Customers frequently call Mr. Transmission in Cincinnati with the same question: "How can I tell if my car needs transmission maintenance?" The technicians at Mr. Transmission know all too well the tell-tale signs of a transmission that’s on its way out, which is why they’ve put together this helpful guide for vehicle owners everywhere. 

Here are the top three signs that your transmission is in need of professional maintenance: 

• The check engine light is on: Many vehicle owners ignore the check engine light on their dashboard, but they shouldn’t. The check engine light coming on is often the earliest indicator of transmission problems. Many issues with your transmission can be fixed if you identify the problem early enough, but ignoring the check engine light until other symptoms surface can mean you’ve waited too long.
• There is leaking or rank transmission fluid: One obvious sign of transmission failure is leaking fluid, which is why transmission fluid maintenance is so important. Regularly check the transmission fluid in your car, and if it’s low, know that there’s a good chance you have a leak somewhere. Also, look to see if the transmission fluid itself is dark in color, or if it has a burnt smell to it. The unusual smell and low levels of fluid are both indicators that your car is having transmission problems.
• Your car begins making strange sounds: A spent transmission can manifest in different ways depending on whether you drive an automatic or manual vehicle. In fact, different vehicles of the same make can even produce different sounds when the transmission is shot. Some cars will make an unsettling whining or clunking noise, while others will make a low grinding sound. The most important thing is that you take immediate action whenever you hear an odd sound coming from your car’s engine. Ignoring it until it gets worse is not a good plan of action.

If your vehicle begins to exhibit any of these signs of transmission failure, be sure to contact your local transmission professionals. If you have any questions about transmission services, or if it has been at least two years since your car has been serviced, then call Mr. Transmission in Cincinnati, OH today at (513) 769-3111.