Your car's transmission is designed to operate smoothly for years. Even though there are myriad moving parts working together, and each can potentially malfunction, the assembly should be free of problems for at least 100,000 miles. With proper maintenance, it can last twice as long.

When problems arise, they are usually obvious. You'll see, feel, or hear leaks, lurching, and whining (respectively). Unfortunately, many drivers ignore these indicators, hoping they'll resolve themselves. It never happens. The underlying issue continues to worsen until the transmission eventually needs costly repairs.

This article will help you avoid that scenario. I'll describe five clear warning signs your vehicle's transmission is on the verge of failure.

Tip 1 - Is Your Engine Light On?

Years ago, the engine light implied there was a problem with your engine. This is still the case, but cars are designed with much more complexity these days. Sensors constantly transmit data regarding your vehicle's operation while you're on the road. This data includes air intake, coolant levels, throttle position, and more. These sensors can also note small aberrations while shifting, many of which will escape your notice. The data is sent to the computer, which triggers the "check engine" light.

If the light comes on, have a mechanic pull the trouble codes from the computer. Alternatively, you can buy a diagnostic scanner (as low as ) and pull the codes yourself to see whether they suggest a problem with your transmission.

Tip 2 - Are There Leaks Under Your Car?

Fluid courses through your transmission to provide lubrication to the moving parts and transfer heat away from the assembly. Without a sufficient supply of this fluid, your tranny would overheat in the same way your engine would without oil. The problem is, there are many seals and gaskets in the assembly that can wear out over time. When they do, they develop leaks.

If you notice a few drops of reddish fluid on the ground underneath your tranny, there's a good chance the assembly is leaking. Check the fluid level immediately and replenish it if it's low. Then, have your mechanic find and fix the leak before it worsens and becomes more expensive to resolve.

Tip 3 - Does Your Car Whine Or Hum?

A transmission under stress may emit a high-pitched whine or a low-pitched hum. Symptoms vary by vehicle - even those of the same make and model - since each is designed a little differently. Whatever issue is causing these two sounds will persist until it is resolved. If the issue is neglected, it will likely worsen and eventually, lead to the assembly's failure.

Tip 4 - Do You Hear - Or Feel - Grinding?

This warning sign is more prevalent with cars equipped with a manual transmission. The grinding sound might be caused by a worn clutch or the collars sitting between the gears on the differential. In both cases, the problem should be considered a priority.

An automatic is less likely to grind, but may shake when the assembly tries to find the right gear. This shaking may be accompanied by a lurching sensation or clunking sound. Given that the tranny should always shift seamlessly, this is an indication that something is wrong and needs to be addressed.

Tip 5 - Is There Hesitation While Shifting?

As noted, under normal circumstances, your transmission should shift smoothly. In fact, you should barely notice the gears changing. Hesitation means there is a problem in the assembly that is affecting its ability to find the right gear. On an automatic, it typically occurs when you're trying to shift in or out of "Park," though it can also occur while you're driving. On a stick-shift (i.e. manual tranny), it will often happen when one of the drive gears is already engaged. In both cases, the problem will only worsen.

Transmission problems are usually costly to repair, and thus many drivers tend to ignore them, hoping they'll go away on their own. They never do. If you notice any of the above warning signs, have the underlying issue resolved as quickly as possible.