You can't drive without a working transmission, and a transmission that's old or damaged could be causing additional problems for your vehicle. If you think that your transmission is on its way out, you shouldn't hesitate to take your vehicle to an auto shop as soon as possible so that your transmission can be repaired by professionals after diagnostic testing has been performed to determine the exact transmission problems. Here are four specific issues that transmission repair service may resolve.

Strange Sounds

Your vehicle should operate as quietly as possible when it's been driven or idling with the engine on, and any knocking, grating, or whining sounds that you hear could be coming from a failing transmission. Bumping sounds when your vehicle is in neutral is another indicator of a transmission problem. When a transmission issue is the cause, loose or mistimed components within the transmission may be interfering with your transmission's performance. Other vehicle problems could also be causing these sounds, and mechanics at a trusted auto repair shop can use high-tech diagnostic tools to pinpoint the source of these strange noises.

Uncontrolled Gear Shifting

Your transmission may seem to have a mind of its own and might change gears suddenly when you're driving. You could find yourself in a dangerous situation if a failing transmission slips into another gear when you're not trying to change gears yourself. If you own a classic vehicle with a stick shift, the stick could get stuck in a neutral position if your transmission change gears on its own. 

Lost Fluid

Transmission fluid is your transmission's lifeline, and fluid may be leaking through any unusual gaps that have formed between transmission parts or cracks along your transmission lines. The fluid may also be leaking through a loose or broken seal in your transmission. With the proper transmission repair work, you won't have to see any more red or clear fluid from a leaking transmission that you might be noticing on the ground after you've parked your vehicle. 

Check Engine Light

The check engine light doesn't always mean that there's a problem with the engine itself. Your vehicle's sensors may be detecting unusual vibrations from your transmission that you're likely not aware of, and taking your vehicle to an auto shop quickly for diagnostic testing and any needed repair work can keep any possible transmission problems from worsening. When mechanics use diagnostic equipment for testing, a code will be displayed with the test result that will let them know if the check engine light problem is transmission-related or coming from the engine itself.

Signs of transmission troubles shouldn't be overlooked, and getting any problems with your transmission fixed as soon as possible can keep your transmission in working order. Auto service professionals will be happy to look at your vehicle and perform any necessary transmission work for you.