Transmission Service Durham

Signs my transmission needs servicing in Durham NC

 

 

If you’re driving a vehicle in Durham, NC, and suspect your transmission might need servicing, it’s important to recognize the early warning signs before they lead to more costly repairs. A healthy transmission is crucial for smooth vehicle operation, and addressing issues early can help prevent major problems.

Here are key signs that your transmission may need servicing:

  1. Slipping Gears
  • What It Is: The transmission unexpectedly changes gears, or the engine revs higher than usual without a corresponding increase in speed.
  • Why It Happens: This can be due to low transmission fluid, worn-out gears, or internal damage.
  • What to Do: If you notice this happening regularly, it’s important to get your transmission checked as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
  1. Rough Shifting or Hesitation
  • What It Is: The vehicle shifts gears roughly, feels jerky, or hesitates when shifting into gear (e.g., from park to drive).
  • Why It Happens: Rough shifting can be caused by low or dirty transmission fluid, damaged components, or worn-out parts inside the transmission.
  • What to Do: If you experience hesitation or jerky movements when shifting, take your car to a transmission specialist in Durham for an inspection and fluid check.
  1. Grinding or Whining Noises
  • What It Is: If you hear unusual grinding, whining, or buzzing sounds coming from your transmission while driving or changing gears, it’s a red flag.
  • Why It Happens: Grinding often occurs when internal transmission components, such as gears or bearings, are worn out or damaged.
  • What to Do: Stop driving immediately and have the vehicle towed to a repair shop in Durham, NC to avoid further damage.
  1. Warning Lights or Dashboard Alerts
  • What It Is: The Check Engine light or Transmission Temperature light may appear on your dashboard.
  • Why It Happens: This can signal a wide range of issues, including low transmission fluid, overheating, or mechanical problems within the transmission.
  • What to Do: If the light comes on, schedule a diagnostic check with a trusted transmission repair shop in Durham, NC to identify the problem.
  1. Delayed or Hard Shifting
  • What It Is: Your car takes longer than usual to shift into gear, or it shifts with a noticeable thud or hard jolt.
  • Why It Happens: This issue could be related to low transmission fluid, a malfunctioning valve body, or worn-out parts.
  • What to Do: If the problem is frequent, it’s time for a transmission check and potentially a fluid change or repair.
  1. Transmission Fluid Leaks
  • What It Is: If you notice red or brown fluid spots under your vehicle, it’s likely transmission fluid. Healthy transmission fluid should be a bright red color, so dark or brown fluid indicates contamination.
  • Why It Happens: Leaks can be caused by worn seals, loose bolts, or damaged transmission lines.
  • What to Do: If you spot fluid leaks, it’s essential to address the issue promptly by getting a professional inspection to avoid transmission failure from lack of fluid.
  1. Poor Acceleration
  • What It Is: Your vehicle struggles to accelerate, even when pressing the gas pedal. You may feel a delay in the car’s response, or it may feel like it’s not gaining speed as it should.
  • Why It Happens: This can happen due to a failing transmission that isn’t transferring power from the engine properly.
  • What to Do: If acceleration issues are noticeable, it’s important to have your transmission checked by a professional to determine whether repairs are necessary.
  1. Unusual Vibrations or Shaking
  • What It Is: Your car may vibrate or shake while driving, particularly during acceleration or when the transmission is shifting gears.
  • Why It Happens: Worn transmission components or low fluid levels can cause the transmission to malfunction and lead to excessive vibrations.
  • What to Do: Schedule a diagnostic inspection with a transmission specialist in Durham to determine the cause of the shaking.
  1. Overheating
  • What It Is: The transmission can overheat, causing the vehicle to experience performance issues like difficulty shifting or a loss of power.
  • Why It Happens: Overheating can be caused by low fluid levels, fluid contamination, or a malfunctioning cooling system.
  • What to Do: If your transmission seems to be running hot, it’s essential to have it checked immediately before the issue worsens and causes permanent damage.
  1. Fluid is Dark or Smells Burnt
  • What It Is: Healthy transmission fluid is bright red or pink and has a slightly sweet smell. If the fluid is dark, brown, or has a burnt smell, it’s a sign that the fluid is degraded and no longer effective at lubricating the transmission components.
  • Why It Happens: This can occur due to overheating or long periods of use without fluid changes.
  • What to Do: If the transmission fluid looks dirty or smells burnt, it’s time to get the fluid changed and possibly inspect the transmission for other issues.

What to Do If You Experience These Signs

If you notice any of these symptoms with your Ford Explorer or any other vehicle in Durham, NC, it’s important to take immediate action. Continuing to drive with a malfunctioning transmission can lead to further damage and even complete failure, which can be costly to repair.

Here’s what you should do:

  1. Stop driving if you hear grinding noises or experience rough shifting, hesitation, or slippage.
  2. Take your vehicle to a trusted transmission repair shop in Durham as soon as possible for diagnostics.
  3. Get your transmission fluid checked, as low or dirty fluid is often the root cause of transmission issues.
  4. Have regular maintenance performed on your transmission to ensure it’s in good condition, such as fluid changes and seal inspections.

Transmission Repair Shops in Durham, NC

If you need to service your transmission, some reliable repair shops in Durham include:

  • Cottman Transmission & Total Auto Care

These shops offer professional diagnostics, repairs, and fluid services to keep your transmission in top shape.

Your transmission is one of the most important components of your vehicle, and regular maintenance is essential for ensuring smooth performance. If you notice any of these signs, especially in a Ford Explorer or other vehicles, don’t wait too long to get it checked. Timely service in Durham, NC, can help you avoid costly repairs and extend the life of your vehicle.Bottom of Form

For all your transmission repair and service needs contact the experts at Cottman Transmission in Durham, NC today.  To schedule your appointment visit us https://www.durhamtransmission.com/appointment/

Cottman Transmission Total Auto Care gets you back on the road faster, visit us at https://durhamtransmission.com/ or check us out on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CottmanofDurham

For the fastest response:

Call your Durham transmission repair center at (919) 372-0133 today

 

 

Signs my transmission needs servicing in Durham NC

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