Your vehicle's gearbox is not merely tasked with housing the gears and the gear train. This system functions to increase torque when you are diving while simultaneously decreasing the speed of the motor crankshaft. When issues initially arise, you may start to notice that accelerating is proving to be a challenge. You may also experience trouble when shifting gears, as your preferred gear could spontaneously slip into neutral while you are driving.
Unfortunately, some motorists tend to presume that these issues will resolve on their own, but in reality, the condition of the gearbox will be worsening with each passing day. To ensure that you seek professional assistance in time, check out the following symptoms of underlying trouble pointing to the need for gearbox repairs.
Visible oil stains wherever the car is parked
Any leaks from your vehicle should never be taken lightly. Considering that the fluids help with lubrication, cooling and so on, insufficient amounts will lead to car problems. When you back out of your garage — or any parking spot, for that matter — you should inspect the ground for any oil droplets. Red oil should prompt you to seek gearbox repairs as the leak could be stemming from the transmission system.
It is also worth noting that if your power steering utilises the transmission fluid, problems with this auto part will also manifest as oil leaks underneath the car. If you ignore the oil leak, you will be putting your transmission at the risk of irreparable damage, and consequently, you will have to pay for expensive replacement parts.
Changes in how your car sounds and shifts
Another symptom of the probable need for gearbox repairs is a change in your driving experience. Every motorist has a sense of how their car normally feels and sounds. Perhaps your vehicle has always emitted a low thrumming sound when you are driving fast. Additionally, you know the degree of resistance you feel when you are shifting gears as you drive. Therefore, when you feel any drastic changes when accelerating or changing gears, it should alert you to an underlying issue with your gearbox.
For example, you may begin to experience rough shifting that will only get progressively worse. On the other hand, you may notice that your car develops suspicious vibrations when trying to accelerate. Even strange whining and screeching noises could be caused by a defective gearbox. Whatever the changes in how your car shifts, sounds and feels, you should see a mechanic for gearbox repairs.
