4 Symptoms of a Transmission Fluid Leak

Waterloo Transmissions • November 2, 2024
A man is writing on a clipboard while working on a car engine.

Transmission fluid is vital for keeping your vehicle’s transmission lubricated, cool, and functioning smoothly. A transmission fluid leak can lead to poor performance and, if left unaddressed, serious damage to your transmission. Recognizing the early signs of a transmission fluid leak can save you from more expensive repairs. At Waterloo Transmissions, we provide expert transmission fluid leak repair in the greater Akron area. Here are four signs that your car may be leaking transmission fluid.


Puddle of Red Fluid Under Your Car

One of the most obvious signs of a transmission fluid leak is discovering a puddle of red or reddish-brown fluid underneath your vehicle. If you see such a puddle forming under your parked car, it’s important to inspect further. While small leaks might not seem serious at first, they can quickly lead to bigger problems.


Slipping Gears or Delayed Shifting

Transmission fluid helps the transmission engage gears properly. If there’s a leak and the fluid level gets too low, you may notice your car having trouble shifting gears. This can manifest as delayed shifting or even slipping gears while driving. If your car hesitates or feels like it’s slipping out of gear, this could be a sign that you’re low on transmission fluid due to a leak.


Burning Smell

A burning smell coming from your car is never a good sign, and it can sometimes indicate leaking transmission fluid. As the fluid leaks out, the transmission can overheat, causing the remaining fluid to burn. Burnt transmission fluid has a distinctive smell and is typically darker in color, which signals that your transmission is running hotter than it should. If you detect a burning odor, it’s important to check for transmission issues.


Grinding or Strange Noises

When your transmission fluid levels drop due to a leak, the transmission may not have enough lubrication, causing metal components to grind against each other. This can lead to grinding, whining, or clunking noises while shifting gears. These noises are often a sign that there’s not enough transmission fluid to keep everything running smoothly. If you hear any unusual sounds coming from your transmission, it’s important to have it inspected right away.


Transmission Repair in Akron, OH

For top-quality transmission repair in Akron, Canton, and Dover, OH, contact Waterloo Transmissions. Our local transmission mechanics can expertly address your vehicle’s transmission needs!

4 Tips for Keeping Your Transmission in Great Shape

By Waterloo Transmissions • October 1, 2025
Your vehicle’s transmission is one of its most critical components, responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels. Because of its importance and complexity, transmission repairs can become quite extensive. The good news is that with proper care and attention, you can help extend the life of your transmission and avoid major headaches down the road. Here are four tips to help keep your transmission in great shape for years to come. Stay Current with Fluid Changes Transmission fluid is the lifeblood of the system, keeping it cool and lubricated. Over time, fluid breaks down, collects debris, and loses its effectiveness. Regular fluid checks and timely changes are essential for maintaining smooth operation and preventing internal damage. If the fluid looks dark or has a burnt smell, it’s time for service. Keeping the fluid fresh helps reduce wear and enables your transmission to operate at its best. Avoid Overloading Your Vehicle Every vehicle has its weight limits. Consistently carrying more than your vehicle is designed for can lead to overheating and premature wear of transmission components. Whether you’re towing a trailer or hauling heavy cargo, staying within the recommended limits will go a long way toward protecting your transmission. Don’t Shift Between Drive and Reverse While Moving Shifting abruptly from drive to reverse, or vice versa, while the vehicle is still rolling is a common but damaging habit. This action forces the transmission to stop the vehicle’s momentum suddenly, which puts excessive strain on the gears and internal parts. Always come to a complete stop before changing gears to prevent unnecessary wear. Get to the Shop if You Notice Signs of Trouble Transmissions often give warning signs before they fail completely. Hesitation when shifting, slipping gears, unusual noises, or fluid leaks are all red flags that something may be wrong. Ignoring these issues can turn a minor repair into a major replacement. Getting to the shop at the first sign of trouble gives you the best chance of addressing problems early and keeping costs manageable. Transmission Service in Akron, OH For top-quality transmission service in Akron, Canton, and Dover, OH, contact Waterloo Transmissions. Our nearby transmission mechanics can expertly address your vehicle’s transmission needs in Akron and the surrounding area!
Gray automotive transmission with drive shaft attached.

Warning Signs that Your Vehicle May Need Transmission Fluid Leak Repair

By Waterloo Transmissions • September 6, 2025
Your vehicle’s transmission plays a vital role in keeping your car moving smoothly, and transmission fluid is the lifeblood that keeps everything operating properly. When there’s a leak, the transmission can quickly become compromised, leading to costly repairs or even complete failure. Because the transmission is such a critical and expensive component, it’s important to know the warning signs of a fluid leak so you can address the problem before it gets worse. At Waterloo Transmissions, we provide expert transmission fluid leak repair in the greater Akron area. Here are four signs that your car may need transmission fluid leak repair. Visible Fluid Under Your Car One of the most obvious signs of a transmission fluid leak is spotting reddish liquid under your vehicle after it’s been parked. Transmission fluid is commonly bright red when newer, but may turn more brownish as it ages. If you notice puddles or spots, it’s time to have your transmission inspected by a professional. Low or Dropping Fluid Levels Checking your transmission fluid regularly is a smart habit, and if you notice the fluid level dropping quickly, it often points to a leak. Even small leaks can cause the fluid to drain over time, leaving the transmission without the lubrication it needs. Running a transmission with low fluid can cause overheating and serious internal damage. Slipping Gears A transmission that isn’t getting enough fluid may begin to slip while driving. This happens when there isn’t enough hydraulic pressure for the transmission to stay properly engaged in a gear. If your car feels like it’s shifting unexpectedly or struggling to stay in gear, it could be due to fluid loss from a leak. Delayed or Rough Shifting Another common symptom of a transmission fluid leak is experiencing rough, jerky, or delayed gear changes. Transmission fluid not only provides lubrication, but also helps create the pressure needed for smooth shifts. If the fluid is leaking, your vehicle may start to hesitate before changing gears or lurch between shifts, signaling the need for immediate attention. Transmission Repair in Akron, OH For top-quality transmission repair in Akron, Canton, and Dover, OH , contact Waterloo Transmissions . Our nearby transmission mechanics can expertly address your vehicle’s transmission needs in greater Akron!