If you've ever felt your car slip out of gear or heard a sudden, unsettling clunk from underneath the hood, you might be dealing with a failing transmission. So, what actually happens when your transmission starts to give out? We discuss the signs below. When you need transmission repair in San Rafael, CA, don’t delay a visit to Auto Repair Specialist.

Slipping, Jerking, and Strange Noises

One of the first red flags is gear slippage; your engine revs, but your car doesn't accelerate like it should. You might also feel the vehicle jerk when shifting gears or hear grinding, whining, or buzzing sounds. These signs are your transmission’s way of waving a big red flag for help.

Delayed or Rough Shifting

In both automatic and manual cars, delayed gear engagement or rough, clunky shifts are common when the transmission is in trouble. In San Rafael’s stop-and-go traffic or while cruising through hilly areas, this can make driving frustrating and even dangerous.

Fluid Leaks and Overheating

Transmission fluid is essential for cooling and lubrication. If you spot reddish fluid under your car, it's time to get it checked. A low fluid level or old, dirty fluid can cause overheating and serious internal damage if ignored. With the warm Bay Area climate, this can escalate quickly.

Total Breakdown

Left unchecked, minor symptoms can lead to complete transmission failure, which often means your car won’t move at all. Towing, major repairs, or even full replacement may be necessary.

Why It Matters

Between the rolling hills, coastal air, and ever-changing traffic conditions, your transmission does a lot more work than you might think. Regular maintenance, like fluid checks and timely repairs, can help you avoid being stranded on the 101.

Transmission Repair and Replacement in San Rafael

Grinding gears, delayed shifting, slipping gears and transmission fluid leaks are among the most common signs of transmission trouble. If you notice any of these issues or have another reason to suspect a transmission problem, visit Auto Repair Specialist. We offer expert automatic transmission repair, manual transmission repair, and CVT transmission repair for all makes and models. Give us a call at (415) 612-3933 to learn more about transmission costs for your vehicle.