Picture the scene: You are reversing out of your driveway, you put your car in gear to drive away, and all of a sudden, you hear the dreaded ‘loud clicking’ sound before your engine sounds normal again. Yes, that sound is coming from your transmission.  If you continue running your car on a damaged car transmission, the cost of replacing the car transmission or building one can be quite expensive.  The costs could range from $1200 to $5000, depending on the type of fix your transmission needs.

Your car’s transmission is a very delicate component that needs attention to function effectively. It is very wise to properly maintain your transmission when you notice minor issues with it. The English proverb, ‘Prevention is better than the cure’ does come to mind. 

So, with this in mind, what are five main causes of transmission failure that proper maintenance could prevent? 

1.   Lack of Maintenance

It is that simple.  Every car has a manufacturer’s guide on maintaining the car’s engine, transmission, fluid, and filters at the recommended time and mileage.  The secret of having your car transmission out-lasting your car’s lifespan is having the correct car maintenance knowledge and putting it into practice.  Having your car’s transmission routinely checked on schedule will prevent unnoticed transmission failures and protect against serious problems.

2.   Transmission Fluid Leak

Have you noticed any red liquid puddles under your car?  If so, it indicates that your car’s transmission is leaking from one of your cooler lines, a gasket, or a seal.  Fluid leaks depriving your transmission of the much-needed fluid, which eventually will cause damage to your car due to overheating.  Therefore, it is not advisable to add more transmission fluid to repair the problem.  The problem will only get much worse and more expensive. Thus, it is crucial to get your transmission fluid leaks fixed quickly. 

3.   Transmission fluid contamination

Does your car delay moving for a few seconds after shifting gears into drive or reverse?  It is one of the first signs that your transmission fluid is contaminated. With time materials in the transmission system wear out and flow into the transmission fluid and contaminate it.  The transmission fluid color changes from red to brown or yellow.  Having routine car service where your transmission fluid is changed is advisable.

4.   Clogged Transmission Fluid Filters

Transmission filters relate to transmission fluid contamination as they act as guards for the transmission.  When these filters clog, they cannot filter out debris and prevent the fluid from cooling and lubricating the car’s transmission. In time, this causes the car’s transmission to overheat or completely fail.  Having your filters checked will prevent damage to the car’s transmission.

5.   Worn Clutches

Have you observed that when you shift gears and accelerate, the engine only revs up without moving any faster?  It is one sign that your clutches are worn.  Clutches shift gears while driving, transferring the power of an engine to the transmission.  When they fail to do so, it’s vital to have worn-out Clutches changed to prevent total damage to the car’s transmission.