The transmission is one of the most important parts of your vehicle. Responsible for changing your gears and transferring power to the drive train, there’s no denying how vital it is that your transmission is functioning properly.

A poor transmission makes it more difficult for drivers to safely accelerate and reach the speed limit, putting you, your loved ones and other motorists in danger when driving. Whether you own a manual or an automatic, transmission services should occur annually or every 20,000km. This may change depending on the age and model of your vehicle, so in between services it’s important to watch out for any signs of transmission issues.   

Symptoms of Transmission Issues

Your vehicle will give off plenty of warning signals if something isn’t quite right with your transmission. The most obvious symptom of transmission issues is leaking fluid.

As a general rule, your car’s transmission shouldn’t need repairing often, as long as it’s regularly serviced and checked over by a qualified mechanic. Some drivers may need transmission repairs more often, especially if their car carries heavy loads. However, all drivers should be aware that wear and tear occurs over time, which can lead to your car transmission giving off the following additional warning signs:

• Vehicle struggling to accelerate or meet required speeds
• Gears grinding
• Gears slipping
• Dashboard displaying the engine light
• Unexpected movements when putting your vehicle into drive or reverse 
• Shuddering sensations
• Strange noises coming from the vehicle, including grinding and whirring sounds
• Unable to change gears

If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s best you take your car in for a transmission service as soon as possible. A qualified mechanic will be able to check the consistency of your transmission fluid to determine whether or not it needs replacing. If any more extensive repairs are needed, your mechanic will make sure to let you know.

By getting your car checked out as soon as you notice anything wrong, you’ll help to minimise the likelihood of more costly repairs in the future.

How much does a transmission repair cost?

The cost of your transmission repair will depend on the time between services, the way in which you drive your vehicle and your car’s age, make and model.

Regular fluid changes will reduce the likelihood of more costly repairs being required in the future, while helping your car run as smoothly as possible. If you haven’t had your fluid checked recently and have noticed some of the symptoms that signal your transmission might be having issues, it’s possible your transmission may have started to fail. If this is the case, your car transmission may need more extensive repairs which can be more costly. If this occurs, a qualified mechanic will be able to discuss the best solution with you.

At Highfields Mechanical, our team of dedicated mechanics are here to help. Whether you’re concerned about your transmission or would like us to take a look at your motorcycle gearbox, our friendly and experienced team is here for exactly what you need.

Give us a call today on (07) 4646 1780 or fill out our online contact form and we will be in touch.