Your car’s transmission has one job: ensuring you have enough power for your current speed and terrain. Manual transmissions require you to shift between gears based on your driving needs, while automatic models do the work for you. Regardless of which type your car uses, your transmission can experience problems that interfere with your vehicle’s performance and efficiency.

4 Of The Most Common Car Transmission Problems

1. Grinding Or Shaking

Grinding noises or shaking and jerking motions are a common issue with manual transmissions. They tell you the clutch either needs adjusting or replacing because it has worn out. Grinding noises are typically loudest when you shift gears and can also indicate damaged or worn gear synchronizers. Also known as synchros, these parts cause the gear you are shifting from to spin at the same time as the gear you are shifting to, enabling smooth transitions.

2. Fluid Leaks

Low or leaking fluid levels fail to lubricate the many moving parts of your vehicle’s transmission, resulting in friction, heat, and premature wear without repair services. Automatic models without the proper fluid levels also cause the gears to slip because there isn’t enough hydraulic pressure to ensure smooth operation. Leaking fluid is noticeable by its red color and slightly sweet smell unless it needs replacing, in which case it is dark-colored and has a burnt odor.

3. No Response

When the clutch sticks in a manual transmission and you cannot shift among gears, you need your fluid levels checked. Lack of fluid or excessively-dirty fluid levels make it challenging — if not impossible — to use the clutch, and it often results in the aforementioned grinding noises. No response can also signal a problem with the shift cables or clutch linkage that needs professional attention.

4. Noise While In Neutral

Cars are not supposed to make a lot of noise in the neutral gear. If you hear a bumping sound when your vehicle is in this gear, the issue could again be low or dirty fluid. It could also mean the part’s gear teeth, bearings, or reverse idler gear have worn out. Depending on the age of the transmission, replacement may be your best option. 

Discuss these and any other issues your transmission is experiencing at Bland Street Auto Center. Located in Bluefield, WV and serving Mercer, Bland, and Tazwell counties, these ASE-certified technicians work on all vehicle makes and models. Shuttle services are available, as is a clean waiting room with free coffee and other beverages. Call the locally-owned auto repair shop today at (304) 327-5025 to make an appointment or visit the center that’s served the region since 2003 online.