The transmission in your car is manufactured to run smoothly for years. Simple problems, though, quickly become major issues because of the rate of speed at which the components in the transmission move. Most warning signs from your transmission should not be ignored for long or you'll end up with a car that must be towed to the auto repair shop. Here are some of the common symptoms that a problem is brewing and it's time to take your car in for a transmission inspection.

1. Your car hesitates when shifting.

If you hear the engine rev up and feel the transmission hesitate when shifting into a new gear, there could be a problem with the fluid levels in the transmission. The problem could also be in the computer module that coordinates the shifting of gears.

2. A metallic "clunk" is made by the transmission when it shifts gears.

Components in the transmission control how the rapidly spinning gears mesh to shift from gear to gear. A sound when shifting means the transmission is having difficulty aligning the gears. This can also mean a problem with the fluid levels or with one of the gears themselves.

3. The car slips in and out of gears when driving on level surfaces.

This is the sign of a problem with the linkage between the gears. If not taken care of, your car may eventually fail to stay in any gear, which puts additional stress on your transmission.

4. The transmission makes rattling noises when in "Neutral" or "Park".

The transmission should not be moving when in these two gears. If you hear any noise from the transmission when in "neutral" or "park," there may be something lost in the transmission casing. If the item gets thrown into one of the spinning parts of the transmission, you can have a major failure, requiring a new transmission.

5. There is a pool of transmission fluid under the car.

This fluid is reddish brown, and if you find some under the car, you may have a bad seal or a cracked transmission casing. This is a sign to get your car into the shop quickly. Low transmission fluid levels due to a leak can cause a number of the previously noted problems.

6. A burnt smell after driving briefly.

This is one way that a low fluid level due to a leak damages the transmission. The fluid helps keep the transmission components cool. When the fluid level is low, the transmission overheats and can burn the small amount of fluid left in the casing. If ignored, the overheated transmission can seize up and fail completely. You'll then be looking at a new transmission and a major repair bill.

For more information, contact Alaska Professional Auto or a similar company.