Just because you aren't a mechanic doesn't mean that you can't identify problems with your car before they grow larger. Below are some identifiers of issues with your transmission.

Easy Ways to Identify Small Problems Before They Grow

It’s one thing to ignore your engine oil light for a few hours, maybe even a day or two until you can give your car a synthetic oil change. It is, however, a very different matter if you have been looking at a light on your dash for a while now and have been ignoring it because you have no idea what it means.

If You Can See a Light, Look It Up

Despite the old adage, ignorance is not bliss in this instance, as it’s very possible the light refers to your transmission. Why? Because despite how obvious the designers think they are being, your transmission light isn’t as decipherable as you would like.

Oh, I'm Sorry. I Couldn't Hear You Over the Sound of My Monster Truck!

If you know exactly what it sounds like when a monster truck changes gears because you hear it each time that you change your own, then you guessed it, there’s an issue with your transmission. However, before you worry that it’s going to cost you an arm and a leg to replace it, there’s a good chance that it just needs a top up of transmission fluid. If you can hear noises when you change gears, even if they aren’t as extreme as the title makes it sound, check your transmission fluid level. The longer you leave it, the louder it will get and the more expensive the repair will become.

Is One of Your Biceps Larger Than the Other?

If it feels like you need to hit the gym before you even attempt to change gears, then there is a good chance that you’re in need of some transmission oil. Again, don’t ignore this problem because you’re worried that it’s going to cost too much to repair. In fact, ignoring obvious problems like this is exactly what does lead to expensive damage. Instead, similar to the problem above, it’s likely just your transmission fluid. The reason. Just like your engine oil, if the machinery inside your transmission system isn’t sufficiently lubricated then it can’t work smoothly and it definitely can’t work easily. Click here to buy AMSOIL's Manual Transmission ; Transaxle Gear Lube 75W-90 to keep your transmission in good shape. To learn more, speak with Bill Rigdon at (503) 329-9004 and learn about how high-quality products like these can not only work to improve the performance of your vehicle but also extend its lifespan.

No, You Aren't Going Crazy

Have you ever been driving down the road, sure that you had firmly put the car into gear, only to find yourself coasting down the street? Sure, it was easy enough to get back into gear, so you didn’t really think much of it. If this happens once, maybe potentially in a strange realm is there the possibility that your car just slipped out of gear for no reason at all. But if you know the feeling we’re talking about then that chance is gone. This problem is often attributed to a fluctuation in the pressure built up in your transmission system working to hold each gear in place. This could be caused by a range of factors from debris right through to break down. If you know the feeling, it’s time for a mechanic. Again, and a reminder for all problems with your transmission system, don’t ignore what is happening. Your transmission system is an intricate and powerful part of your vehicle and is often considered one of the most expensive to repair if you let small problems become larger and reach that stage.

Whoa, Nelly!

In contrast to a slipped gear, the opposite can also happen when it feels like your car takes a brief leap forward. This can happen when one of the teeth of a gear isn’t being picked up during each spin, and then suddenly is. The problem can be so small that you will barely notice it, however, if you do, then this is a time where you should make your way to the mechanic as soon as possible. Why? You guessed it! Because the longer you leave this problem, the more expensive it is going to become.

Give Your Engine a Boost With a Synthetic Oil Change in Clackamas, Or

When it comes to keeping your car running smoothly, these are some great ways to identify small transmission system problems before they grow and cause serious damage. In addition to the above maintenance tips, be sure to keep your car in shape. A synthetic oil change is a great and easy way to improve its performance and extend its lifespan. Speak with Bill Rigdon at (503) 329-9004 or check out the online store for more information about the benefits of a synthetic oil change in Clackamas, OR.