If you're in the market for a used car, take your time. It's possible to find a really good used car; however, it's also possible to find some lemons. Once you purchase a lemon, you're going to be stuck with the problems that came with it, which means you're probably going to be spending more on it than you had originally intended. While not all problems are going to be visible, there are some mechanical problems that are going to be very apparent, especially if you take your time during the test drive. This is particularly true when it comes to transmission problems. When you take a car for a test drive, look for the following four signs. They could mean that the transmission is about to go out.
Trouble Putting Car into Gear
When you put a car into gear, it should go smoothly. This is particularly true with an automatic transmission. When you get ready to head out on the test drive, pay attention to the gear shift. If the car doesn't transition smoothly from park to reverse, and from reverse to drive, there may be a problem with the transmission.
Odd Noises When Switching Gears
While you're driving, the only sound you should hear coming from the car is the hum of the engine. If the car you're test driving is making loud noises when it switches to the next gear, pay attention to the sounds. If you're hearing grinding, whining, clunking, or something in between, you should probably look for another car. The transmission may be about to fail on the one you're test driving.
Transmission Slips While Driving
When you take off on your test drive, watch for transmission slippage. This happens when the car you're driving slips from one gear to the next when it's not supposed to. The slippage can also be accompanied by a loud whining or grinding sound.
Burning-Oil Odor
While you're driving, be aware of the smells that are coming from the car. If you smell the odor of something burning, such as oil, it could be coming from the transmission. The transmission fluid is designed to keep the transmission lubricated. If the transmission is overheating, it could cause the fluid to burn.
If you're in the market for a used car, the last thing you want to do is buy one that has transmission problems. Use the guide provided above to identify potential transmission problems while you're out on your test drive. Check out cars at a variety of dealers, such as Karry's Automotive Service Center, so that you can find one that is great for you.
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