning. This sign requires immediate attention before your transmission completely goes out.

  2. New Noises: Humming, whirring, clunking, whining, and grinding are not good sounds to hear coming from your vehicle. If you hear any of these, especially if they happen at the same time as other symptoms, your transmission might need an inspection.

  3. Slipping Transmission: Gear slipping is a big sign that your transmission is going bad. This happens when the transmission shifts into a gear that does not correspond to your speed. When this happens, you might feel like you’re driving on slippery ice.

  4. Low Transmission Fluid: Unlike motor oil changes, transmission fluid changes are not as frequent. However, low transmission fluid can be dangerous and cause malfunctions and overheating.

  5. Rough Shifting: A transmission that is having issues will not be able to switch gears easily. As a result, you’ll experience rough shifting or feelings of jerking, surging, and an overall uncomfortable ride whenever your car changes gears.

What Can Cause Transmission Failure?

Transmissions are built to last. So, if you find yourself with a failing transmission, then something has definitely gone wrong. Here are some causes of transmission failure:

  • Lack Of Maintenance: Manufacturers recommend maintenance services at specific mileage intervals to make sure your car lasts. Skipping these important services can cause major problems like your transmission wearing down.

  • Low Transmission Fluid: A leak in your transmission can lead to transmission damage. Without plenty of fluid in your transmission to minimize heat and friction, your transmission can overheat and fail.

  • Bad Solenoids: Solenoids allow oil into specific transmission components at the right time. When they go bad, oil won’t flow into these parts and problems can arise.

  • Old Transmission Fluid Or Filter: Transmissions need fluid and filter changes just like your engine. With expired fluid and an old filter, your transmission’s performance will deteriorate and eventually begin to show signs of trouble.

  • Collisions: Even minor vehicular collisions can impact the performance of your transmission, especially if the front of your car was impacted.

Should You Drive With A Bad Transmission?

transmission repair costs

It is never a good idea to drive when crucial vehicle components are broken or damaged. So, you should not drive with a bad transmission.

Besides the diminished quality of your driving experience, a faulty transmission can behave unpredictably and potentially cause a collision.

You should be especially careful if you’re experiencing symptoms like difficult shifting, slipping gears, or fluid leaks.

Rather than continuing to drive, you should take your car to a mechanic.

What Should You Do If Your Transmission Has Gone Bad?

If your transmission has been showing signs of failure, it’s important to head to a mechanic.

An experienced technician will be able to identify the cause of your transmission problems and provide you with an estimate for repairs.

However, transmission repairs can be costly. If you wind up needing a full replacement, you’ll be looking at a bill that’s more than $4,000.

In that case, you can explore other options such as selling your car as-is. Below, we talk about how WeBuyJunkCarsFast allows you to sell your damaged car.

WeBuyJunkCarsFast Buys Cars With Bad Transmissions…FAST!

A bad or failing transmission is one of the most common reasons that drivers want to sell their cars to us. While private buyers and car dealerships may not want to purchase a car with damaged mechanical parts, we do!

WeBuyJunkCarsFast is happy to buy your broken vehicle. Here’s how our service works:

  1. You input details about your car into our online calculator.

  2. You receive and accept our quote for your vehicle.

  3. You schedule a free pickup with a local towing service.

A driver will arrive with your check in hand in 24 to 48 hours. All you’ll need to do then is hand over your keys and title!

We look beyond your car’s issues to give you a great deal that you’re happy with. Try WeBuyJunkCarsFast today and find out what you can get for your car with a bad transmission today!

What Does It Feel Like When Your Transmission Is Going Bad?

Transmission issues can make you feel like you don’t have control over your vehicle. Rough shifting, unpredictable acceleration, whirring sounds, and difficulty putting the transmission into certain gears can make it feel like your transmission is on the fritz.

Know that your transmission should be consistent, reliable, and make minimal noise. If you notice it displaying any of these symptoms, it’s important to get it checked out.

Can Driving With A Bad Transmission Damage Your Engine?

The engine and transmission are connected and work together to make sure your car is moving at the speed you need it to at any given time. So, if something is going on with your transmission, your engine will eventually be affected.

However, transmission issues will cause problems with acceleration before they hurt your engine. So, you are more likely to need immediate transmission repair before your engine gets damaged.

How Long Can Transmissions Last?

With adequate care and healthy driving habits, a transmission can last the entire lifespan of a vehicle. More accurately, it should be able to last about 200,000 to 300,000 miles. However, lack of maintenance, certain driving habits, and collisions can cause a transmission to break at any mileage.

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2/03/2023

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