While most car owners believe engine failure is the worst thing that could happen, it’s not the only worst car issue a vehicle can develop. There are several issues you can have in your SUV. Transmission failure is similar in that it impacts a vital part of your vehicle. Additionally, it’s usually expensive to fix because the transmission is an essential part of any vehicle.
So, as an SUV owner, what are the signs that your vehicle has a bad transmission? Here’s a look into the warning signs of a bad transmission.
What Are The Signs of Bad Vehicle Transmission?
There are quite a few ways to know about a failing transmission. However, some are more subtle than others, but your SUV will typically notify you if something is wrong. You have to know what and where to look.
While these signs are usually there, ignoring the changes in your vehicle’s performance can lead to some significant problems. Additionally, according to car experts, the act of driving with a malfunctioning transmission can cause damage to your vehicle engine. This could result in both of these important parts of your SUV failing.
To avoid experiencing such issues with your SUV, here are things to look out for:
- Check The Vehicle Engine Light
One of the most commonly ignored warning signs is the check engine light. This could mean many things, but it’s usually one of the warning signs of a bad transmission. Consider taking your car to a mechanic if the check engine light comes up.
- Note Hesitation With Shifting Gears
Another significant sign of a vehicle’s bad transmission is hesitation with shifting gears. For instance, when shifting from drive to park, if it seems the car takes time to adjust, there might be a problem with the transmission. You may notice that the gear you shifted to with a manual transmission doesn’t match. Also, your vehicle slipping out of gear is another warning sign of transmission failure.
- Check for Vehicle Leaks or Burning Smells
Random burning smells, and transmission fluid leaks are also signs of a bad transmission. Transmission fluid helps keep the transmission lubricated and from overheating, so a leak is never good. If a transmission fluid leaks, you’ll see a red-like liquid under or around the vehicle. Don’t ignore burning smells. While this may not be the transmission failing, it could be something serious.
- Pay Attention to Loud Noises from Under the Vehicle’s Hood
Loud noises are another sign of a bad transmission. Oftentimes, there could be weird noises coming from your car for several reasons. But such noise should not go ignored, especially if it’s a sound you’ve never heard from your SUV. Any noticeable change in how your vehicle functions should be checked, especially related to the gears.
How Can I Prevent My Vehicle Transmission Failure?
Some vehicle transmissions are built with certain defects that cause them to fail prematurely. There are a number of SUVs and automakers that car lovers avoid because their vehicles often have this problem. However, there are things you can do to keep your transmission strong and functioning properly.
Aside from paying attention to the warning signs for a bad transmission, the following six steps also help to prevent the issue.
- Always inspect your vehicle’s transmission fluid on a regular basis
- Make sure to come to a complete stop before switching from reverse to drive(or 1st gear for manual transmissions)
- Use your parking brake when parking, even on flat surfaces
- Avoid overloading your vehicle
- Get your transmission serviced yearly
Conclusion
You might think the worst thing that could happen to your vehicle is developing a failed engine. But bad transmission could be worse. Why? It also leads to engine breakdown. As such, always pay attention to signs of a failing transmission in your SUV.
