10 Warning Signs of Transmission Problems

Your vehicle’s transmission is one of the most critical components in ensuring your car functions properly. While the engine generates power, the transmission takes that power and makes it usable for your vehicle. Without a functioning transmission, your car simply won’t drive, and repairing or replacing a transmission can be costly. That’s why it’s essential to recognize early signs of transmission issues. Here are 10 warning signs to watch out for:

Burning Smell

A burning smell is never a good sign. If you detect a burning odor while driving, your transmission may be overheating, or the transmission fluid could be old and burning. Either way, this is a sign you need to visit an auto shop immediately for a transmission repair or service.

Difficulty Switching Gears

If your car is struggling to switch gears, it could be a sign of transmission problems. Low transmission fluid or using the wrong type of fluid can make it difficult for your vehicle to change gears. If this happens, you should have your transmission fluid checked as soon as possible with our Auto Maintenance Services.

Strange Noises

Unusual noises such as clunking, whining, or grinding sounds can be an early indicator of transmission trouble. These sounds could suggest that your transmission is failing or has worn internal components. Don’t ignore these noises—bring your vehicle in for a Transmission Service.

Slipping Gears

If your car unexpectedly slips in and out of gear, it can be both frightening and dangerous. Low transmission fluid, worn transmission bands or other internal components could be the cause of this problem. If your vehicle starts slipping gears, head to an auto shop immediately to prevent a dangerous situation with our Transmission Services.

Fluid Leaks

Red fluid under your car is typically transmission fluid, and a leak is an early sign of trouble. While this issue may seem minor at first, ignoring a transmission fluid leak can lead to bigger problems down the road. Address the leak early by visiting us for Auto Maintenance Services to avoid further damage.

Check Engine Light

Your check engine light can indicate a variety of issues, including transmission problems. If your vehicle’s sensors detect an issue with the transmission, the check engine light may turn on. Don’t ignore it—bring your car in for Engine Diagnostics and Performance to identify the issue.

Shaking While Switching Gears

Smooth gear changes are a sign of a healthy transmission. If your car shakes or jerks when switching gears, there is likely an issue with the transmission that needs to be addressed right away. Get it checked with our Transmission Services.

No Response When Shifting Gears

If you shift from park to drive and your car doesn’t respond, this could signal a transmission problem. A delay in gear engagement is a warning sign that you should have your vehicle checked out with our Transmission Services.

Humming Noises

A humming noise coming from your vehicle can be another indicator of transmission trouble. If you hear humming, whining, or buzzing, and it persists, it’s time to take your car to Team Ryan Automotive for an inspection.

Clutch Drag (Manual Transmission)

For those with a manual transmission, clutch drag is a sign of a problem. If the clutch fails to disengage the clutch disk from the flywheel, it can lead to gear grinding and make driving difficult. Have your clutch inspected with our Transmission Services.

Get Your Transmission Inspected Today

If you notice any of these signs, don’t delay—bring your car toTeam Ryan Automotive for a thorough inspection. Addressing transmission problems early can save you from costly repairs down the road. Schedule an appointment online today to keep your vehicle running smoothly.

1. Improves Gas Mileage

Let’s face it: gas is expensive. At Team Ryan Automotive, we do everything we can to save you money at the pump. One easy way to improve your gas mileage is by regularly changing your oil.

Old oil creates friction in your engine, which makes your car work harder and burn more fuel. By keeping up with your oil change service, your engine will run more efficiently, and you’ll find yourself filling up your tank less often.

2. Extends Engine Life

Imagine this scenario: you start your car, and as you’re about to leave your driveway, that dreaded change oil light appears on your dashboard. Annoying, right? But let’s look at it differently—wouldn’t you rather see that light than the check engine light?

Regular oil changes help preserve your engine’s health. When your oil is changed frequently, it prevents major engine problems that could lead to costly repairs. In short, oil changes are much cheaper than dealing with engine repairs.

