The function of a transmission is to transfer engine power to the driveshaft and wheels, and the gears change the speed. It is therefore crucial that your vehicle’s transmission is in tip-top
condition. The following red flags will warn you that it’s time for a transmission repair at your Mini dealer before a minor repair changes into an expensive replacement.
Does Your Mini Need a Transmission Repair From Your Mini Dealer?
Leaking Transmission Fluid
If you notice a red puddle under your car, the transmission fluid is leaking out. Even if it’s a small reddish spot, act fast and get the leak repaired as soon as possible. Insufficient transmission fluid to lubricate the parts will cause overheating and extensive damage, leading to transmission failure and an expensive replacement.
Gear Shifting Problems
The moment you have trouble shifting your car into gear, the transmission is the culprit. A faulty manual transmission will cause slow acceleration and high revs. If you drive a vehicle with an automatic transmission, there will be a delay shifting from drive to park before the gear engages. Don’t wait too long before fixing the problem. In time your car might not shift into gear at all.
Dragging Clutch and Gear Popping
If you drive a manual transmission, a dragging clutch will make it hard to shift gears. The clutch drags when the disk and flywheel don’t disengage when you step on the clutch pedal. Your manual transmission might even pop out of gear and make grinding noises.
Jerking, Shaking or Grinding
When you change gears and your vehicle shakes or jerks, a faulty transmission could be causing the problem. The gears will slip on an automatic transmission. If your vehicle slips between gears, it’s dangerous and could cause an accident. A manual transmission will make horrible grinding sounds. Get the problem sorted out fast before it causes more damage.
Strange Noises
A transmission consists of many moving parts, and when something goes wrong, it causes all kinds of sounds, depending on if it’s an automatic or manual transmission. A faulty manual transmission will make clunking sounds, and a failing automatic transmission will make a whining, humming, or buzzing noise.
Burning Odor
You will smell a burning odor when your transmission is overheating. Overheating could be caused by low or contaminated transmission fluid. That is why regular transmission fluid replacements at the correct intervals are crucial. Old transmission fluid breaks down and becomes contaminated. It can’t perform the task of lubrication which results in overheating. Transmission fluid that overheats causes an acrid smell, and you might even see smoke.
Illuminated Check Engine Light
Transmission problems will trigger the check engine light. When you notice the check engine light is on, it’s a warning that you need to get your car to your technician as soon as possible. Don’t wait until you experience all of the above problems. Act fast and get the problem sorted out asap before you have to fork out heaps of cash for a transmission rebuild or replacement.
Regular maintenance and transmission inspections will save you money on repair costs and ensure that your Mini is in excellent running condition. Contact Tom Bush MINI today for an expert transmission service performed by certified and experienced Mini technicians.


