Hauling heavy loads often means you'll need a truck transmission repair service to ensure your truck remains in good condition. According to The American Transmission Rebuilders Association, nearly 90% of transmission failures are caused by overheating, poor maintenance, or lack of fluid changes. You might be wondering if your truck’s transmission needs to be serviced. Here are five common signs that say it does.

1. Difficulty Shifting Gears

When your truck is in good condition, the transmission should change gears easily. Unfortunately, wear and tear can make it much harder to switch gears. If it's becoming increasingly difficult to shift gears, that's a strong sign that transmission repair is needed.

2. Burning Smells

You might notice a burning smell coming from the engine compartment, but the oil level is just fine. The odds are the transmission is experiencing increased friction that causes heat. The heat and friction can burn up some of the transmission fluid and create a burning smell, which will also accelerate the wear and tear of the transmission and its gears.

3. Slipping Gears

You might notice a temporary loss of power accompanied by increased RPMs while the transmission is shifting. You also might notice similar symptoms while your truck is in gear. Slipping gears cause the problem, which is a sure sign that transmission repair is necessary.

4. Fluid Leaks

Your transmission needs fluid to lubricate its gears and reduce friction. A gasket or seal might go bad over time and cause fluid to leak from the transmission housing. If you notice dripping fluid coming from the transmission housing or signs of fluid stains, you should take your truck in for transmission repair as soon as possible.

5. Shaking or Grinding Sounds

A defective transmission often causes an unpleasant shaking due to badly worn gears and high levels of friction. The shaking might be accompanied by grinding sounds, which is a definite sign that something is wrong with the transmission. You also might hear the grinding noise without any shaking sensation. Whenever the transmission and motor are shaking or making grinding sounds, you need to take your vehicle in for repairs.

Call or visit our Richmond Transmission & Automotive Service to learn more and to schedule service for your vehicle. We'll keep you safe on the road.