There are a few different signs that your gearbox might be on its way out, and it’s important to be aware of them so you can take action before anything major happens. If you’re hearing strange noises coming from your car, or if it’s having trouble shifting gears, then there could be a problem with the gearbox. In this blog post, we’ll look at some of the signs of a broken gearbox and what you can do about it.
Loud grinding or whining noises when shifting gears
When it comes to gearboxes, strange noises could be a sign of failure. Whether you’re driving an automatic or manual car, grinding and whining noises when shifting gears is never a good sign. If you’re driving a manual car and hear this while you change gear, it’s highly likely that something’s wrong with your gearbox and some attention needs to be given before it becomes a major headache. The best thing to do is to get a professional mechanic to diagnose the cause of the noise and advise you on how best to repair or replace the parts if needed. Ignoring these noises could lead to serious damage costing you more than if you’d address the problem earlier.
Difficulty shifting gears or feeling like the gearshift is “sticking”
If you’re driving a manual car, then chances are you know the signs of difficulty shifting gears, or feeling like the gearshift is “sticking”. If there’s more effort involved than usual in pushing the gearshift into first, second or reverse, it may be time to book your car in for a diagnostic. Gearbox repairs can be expensive, but don’t panic – if your gearbox is only lightly damaged and not actually defective it might just need to be cleaned and lubricated. If a repair isn’t possible and replacement is essential – take heart – as modern gearboxes have been designed for endurance, meaning if you invest wisely you could get many miles out of a brand new unit. With all this in mind, diagnosing any gearbox issue early on should help save both time and money.
Your car suddenly accelerates or decelerates on its own
Is your car taking off without you giving it the gas? That could be a sign of an issue with your gearbox – and it’s definitely worth getting checked out. It could be that a component needs replacing or repairing, which can often be the case if there are problems with acceleration or deceleration. It’s especially important if you have an older vehicle where parts may be more likely to fail or need maintenance. To find out what specifically may be causing the issue and determine whether repair is possible or replacement is necessary, it can help to check in with a qualified auto technician for advice about carrying out a diagnostic test for your car’s gearbox.
A burning smell coming from under the hood
If your car is giving off a burning smell from under the hood, it could be a warning sign that you need to investigate your gearbox. While a burning smell can be caused by other issues, worn or damaged gearboxes often release an acrid, oil-burning smell. If this is the case with your vehicle, you may be wondering whether it’s better to repair or replace the damaged part. Before making any decisions, it’s always best to get the opinion of experienced mechanics who can examine the condition of your car and give their professional advice on what action you should take. Of course, if your car has a manual transmission, then having the whole thing checked out makes sense too!
Fluid leaking from your car
For UK drivers, it can be a source of panic when fluid starts to leak from your car. The most common culprit is often the gearbox, and this could be cause for serious concern if you’re solely driving a manual gearbox as these are more prone to developing issues due to their complex mechanics. Before you panic, it’s always wise to have your car properly diagnosed to determine the exact issue. In some cases, gearboxes may just need some quality time with an expert engineer and the right lubricants in order to have them up and running again in no time. However, treating a severely worn gearbox means spending considerable money on spare parts or getting it replaced altogether – which can get pretty costly. It’s always best to approach your problem as early as possible, giving yourself the best chance of repairing or replacing before further damage occurs.
What is your next step if experiencing any of the above?
If you are experiencing any issues with your gearbox, your next step is to visit a professional mechanic for assessment. A qualified technician will be able to accurately diagnose the issue and provide an expert repair or replacement solution that best suits your vehicle’s needs and budget. If this is the case with your vehicle, give us a ring!
