Each time you drive your car your transmission is putting in quite a bit of work. Instead of you having to manually switch gears when you want to stop, slow down or speed up, an automatic transmission will do it for you. Because the transmission is such a critical part of the driving process, it's no wonder that it may eventually start to wear out. It's usually not an immediate process and there are some signs leading up to the eventual breakdown. Examine your car to see if you notice any of the following signs:

You're Having A Hard Time Getting Into Gear

Because the main job of the transmission involves the gears, that is often where the first signs of trouble tend to pop up. If you find that you're having a hard time getting into the gear you need to maneuver your vehicle, there's a strong possibility that your transmission needs to be serviced.

If you're not quite sure what it means to switch gears, here's a brief example:  You might be coming up to the freeway and need to gather some speed to merge with the flow of traffic. As you press down on the gas pedal, it sends a signal to the transmission to pump more oil through the engine so there will be enough power to increase your speed. When your transmission is in good condition, this entire process happens in a seamless manner. However, if your transmission is in bad shape, you'll find that you have to literally mash the pedal to the floor in order to build up the momentum you need. 

Operating a car that can't switch gears on demand can be very dangerous. You don't want to ignore this sign when it comes up. Let an auto repair technician take a look at your transmission.

Transmission Fluid Leaks From Your Car

If you never really take the time to look at the ground beneath your vehicle, now is a good time to start. If you notice a reddish/maroon like liquid leaking from your car, you definitely want to have the car checked out. Your transmission cannot operate properly without that liquid and if the issue is not addressed the car could end up breaking down while you're driving it.

Your transmission is such a critical part of your car. Pay attention to how its performing and if you notice any problems, take the car to a professional. Contact a company like Action Transmission & Total Car Care for more information and assistance.