In order to smoothly change the speed of your car, it is essential to have a fully functioning gearbox. From changing speed to transmitting power to changing torque, gears serve multiple functions in a car. If not well-maintained, gears can get jammed and drivers face problems in switching gears.
In this guide, we will provide you with complete details about the possible reasons behind problems in changing gears and cover the following points:
- Common Car Gearbox Problems and their Solution
- Reasons Why Your Car Won’t Go Into Gear Properly
- Symptoms of Transmission Problems
What Causes Problems in Changing Gears
Whether your car jerks when changing gears or your car over revs when changing gear or if you are facing any sort of problem when engaging gears, the possible reasons why your car won’t go into gear properly may be as follows:
Insufficient Transmission Fluid
Lack of transmission fluid is one of the leading causes of gearbox failure. Shifting gears causes friction and heat to build up in the gearbox system. Transmission fluid keeps the gear components lubricated and cool, preventing them from being overheated and damaged. When your transmission fluid level is low and you drive with low transmission fluid, the system becomes overheated due to poor lubrication within the gearbox, creating greater friction and improper gear changing.
All fluids lose viscosity over time which adversely impacts their ability to lubricate the components of the gearbox. This problem can be avoided by using only the fluid recommended by the manufacturer and in the correct amount.
Slipping Transmission
When a transmission slips, it affects the transfer of energy from the engine to the wheels. If your car’s transmission is slipping, the vehicle will be slow to respond or will not respond at all. Since the power produced by the engine does not get to the wheels, there is no acceleration during driving.
Some of the common causes of a slipping transmission include blocked transmission filter, insufficient transmission fluid or burnt transmission fluid. To avoid this, use a transmission fluid additive to reduce friction in the transmission.
Clutch Failure
In a car, the role of a clutch is to change the car’s speed by shifting gears or bring it to a stop without turning off the engine. Clutches can fail either abruptly or gradually. In case of an abrupt clutch failure, the clutch stops working completely and the car can not be driven further. On the other hand, when the clutch is failing gradually, you will face trouble in switching gears experiencing harsh noises from the gearbox, jerky acceleration and other gearbox components will lose their ability to function smoothly.
If your car clutch has worn out or the clutch cable has snapped, it is recommended to get it repaired immediately as driving with a faulty clutch will further damage your car’s transmission.
Burnt Transmission
If you notice a burning smell emanating from your car’s transmission, it is a cause of concern and needs to be addressed quickly. This burning smell is mainly caused by overheating of transmission fluid.
Transmission fluid is used to cool the heat created by friction from the motion of gearbox components. When the fluid level is too low, the gearbox produces greater friction, which generates more heat. This heat damages the transmission fluid making it lose its ability and creating even greater heat accumulation. If this issue of overheating transmission isn’t resolved soon, it could eventually break down completely.
This concludes our guide about common gearbox problems and their solution, signs of transmission problems and possible reasons for problems in changing gears. If you are interested in cars with modern gearboxes and transmission systems, check out this huge list of used cars for sale in the UAE at reasonable rates.
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