When mechanical failures happen to your vehicle, it’s not always obvious anything is wrong. However, if you want to avoid high repair bills and road accidents, paying attention to how your car feels and sounds could possibly save your life. The gearbox, like any other mechanical component, can wear out if you don’t pay due vigilance. If you’re not certain what exactly to look out for, listed below is a simple guide to the most common signs so that you’re aware of the smallest change and can act quickly.

While this might seem an obvious indication, dashboard warning lights are often ignored. It’s a good idea to check for the transmission temperature light as it could be telling you that the vehicle is running at a high temperature. Although the engine light can flash up for a variety of reasons, you should confirm transmission and coolant fluid levels to ensure they’re topped up. This is an early warning sign so take heed if the lights come on.

We’ve all been there: sitting in a car listening out for a knocking noise while trying to discover where it’s coming from. This is usually the first indicator that something is amiss due to a transmission problem. While noises from gear, shaft and bearing can initially be quiet, they will gradually become louder indicating the parts are becoming looser and therefore can cause more damage. Listen out for clicking and whistling noises too which could mean the gearbox’s bearings are worn out.

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