Imagine this nightmare scenario: you’re driving along the highway, miles from your nearest Chevy dealer, and your car starts slipping gears. Your car is telling you it needs a transmission repair right now. There are other things your car will do to let you know you need to get your transmission fixed, too, and we’d like to share them with you.
How to Tell That Your Chevy Needs a Transmission Repair
It’s Slipping Gears
When your car slips out of gear, it’s telling you that there’s a problem with the transmission that’s going to get worse. Your car should never fail to properly engage a gear, nor should it slip between gears while you’re trying to drive. Slipping gears can be both jarring and dangerous.
It Won’t Change Gears
A healthy transmission switches gears instantly and seamlessly. If it’s not switching gears at all, or if there’s a delay between you asking it to shift gears and the gears actually shifting, then there’s some kind of issue present.
It’s Whining
Much like humans, cars tend to make noise when there’s something wrong with them. This is both a blessing and a curse; it’s good that the car makes noise and alerts you of problems, but knowing there’s a problem is unpleasant. Head to the dealer as soon as your transmission starts making a whining sound, and know that it may also make a buzzing or clicking noise when it’s in disrepair.
It’s Creating a Burning Smell
Burning odors are a common sign of various problems with cars. When your nose picks up on the smell of burning and your transmission is to blame, then the transmission could be overheating, there could be a problem with the clutch, or the transmission fluid may be old and burning up.
It’s Leaking
Your car is full of fluids, and any of them could start leaking out at any time. Catching a leak early is key, as if the leak continues and the fluid level gets too low, then your transmission could sustain serious damage the next time you drive. It’s easy to spot transmission fluid when it leaks out, though, as it’s a distinct bright red color. However, if it’s been a while since your last fluid flush, then the fluid could be on the browner side.
Transmission Maintenance Tips from Your Chevy Dealer
Preventative maintenance is very helpful for keeping your transmission in great condition for as long as possible. Regularly check your transmission fluid, and get a transmission fluid flush as frequently as your owner’s manual or mechanic recommends. Get annual transmission inspections, and have it inspected after extended periods of towing, too. Finally, make sure the cooling system is working effectively so your transmission doesn’t overheat.
Come by Pioneer Chevrolet for any repairs and maintenance you need on your transmission.
Connect with us
