What are common warning signs of an automatic transmission problem?

Waterloo Transmissions • December 3, 2024
A close up of a shifter in a car.

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!

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!

4 Common Transmission Issues that Should Be Promptly Resolved

By Waterloo Transmissions • May 5, 2025
Your vehicle’s transmission is a vital component that allows your engine to deliver power to the wheels. When something goes wrong with the transmission, it can quickly affect your vehicle’s performance and lead to serious damage if not addressed right away. Ignoring the warning signs could turn a minor issue into a major repair. At Waterloo Transmissions, we provide expert transmission repair in the greater Akron area. Here are four common transmission problems that need prompt attention. Slipping Gears If your car unexpectedly slips out of gear or struggles to stay in gear, it’s a sign that your transmission is not operating properly. This problem can make driving unpredictable and unsafe, especially if the gear shift happens while you’re accelerating or going uphill. Gear slippage may be caused by low transmission fluid or worn transmission bands. No matter the cause, it’s essential to have this issue inspected and repaired quickly. Delayed/Rough Shifting When you shift gears, whether in an automatic or manual transmission, the process should be smooth and responsive. If you notice a delay when shifting, or if the car jerks or makes a clunking noise during gear changes, there may be a problem with the transmission system. These symptoms can indicate internal wear, fluid issues, or sensor problems. Rough shifting not only affects your driving experience, but also signals that something deeper could be wrong. The longer you wait, the more expensive the repair could become. Burning Smell A burning odor coming from your vehicle is never a good sign, and it’s sometimes linked to overheated transmission fluid. Transmission fluid helps cool and lubricate the internal components, and when it gets too hot, it can break down and lose its effectiveness. This can lead to increased friction, excess wear, and major problems with the transmission. Fluid Leaks Transmission fluid is critical to the health of your transmission, and any leaks should be taken seriously. If you see reddish fluid under your vehicle, there’s a good chance it’s coming from the transmission. A leak can be caused by a worn seal, a cracked pan, or a damaged gasket. Driving with low transmission fluid can result in overheating and internal damage, so it’s crucial to have leaks repaired as soon as possible. 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!