How Your 'Check Engine' Light Could Save You Thousands Of Dollars
Posted on: 14 May 2020
Modern cars have many sensors and safety features that ensure they keep passengers safe as much as possible. From the prevalence of airbags and seatbelts to the humble check engine light, all of these components form a car's defence against danger on the road. However, your check engine light is only useful when you actually heed its advice and take your car in for a service. While there are many reasons why it could come on, one of the most popular reasons is a fault in your transmission. Transmission replacement can cost thousands of dollars if you let it get too bad, but if you follow your check engine warning light, you could avoid the brunt of this.
What Triggers The Check Engine Light?
There are many possible reasons relating to your transmission that could trigger a check engine light warning. If your transmission is heating up too much, vibrating out of its ordinary parameters or leaking, then the warning light will be activated. It can be confusing because sometimes once a warning light is activated, it will turn off if the problem stops, such as when you turn the car off. Of course, the problem is not actually solved and you should still get an expert to have a look at your car as soon as possible.
What Other Signs Indicate That The Transmission Is In Trouble?
Apart from your check engine light, there is a multitude of obvious and not-so-obvious signs that your transmission is in strife. A sweet smell is commonly referred to as a major indicator of transmission problems, but this can be tricky to rely on for beginners. If your transmission is louder than normal, this is often a clear sign of wear and tear. Feeling the gears slip during your drive can be frightening and should not be ignored, as it is a very dangerous and obvious sign of a fault in the transmission. If your car feels 'off', don't ignore it. You know your car better than anyone and you will notice irregularities when you drive with transmission problems.
Transmission Repairs
Transmission repairs can range from something as simple as changing out or adding liquids to a full replacement. The sooner you get your car into the shop, the cheaper transmission repairs will likely be, which is why you should be watchful for the early signs. If you need a gearbox rebuild or if some other essential component of your transmission is in a dire condition, then these transmission repairs might take some time. Don't rush them; transmission repairs are very complex, and a shoddy job will only mean you will be right back there quicker than you'd like.
Contact a mechanic to learn more about transmission repairs.
Share