What are common warning signs of an automatic transmission problem?

Waterloo Transmissions • December 3, 2024

Your car’s automatic transmission allows your vehicle to shift gears seamlessly, optimizing performance and efficiency. However, when your transmission starts to fail, it can cause major issues if not addressed promptly. As soon as you notice a symptom of automatic transmission trouble, it’s important to get to the shop as soon as possible. At Waterloo Transmissions, we provide expert automatic transmission repair in the greater Akron, OH area. Here's a look at four common signs of an automatic transmission problem to watch for.

Slipping Gears

When your transmission slips, your car might suddenly pop out of gear without any input from you. This can result in a loss of power or uneven acceleration. Gear slippage can make driving unpredictable and even dangerous, especially when merging or climbing hills. Slipping gears often indicate worn-out components or low transmission fluid levels.

Delayed or Rough Shifting

A properly functioning transmission should change gears smoothly and promptly. If you notice delays when shifting from park to drive or feel a jolt during gear changes, it’s a sign of trouble. This could be due to issues like a failing transmission solenoid or contaminated transmission fluid.

Unusual Noises

Grinding, whining, or buzzing sounds coming from your transmission area should never be ignored. These noises often signal problems such as worn bearings, damaged gears, or insufficient lubrication. If you hear these sounds while your car is in gear, it’s time to have a professional inspect your transmission.

Fluid Leaks

Transmission fluid is vital for cooling and lubricating the system, as well as providing the necessary pressure for smooth shifting. If you see reddish fluid pooling under your car, it’s a warning sign of a leak. Common leak sources include a damaged pan gasket, loose seals, or faulty transmission lines. Low fluid levels can quickly lead to overheating and severe damage, making it important to quickly address this issue.

Automatic 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!

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4 Reasons to Quickly Fix Transmission Fluid Leaks

By Waterloo Transmissions • July 6, 2025

Transmission fluid is essential to the operation of your vehicle’s transmission system. When a leak occurs, it might seem minor at first, but ignoring it can lead to serious mechanical problems and expensive repairs. Transmission fluid not only lubricates moving parts, but also cools the system and enables smooth shifting. Addressing leaks right away helps protect your vehicle and your wallet. At Waterloo Transmissions, we provide expert transmission fluid leak repair in the greater Akron area. Here are four important reasons to quickly fix transmission fluid leaks. Prevents Costly Transmission Damage Your transmission depends on the proper level of fluid to function correctly. A leak can lead to a gradual loss of fluid, which reduces lubrication and increases friction between moving parts. Without enough fluid, the transmission can overheat, seize up, or suffer other internal damage. Repairing a leak early is far less expensive than replacing or rebuilding a damaged transmission, making quick action a smart investment in your vehicle’s long-term health. Helps Ensure Smooth Gear Shifting Transmission fluid plays a direct role in the shifting process. Low fluid levels caused by a leak can make your car shift roughly, slip between gears, or delay gear engagement. Promptly repairing leaks helps maintain consistent fluid pressure so your car can shift properly. Reduces Risk of Overheating Transmission fluid also serves as a coolant, drawing heat away from the moving parts within the system. When fluid leaks out, the remaining fluid may not circulate effectively. This can lead to overheating, which causes the internal components to wear out faster. By fixing leaks promptly, you help your transmission stay at a safe operating temperature and prevent heat-related damage. Protects the Environment and Driveway Leaking transmission fluid can create stains on your driveway or garage floor and contribute to environmental contamination. The fluid is toxic and can harm water sources if it enters storm drains. Quickly repairing leaks helps you avoid messy cleanups and environmental harm. 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 Common Ways that Drivers Contribute to Transmission Problems

By Waterloo Transmissions • June 3, 2025

Your vehicle’s transmission is one of its most complex systems. It allows the engine’s power to be transferred to the wheels, enabling smooth acceleration and control. Unfortunately, many transmission issues are caused not just by age or wear, but by the habits of drivers themselves. Understanding how daily driving behavior can affect the transmission can help you avoid costly repairs. Here are four common ways that drivers contribute to transmission problems. Neglecting Regular Fluid Checks/Changes Transmission fluid is critical for keeping the system cool and properly lubricated. When drivers fail to check or change the fluid at the recommended intervals, the transmission can overheat or develop internal damage. Over time, the fluid can become dirty, lose its effectiveness, or run low due to leaks. Continuing to drive without maintaining proper fluid levels puts stress on the transmission and increases the likelihood of failure. Shifting Between Drive/Reverse While the Vehicle Is Moving One of the worst habits drivers can develop is shifting from reverse to drive—or vice versa—while the vehicle is still in motion. This action forces the transmission to abruptly change direction, which can cause internal damage. Although it may seem like a small shortcut to save time, this maneuver places sudden strain on gears, potentially shortening the transmission’s lifespan. Towing Beyond the Vehicle’s Capacity Using your vehicle to tow more weight than it’s designed to handle is another common cause of transmission trouble. Overloading a vehicle can put major stress on the transmission. Prolonged overheating and strain from towing heavy loads can cause the transmission to fail prematurely. It’s crucial for drivers to know their vehicle’s towing capacity and stay within safe limits. Ignoring Warning Signs Drivers often overlook the early symptoms of transmission trouble, such as slipping gears, delayed shifting, or strange noises. Ignoring these signs or continuing to drive without diagnosis can allow minor issues to grow into serious problems. A transmission that might have been repaired easily with minor service could end up requiring a full rebuild or replacement. 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, OH and the surrounding area!