Your car's transmission is among its most vital components, so it's important to know how to tell when it's in trouble. Acting fast in these situations will often spell the difference between minor repairs and the need for a transmission replacement, but what should you be on the lookout for? In the case of this and many other vehicle parts, sound has more to say than sight. With that in mind, here are some problematic transmission sounds you may encounter while driving. 

Top 3 Transmission Sounds Worth Inspecting  

1. Whining

If you hear a constant whining while your car is in any gear, you may be dealing with a torque converter problem. This is a complicated but crucial aspect of your transmission, so it's always worth investigating related noises. On the other hand, if the whining sound worsens when your vehicle is in reverse, the issue could be a clogged transmission fluid filter. Both will lead to larger problems down the line, so have a professional inspect the source as soon as possible. 

2. Grinding

Grinding sounds may accompany a similar whining if your transmission has a damaged planetary gear set, which is responsible for creating all the transmission system's various gear ratios. It's essentially the centerpiece, and if one part fails, the rest will likely follow suit. Any problems with the planetary gear set should be handled before they can lead to greater damage throughout the vehicle. 

3. Gurgling 

And then there’s gurgling, which almost always comes down to a low level of transmission fluid. This sound may also coincide with your transmission falling out of gear in certain situations, and that's all the encouragement you should need to take your car straight to the transmission shop. 

If you do end up hearing anything similar to the above on your travels, don't hesitate to take your vehicle to a specialist. Maintenance is the key to avoiding troubling issues, and a keen ear will keep them from spiraling into something much more dangerous. 

For the best in manual and automatic transmission repairs, Cincinnati-area residents have been turning to Northgate Transmissions for over 30 years. Stop by today to find out what this locally owned shop can do for you, visit their website for more on their services, and give them a call at (513) 385-4400 to schedule an appointment.