3. Helps the Environment

We all want to do our part to protect the environment for future generations. At Team Ryan Automotive, we aim to be as green as possible by encouraging responsible vehicle maintenance.

Fresh oil burns cleaner than old oil, reducing harmful exhaust emissions. This means that by keeping up with your oil changes, you’re not only passing your emissions test but also reducing your vehicle's impact on the environment.

Schedule Your Oil Change Today

At Team Ryan Automotive, we want to empower you to make the best decisions for your car and your budget. If your car needs an oil change, be proactive and schedule your service today! Schedule online.

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What Is a Timing Belt and When Is It Time for a Replacement?

By Dan Ryan • October 10, 2024

What Is a Timing Belt and When Is It Time for a Replacement? When it comes to car maintenance, some tasks—like oil changes—get all the attention. But other important maintenance items, like replacing your timing belt, often fly under the radar. Many car owners aren’t even sure what a timing belt is or when it needs replacing. Don’t worry! We’re here to break it down for you. What Is a Timing Belt? Simply put, a timing belt is essential to your engine’s functionality. It synchronizes the rotation of the engine’s camshaft and crankshaft, ensuring that each cylinder fires at the right time. To make it easier: imagine the timing belt like the chain on a bicycle. If the chain breaks or becomes loose, the bike won’t move. The same is true for your car—the timing belt keeps all the internal parts of your engine working in sync. Needless to say, it’s crucial to keep your timing belt in good shape. When to Replace Your Timing Belt? Every car is different, but as a general rule, most manufacturers recommend replacing your timing belt every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, or 6 – 8 years regardless of mileage. However, there are some warning signs that could indicate your timing belt is failing: 1. Engine Won’t Start There are several reasons why your engine might not start, but a broken or worn timing belt could be one of them. Timing belts are made of rubber with teeth, and if the belt breaks or the teeth wear down, they can no longer grip the gears, stopping your engine from turning over. If your engine won’t start, bring it to Team Ryan Automotive , and we’ll diagnose the issue. 2. Squealing Sounds Squealing sounds are never normal, and if they occur while accelerating, braking, or idling, they could indicate a failing timing belt. If this happens, the sooner you replace the timing belt, the better it will be for both your car and your wallet. 3. Engine Misfiring A failing timing belt can cause your engine to misfire because the belt controls the timing of the engine. If the timing is off, the engine may misfire, which can cause serious engine damage. If you notice misfiring, visit our auto maintenance services to prevent further damage. 4. Ticking or Clicking Sounds If you hear ticking or clicking sounds coming from your engine, it could be a sign that the timing belt is failing. It might also indicate low oil pressure, which can affect your timing belt’s performance. Don’t wait—get your car checked by our experts at Team Ryan Automotive . Schedule Your Timing Belt Inspection Today! If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, don’t hesitate to give us a call or schedule an appointment . We’re here to help with all your car repair and maintenance needs, including timing belt replacements and inspections. At Team Ryan Automotive , we’ll ensure your car stays in top shape!

Squeaky Brakes: What Do They Mean?

