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Jun 11, 2021



Driving in the beautiful state of Arkansas is a wonderful adventure, but it can also be tough on your car. Every part of your vehicle will experience some wear if driven long enough, but the transmission usually takes the most abuse. Knowing the signs of a struggling transmission is key in diagnosing a problem early and minimizing the permanent damage. Transmission service will help you stay safe and get back on the road in no time.


Signs You Should See Us for Transmission Service

Slipping Gears

Similar to oil changes and fluid inspections, transmissions require regular service to continue working properly. If you’ve noticed your vehicle slipping in and out of gear, your transmission needs to be serviced immediately. Gear slips can be extremely dangerous, especially if it happens when on challenging roads or hills.


Fluid Leak

Any time fluid is leaking from your vehicle, inspect it immediately. Sometimes it’s just condensation buildup from running the air conditioner, but most leaks stem from fluids that are necessary for the function of your car. If a red or brown fluid has started creating dark spots on the pavement under your car, your transmission fluid is leaking. Many transmission issues stem from low fluid levels. Ignoring leaks can cause the system to overheat and result in permanent damage.


Burning Smell

A burning smell coming from your vehicle should be investigated immediately. If that odor is coming from your transmission, then the transmission fluid has begun to break down and the whole system is running too hot. When this happens, an increase in friction can cause engine corrosion. The fluid should be flushed immediately and the transmission and engine should be inspected for any damage before it’s safe to drive.


Shaking or Uneven Idling

Your car is designed to have good suspension and even transitions, which equals a smooth ride every time. If your vehicle has begun to have a subtle vibration or if there is a shimmy or shaking while idling, your transmission will usually be the culprit. Allowing the vehicle to continue behaving this way can cause further grinding that will compromise the engine and transmission.


Shifting Difficulty

For the safety of your vehicle and others on the road, your car should always shift immediately when you command it to. Delays or difficulty in changing gears are indicative of transmission trouble. Regardless of a manual or automatic transmission, rough transitions or delayed gear responses are never safe and require service.


Poor Acceleration

A hindrance in acceleration, either from a full stop or while already moving, could be related to your transmission. If your car isn’t responding to the gas pedal the way it should, it could be a sign of a larger issue.

If any of these warning signs sound familiar or if you have another question about your vehicle, call or stop by Rath Mitsubishi today and let us check it out. Knowing what to look for will help you and your technician catch any problems as soon as possible to prevent prolonged damage.

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