Car owners know that the transmission is crucial to their vehicle's engine. Many people feel anxious when they find out their transmission has to be repaired or replaced. But don't worry. You can keep your transmission in top shape with the right mechanic for years. Here at Doug Henry Buick GMC, we specialize in maintaining new and used vehicles rolling smoothly throughout their lifespan.

If you need transmission service in Goldsboro, NC, don't hesitate to call us to schedule a service appointment. We have factory-trained technicians and state-of-the-art equipment, so you can rest assured that we can quickly get your vehicle back on the road.

When Do You Need a Transmission Service?

Transmission issues usually have warning signs. If you know what to look for, you can catch potential problems early.

Here are 10 symptoms that may indicate your transmission is in trouble:

Weird Smells

Road trips bring all sorts of strange scents, but if you catch a whiff coming from under the hood, take note. A burning smell signals something's wrong. When transmission fluid gets low or starts to break down, it overheats and burns up, causing your engine to run hotter than usual and leading to premature wear and extra gunk buildup.

Burning odors might also stem from melted plastic or leaking antifreeze. Whatever the source, don't ignore that burning smell. Get it checked out at our automotive service center.

Strange Sounds

In movies, car troubles are always accompanied by clunking noises. They're not far off. Odd sounds could mean your transmission needs attention. If you hear clunks or whining while driving, especially when shifting gears, it's time to visit a mechanic.

Noisiness

Excessive noise might also indicate an issue. If you hear banging sounds when your car is in neutral, it's worth checking it out. The problem could be as simple as low fluid levels or using the wrong fluid type. But it might also indicate more serious issues, like worn bearings.

Check Engine Light

While many drivers tend to overlook a persistent check engine light, it is crucial to have your vehicle inspected. If the check engine light relates to your transmission sensors detecting minor jerks or vibrations you're not feeling yet, don't wait for those symptoms to escalate before getting a diagnostic scan.

No Response

A healthy transmission should shift smoothly into gear without hesitation. If you're experiencing delays or no response when trying to change gears (manual or automatic), something's amiss and likely tied to the transmission.

Fluid Leak

Your vehicle relies on six primary fluids for lubrication and operation. If these leak out and aren't replaced promptly, things won't work as they should. A leak from automatic transmission fluid is easy to spot. It's typically red and sweet-smelling but turns darker over time and may smell burnt.

To check for leaks, take a short drive, then inspect the dipstick after warming up the engine. It should show whether you're running low on fluid because it does not evaporate like oil.

Clutch Drag

It isn't an issue with automatics but can signal trouble in manual cars where a dragging clutch makes gear changes difficult due to slack in the pedal preventing proper disengagement.

Shaking

If your car shakes during shifts instead of moving smoothly along the road, that's not normal. It might seem minor at first, but it could worsen with time, leading to significant issues down the line.

Won't Go Into Gear

Sometimes, your vehicle flat-out refuses to shift into gear. When checking fluids doesn't reveal any problems, faulty shift cables or clutch linkage may be responsible, or even an issue with the car's computer system (which can often be reset efficiently).

Slipping Gears

When gears change without input – like slipping unexpectedly between drive and reverse – it poses a safety risk. It can also damage your engine over time due to low fluid levels or worn bands within transmissions.

Schedule Transmission Service at Doug Henry Buick GMC

Whether you're looking for a quick fluid exchange or need a full-on transmission replacement service, Doug Henry Buick GMC is the place to visit. Schedule an appointment today, and let us help you keep your ride running smoothly.