By Dan Ryan • October 10, 2024

Squeaky Brakes: What Do They Mean? Have you noticed a squeak when you hit the brakes? Don’t panic—squeaky brakes don’t always mean your brake pads need to be replaced. Let's explore what could be causing that sound and when it’s time to take action. Should Brake Pads Make Noise? If your brake pads are a little squeaky, it’s not necessarily a cause for concern. Your brakes will still function properly. However, it’s important to stay aware of what’s causing the noise to ensure it doesn’t indicate a larger problem. One common reason for squeaky brakes is moisture. Have you ever noticed your brakes squeaking after a rainy or dewy morning? That’s perfectly normal. Moisture causes a thin layer of rust to form on the rotors, which may lead to some noise until the rust wears off after a few stops. Another cause of squeaky brakes is the material of the brake pads. Modern brake pads are often made from ceramic, which can cause a bit of noise when interacting with cast iron rotors. While this sound can be normal, semi-metallic brake pads tend to be quieter, which is a great alternative if the noise bothers you. The Difference Between Abnormal and Normal Brake Noises When it comes to brakes, it’s important to be cautious. There’s a big difference between normal and abnormal brake noises. For example, the noise caused by moisture, which goes away after a few stops, is completely normal. However, if the noise persists, it’s time to investigate further. Signs of Abnormal Brake Noises: Grinding: If you hear a grinding noise (metal-on-metal), it’s a clear sign that your brake pads may be completely worn down. If you experience this, visit Team Ryan Automotive for our brake repair service immediately. Vibrations: If squeaking is accompanied by vibrations in the brake pedal or steering wheel when applying the brakes, or if you notice a burning smell near your tires, it could indicate serious brake or tire issues. It’s important to get both your brakes and tires inspected. Brake Warning Light : If your brake warning light flashes, it’s crucial to schedule a brake repair inspection right away. If you experience any of these abnormal brake noises or signs, visit Team Ryan Automotive for a thorough inspection. Free Brake Inspection with Every Oil Change Here’s a helpful tip: Did you know we include a free brake inspection with every oil change ? This added service ensures that your brakes are always in optimal condition. If you’ve noticed squeaky brakes or any signs of trouble, contact us online or schedule an appointment with Team Ryan Automotive. We also recommend considering wheel alignment or auto maintenance services to keep your vehicle in top shape.

Wheel Alignment vs. Wheel Balancing: What Does My Car Need?

By Dan Ryan • October 10, 2024

Wheel Alignment vs. Wheel Balancing: What Does My Car Need? Tires are essential for your car’s performance and safety. Without properly functioning tires, your vehicle wouldn’t go anywhere—much like the Tin Man without oil. But when it comes to tire maintenance, how do you know if your car needs a wheel alignment or wheel balancing? Let’s break it down and help you understand the difference. What Is Wheel Alignment? We’ve all heard of wheel alignment, but what does it really mean? Wheel alignment adjusts the angles of your wheels so they’re perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. This ensures that your car drives in a straight line and helps maximize the lifespan of your tires. Signs You Need a Wheel Alignment: The steering wheel won’t stay straight. Tires wear unevenly or wear out quickly. Your vehicle pulls to one side while driving. If your car is showing any of these signs, it’s time to bring it in for a wheel alignment at Team Ryan Automotive. What Is Wheel Balancing? Now that we’ve covered alignment, let’s talk about wheel balancing. While it’s easy to confuse the two, wheel balancing is different from alignment. Wheel balancing ensures that the weight of the tire and wheel is evenly distributed. Properly balanced wheels minimize tire bounce and improve your car’s traction and steering control, leading to a smoother ride and extended tire life. Signs You Need Wheel Balancing: Uneven tread wear, often in a cupped pattern. Vibration in the steering wheel or floorboards at higher (or any) speeds. Poor fuel economy. If you notice any of these issues, it’s likely time for a wheel balancing service . Team Ryan Automotive can help! Importance of Tire Maintenance Both wheel alignment and wheel balancing are essential for ensuring your safety and maximizing the life of your tires. Regular tire services , including rotation, alignment, and balancing, will keep your tires in optimal condition, saving you money on premature replacements. Why Choose Team Ryan Automotive? At Team Ryan Automotive , we’re committed to delivering quality service and making sure your car stays safe on the road. We pride ourselves on our expertise in tire care and maintenance, ensuring that you always receive the best advice and solutions for your vehicle. The Importance of Proactive Tire Maintenance Being proactive about tire services will save you money in the long run by preventing uneven tire wear and costly repairs. If you think your car may need a wheel alignment or wheel balancing, don’t hesitate to reach out to the auto experts at Team Ryan Automotive . We’ll help keep your car driving smoothly and safely.