4 Signs That Your Car Is Leaking Transmission Fluid

Transmission problems aren’t great for any vehicle. And it’s important to identify leaking substances. Check out these four signs that your car is leaking transmission fluid for further details!

A Dark Puddle Underneath Your Car

The most obvious sign of a leak is a puddle underneath your car. Typically, transmission fluid is red with a sweet or “oily” smell. If the fluid is brown with a burned smell, this indicates contaminated or burned fluid. If you suspect a leak, peek underneath your car to see if liquid drips down. Additionally, the substance leaves dark spots on the ground. So if you see dark marks in your garage or driveway, this can indicate a leak.

A Burning Smell

Besides a liquid puddle, you’ll smell leaking fluid. A burning smell lets you know that the transmission is overheating. Understandably, noticing a burning smell while driving is scary. However, don’t panic! You can take your car to the mechanic to investigate the issue.

Activated Dashboard Warning Light

The dashboard warning light can indicate that your car is leaking transmission fluid. In particular, the transmission light will come on if there’s a problem. With leaking fluid, the liquid runs out of your car quickly. This means your transmission can run hotter than usual, causing the warning light to appear. If the light stays on, it’s best to visit a mechanic and run a diagnostic to pinpoint the issue.

Strange Vibrations

Your gears may be slipping if you notice strange vibrations while driving. Generally, the culprit to this issue is low transmission fluid. If you recently serviced your vehicle (or know the fluid shouldn’t be low), a low fluid level may indicate you have a leak. It’s worth investigating to figure out the source of vibrations. Eventually, vibrations can lead to poor performance, and it’s unsafe to drive an unreliable car.

Can You Drive With Leaking Fluid?

Technically, you can drive with leaking transmission fluid, but it’s not a good idea. Whether you see warning lights or vibrations, you should be aware that your vehicle will suffer from damage if you don’t resolve problems. Your gears may slip or delay acceleration. Both occurrences are dangerous while driving. If you suspect leaks, don’t delay servicing your vehicle.

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