While the engine may seem like the center of your car’s performance, your transmission is just as important when it comes to keeping your vehicle running smoothly. That’s why it’s important for you to pay attention to your car’s transmission to ensure your vehicle performs reliably for as long as possible.

To help Parker, Littleton, and Castle Rock, Colorado, drivers recognize the signs of a bad transmission, Genesis of Littleton has brought you this guide detailing 10 signs of a bad transmission. Read on to see what you can do to prolong the life of your vehicle and how we can help you along the way.

Signs of a Bad Transmission Littleton CO

Importance of Transmission

Your car’s transmission is imperative to successful drives. Whether you drive a manual, an automatic, or a continuously variable transmission (CVT), proper gear shifts are important for the health of your car. They ensure that:

  • Your car’s engine is used appropriately
  • Your model’s wheels have the right power
  • Your car starts and stops safely

With a healthy transmission, you can adjust to the appropriate speeds for given driving conditions and maintain stable commutes. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to the health of this part of your ride, keep up with regular maintenance, and be aware of warning signs.


10 Signs of a Bad Transmission

Your transmission plays a huge role in how your vehicle feels to drive, so when your transmission starts to fail, you may notice changes in how your car feels. Ten signs of a bad transmission may include:

  • Your vehicle has a hard time changing gears, such as a delay in response. This means that it’s a good idea to look at the mechanics of your transmission to ensure the model is working to its full capacity.
  • Slipping gears is when the gears change willy-nilly without your say-so. Make sure that you get this problem under control by having your model inspected so that you can continue to drive safely.
  • Burning smellcoming from your model’s transmission is often due to old fluid and the gears overheating. It’s important to check your transmission fluid from time to time to make sure it’s getting fresh fluid in the right intervals.
  • Leaking fluid is also a sure sign that your car’s transmission, particularly the fluid, is in need of some tender love and care. Head in for service to make sure that the source of the leak can be found and repaired.
  • If, when you’re in neutral, you begin hearing strange noises from under the hood, it’s a good idea to have the transmission checked from the fluid to the actual mechanics of your model’s transmission.
  • Strange sounds can range from whines to clunks, and while it’s tempting to turn the radio up a little louder, the best way to quiet those sounds is to check in on the transmission.
  • Shakingfrom your vehicle is common for models with automatic transmissions. This goes along with the sensation of your car’s gears grinding, and this is an important sign to pay attention to, often indicating that your model needs immediate maintenance or repairs.
  • The clutch is a feature unique to manual transmissions. But if your manual drive clutch is hard to maneuver, or drags, then you should have it maintained as soon as possible.
  • Lack of response is a very clear sign that something is awry with your car’s transmission. If the gears simply won’t change, such as you can’t get out of park or into reverse, then come in for maintenance as soon as possible.
  • Your check engine light may also be able to tell you when it’s time for maintenance before you have to experience physical symptoms during your drive. Always pay attention to dashboard warnings.

Overall, if your vehicle is experiencing signs of a malfunctioning transmission, it’s important to seek service as soon as possible to ensure your safety and the longevity of your vehicle.


Signs of a Bad Transmission Littleton CO

How Often Should I Change My Transmission Fluid?

One of the best ways to ensure your transmission runs smoothly is to change your transmission fluid at the right time. Overall, transmission fluid change intervals can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, however, it’s often advised to change your transmission fluid every 50,000 miles. That number can sometimes be closer to 150,000 miles, though, so be sure to check your owner’s manual.

This can change depending on your driving style. If you tow or drive off-road, it’s important to make sure you change your transmission fluid more often.

At the end of the day, though, it’s important to check your car’s transmission fluid periodically to make sure you can accurately tell when you should change it.



Signs of a Bad Transmission Littleton CO

How to Check Your Transmission Fluid

Checking your transmission fluid is often as easy as using a dipstick under your car’s hood. To check your transmission fluid, you should:

  • Warm up your vehicle.
  • Pull out the dipstick while your engine is still warm.
  • Check the levels. If your dipstick shows that your transmission fluid level is low, it’s time to top it off.

Another thing to pay attention to is the condition of your transmission fluid.

Old transmission fluid will appear as a dark red or black color. This means it’s time for a full replacement of your fluid. You should also replace your transmission fluid if you notice any metal shavings in the fluid and have the transmission checked.

If you’re even in doubt about the condition of your car’s transmission, make sure that you get an expert opinion.


Our Service Center

Our team is equipped to take good care of your car’s transmission. We’re here to help by:

  • Checking the transmission
  • Taking care of the fluid
  • Providing replacement or repair if needed

Rely on our experts to take care of your car’s transmission needs, helping you with regular maintenance and upkeep. If, however, your car’s transmission is on the way out and you’re in need of a replacement, we can supply you with a fitting new transmission.

Contact our dedicated experts and parts center and rely on our expertise to help you maintain safe and confident commutes.


Schedule Transmission Service with Us Today!

If you’ve noticed any of these 10 signs of a bad transmission or it’s simply time for a transmission fluid change or inspection, you can come to see us at our service center.

If you’re ready to start driving smoothly around Parker, Littleton, and Castle Rock, CO, schedule a service appointment with us at Genesis of Littleton today!

Contact Service

Please don't hesitate to direct your service questions to us! Fill out the simple form below and our technicians will get back to you.
  • By submitting your information, you agree to the sharing of your information between Genesis Motor America and its authorized retailers.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Get Directions

6500 S Broadway, Littleton, CO, 80121
Genesis of Littleton 39.60085940018186, -104.98737355767082.