Part three of our series on auto repair covers symptoms of car problems.
Auto Repair: Use Your Senses

If your vehicle needs auto repair, the signs are obvious. That is, if you know what to be on the lookout for. For example, did you know that transmission fluid is pinkish red in color when it’s in good condition? Or that your car’s rear differential makes a moaning sound when it needs to be fixed? Cars that need repair give off a whole bunch of telltale signs that include sights, sounds, and feelings
A transmission that shimmies when you accelerate, or lurches when you shift can be any number of problems coming up, from a simple transmission flush to to a full repair job. In the case of a flush it is because the fluid is dirty and contaminated. One way to tell if you need to do a flush on your fluid is the smell. Transmission fluid that needs to be flushed has a distinctive burnt plastic smell to it. So as you see, a transmission gives off clear signs. But what about a rear differential?
Auto Repair: More Warning Signs
When you turn a corner, how smooth is the turn? If it is sluggish it could be something as simple as power steering fluid. However, it can also be something more serious, such as rear differential problems. Rear differential repair is a ‘must-have’ if you need it, and shouldn’t be neglected. Otherwise, what could be a relatively inexpensive repair could be a major repair job. Besides your engine, the place where potential problems can occur is in your vehicle’s power train which includes your automatic transmission and rear differential among other components like a transfer case if you have a 4X4 vehicle.
Is it a good idea to be alarmed about needing auto repair? No. Life is stressful on it’s own, don’t add to it. The best way to reduce stress is by taking steps ahead of time. If you are having physical symptoms in your body, get to a doctor. If you know a major expense is coming up like your property tax, start saving money up for it now. And rather than breaking down on the highway and calling a tow truck, get your car in proactively to an auto repair shop in Mesa.
Trail Transmission
11240 East Apache Trail
Apache Junction, AZ 85120-3529
(480) 986-7367