Apr 11, 2025

 

In modern cars, the transmission is usually more mechanically complex than the engine and almost as costly to repair in the case of a serious fault. It’s therefore sensible to pay close attention to the performance and condition of the gearbox below you. If you find the gears acting strangely in the ways outlined in this article, head to your local Mazda dealership for transmission service before the situation worsens.  

 

Keep Your Mazda Running Smoothly by Watching for These Key Warning Signs

Low Transmission FluidMechanic holding car transmission in their hands | Vancouver, WA

It’s advisable to check all your car’s vital fluids once a month, including the transmission fluid. You can do this by using the dipstick. If the fluid looks low, be sure to top it up; without sufficient fluid, the gearbox will fail to function properly and a buildup of friction will soon cause damage.

 

Pools of Leaking Fluid

It’s occasionally possible for transmission fluid to leak from a worn-out or damaged seal, pan gasket, or cooler line. If such a leak occurs, you may notice a dark red liquid puddling under your car. With a leak sucking fluid out of the gearbox, you’ll experience many more serious gearbox problems if you don’t have the problem fixed right away.

 

Burning Fluid Smells

Aging fluid lubricates less effectively. This causes friction and heat to rise inside the gearbox. The rising heat starts to burn the fluid, which then functions even less well. A smell of something burning might drift up into the cabin. 

 

Strange Gearbox Sounds 

When low fluid or something else causes a fault inside a transmission, your first warning will often be grinding or whining noises when shifting. Never ignore such warning sounds. 

 

Loud Revving When Shifting

Another common symptom of gearbox trouble is loud engine revving. This happens as the engine tries to deliver power to the wheels through a suddenly ineffective transmission. 

 

Hesitant Gear Shifts

Diminished fluid and other faults may impede your shifting. If your gears seem to take a few seconds to properly engage, rather than switching instantly, ask a trusted technician to take a look. 

 

Gears Refusing To Shift

When transmission problems get worse, the gears could eventually refuse to shift at all. This can be hazardous when driving at speed. 

 

Suddenly Slipping Gears 

Significant gearbox faults may also cause the gears to slip and change on their own. Needless to say, this is also dangerous and should be repaired immediately. 

 

How Often To Service Your Transmission at Your Mazda Dealership

If you have an automatic transmission, as most modern cars do, you’ll typically need to flush the transmission and have it fully serviced once every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Manual transmissions require more frequent servicing than this. 

Allow experienced professionals to maintain or repair your transmission at Alan Webb Mazda in Vancouver, WA. We provide great cars, deals, financing, and maintenance services to drivers living in and near to Vancouver.