As anyone in the trucking industry knows, a quality transmission is essential to keep your equipment running at its best. But even the best transmissions on the market need maintenance and repairs. If you don’t keep up with cleaning your transmission, you may end up with a clogged filter that can cause all sorts of problems. It’s crucial to recognize the signs of a problem in its early stages.
Signs of Trouble
A clogged transmission filter will give off signals indicating it needs work. If you notice any of these warning signs from your vehicle, don’t ignore them! Your transmission needs immediate attention. Here’s what to watch for:
- Leaking fluid
- Strange sounds
- Burning smells
1) Leaking Fluid
Leaking transmission fluid or oil dripping from your engine is a sign of something gone very wrong. While leaks often point to a clogged filter, a severe leak could also indicate a more severe problem elsewhere in your engine. Either way, it’s time to get your vehicle in for service immediately. Don’t assume the leak will stop on its own!
2) Strange Sounds
Heavy-duty trucks or construction vehicles make a lot of noise when in use. However, a few of these loud noises point to problems under the hood. A loud rattling sound is likely coming from loose debris shaking around near the transmission filter. Grinding sounds, screeching, or other out of the ordinary noises also indicate a problem with your engine. Pay attention to how your vehicle sounds and take note of anything out of the ordinary.
3) Burning Smells
A burning smell is never a good sign. This is doubly true when that burning smell comes from your vehicle’s engine. As your transmission filter becomes dirty or unusable, contaminants and debris will build up and make it harder for the filter to do its job. The debris could begin giving off a burning smell as it’s exposed to heat from the engine. Needless to say, this is a severe fire hazard and a significant risk to the driver. At the first sign of a burning smell, stop using the vehicle until you get a new transmission filter.
Pro Tip: If you’re having trouble deciding if your vehicle is displaying signs of a clogged transmission filter, give us a call and describe what you see. We’re happy to help keep your transmissions working safely!
Keep Your Transmissions in Good Shape
A problem in your transmission can snowball and damage more of your engine if you don’t have it fixed soon enough. If you notice signs of trouble, don’t wait too long! Set up a service appointment as soon as possible to get back on the road.
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