When you think of the phrase “transmission trouble” it’s easy to imagine costly repairs that will drain your wallet and sideline your vehicle for a week. But the fact is—not all transmission problems require a complete replacement or rebuild of your vehicle’s transmission. A lot depends on the nature of the problem and how early it’s detected.

Take for example that little noise you just noticed coming from your engine. Maybe it’s an occasional “clunk” when you change gears, or maybe it’s a whine or buzz when your vehicle is in neutral. You may be tempted to ignore it, or to say, “I’ll have it looked at later.” Don’t procrastinate. Here are a few common-sense reasons to get that nose checked now, rather than later…

• It could be an easy fix.
  Don’t let anxiety keep you from getting your transmission checked when you hear an unusual or persistent sound. The problem could be something as simple as needing a transmission fluid replacement, or plugging a transmission fluid leak.
• Small problems can quickly become big ones.
  Your car’s transmission consists of many moving parts that must work together in perfect coordination to make your car run and shift smoothly. When one part malfunctions or fails, it can stress other parts of your transmission. A problem that may have started small can grow quickly into one that requires a full replacement. So get a diagnosis before that little nose becomes a big headache.
• You may be losing fuel efficiency.
  If a part of your transmission is failing, you may be wasting power without knowing it. This increased load on the engine requires more fuel and thus decreases your car’s miles-per-gallon.
• You may be putting yourself or others at risk for an accident.
  The last thing any driver wants is to be involved n a wreck. The sudden and catastrophic failure of your vehicle’s transmission can strand you on the roadside or worse—it can put you, your passengers, or others outside your vehicle in danger. Never play with safety. Best get that mystery nose checked now.
• It might be something else.
  Unless you’re an experienced mechanic or have done significant work on your own vehicle, you might not be able to tell a transmission problem from some other problem just by sound. Your best bet is to take your car to a certified transmission specialist who can diagnose the problem and help you chose the best repair option.

Remember that regular transmission maintenance is your first step in prolonging the life and maintaining the efficiency of your transmission. If you suspect a transmission problem, see your certified transmission specialist today.