Cars can be convenient to have for various reasons, but they can also cause life to become frustrating when they begin to have problems. It is even more frustrating when problems develop that make it difficult or embarrassing to drive, such as if a car begins to make a substantial amount of noise. One problem that can cause noise and interfere with the operation of a vehicle is a bad automatic transmission, especially when it has been problematic for a long time. A transmission is actually one of the most vital parts of a vehicle, and it is important to not only make sure that it receives prompt repairs and occasional maintenance to prevent even minor problems from developing. If your car is noisy with other problems, the transmission might need attention as soon as possible.

Driving a Car with a Problematic Transmission

It is a bad idea to continue driving a car that has a bad transmission, which is why you should find out with help from a mechanic as soon as possible. If your car has a bad transmission that you are unaware of and you continue to drive it, small problems will progress fast. For example, if noise stems from a transmission problem, it can progress into something more serious, like gears malfunctioning. The reason is that gears can only work because of the transmission, and they are often one of the first parts of a vehicle to stop functional when transmission problems get serious. In the worst-case scenario, continuing to drive with a bad transmission will lead to your car not being functional altogether because it won't move.

Indicators That a Transmission is Bad

Although noise is one of the indicators that a transmission is bad, it isn't a strong enough one to make an official diagnosis. The reason is that other parts of a vehicle can fall into bad shape and cause noise, such as the brakes. Another problem that a transmission might cause is for a car to stop going in a certain direction, which is usually backwards. For example, rather than being able to put your vehicle in reverse to back out, you would only be able to drive it in a forward direction. An indicator that a transmission is about to stop working altogether is when a vehicle begins to continuously jerk.

How You Can Prevent Transmission Problems

To keep your transmission in good shape, it must have the right amount of fluid in your vehicle. Basically, you will need to ensure that transmission fluid levels are maintained at a sufficient level. Getting your vehicle inspected in general should be done on occasion to keep the transmission functional. For more information on preventing transmission issues, talk to a transmission specialist today.