Serving All Makes & Models Since 1947

651-228-1316

982 Grand Ave • St. Paul, MN 55105
Mon-Fri: 7am - 6pm

The most important thing you can do for the overall safety and condition of your vehicle is to take it to regular scheduled maintenances. We can help to inspect the condition that the vehicle and transmission are in. If you notice any issues or signs of trouble between visits, make sure to make an appointment to bring it in as soon as possible. This way the issue can be fixed while it is still minor. If an issue is ignored, it can become something larger and much worse. A larger problem can also result in a larger repair bill that could also be more time consuming.

Issues with Going into Gear

No matter if you have a manual or automatic transmission, you may notice a difference in the way the vehicle responds when it tries to get into the next gear. If the transmission is not working correctly, you will notice it in the way the vehicle shifts into gear. If the vehicle is equipped with a manual transmission, a common sign of an issue is a grinding sound or feeling as it shifts into a new gear. If you have fully engaged the clutch, and hear a grinding noise when shifting, it is an indication of a problem. This could mean you have a worn out clutch or you may need to have it adjusted. It is always best to bring the vehicle in because grinding gears can be caused by several other factors as well. If your vehicle has an automatic transmission, you can feel the vehicle shake as it goes into the next gear. The vehicle may also make jarring or rocking motions as it tries to get to the next gear. If you notice anything other than a smooth transmission between gears, make sure to bring your vehicle in as soon as possible.

Burning Smell from the Vehicle

One way to notice if there is an issue with the transmission is if you smell something burning. This could indicate that the transmission is overheating. The transmission fluid not only keeps the transmissions moving parts properly lubricated, but it also helps to prevent the unit from burning up. The fluid helps to cool down the transmission as it runs. The most common reason could be low or old transmission fluid. It could mean that there is a leak in the system, or that the dirty transmission fluid will need to be changed.

Noises from the Transmission

When driving or in neutral, make sure to notice if you hear any noises. This could be caused from an issue like low transmission fluid. There could also be an issue with the oil in the engine. It is always best to bring the vehicle in so we can inspect it for you. Noises are generally a sign of an issue forming. By bringing it at the first sign of a problem, you can help to prevent a larger issue and repair bill. With time and age, the transmission will start to go out, but it is important to keep it lasting as long as possible with regular maintenance.