Car problems can ruin a fun family vacation or a romantic getaway, especially if they occur before you even reach your desired destination. If you're planning to skip the airport and drive to your vacation spot, you have to make sure your vehicle can handle the drive. Your transmission plays a vital role in helping you get from Point A to Point B, so it's important to keep it in top-notch shape. Take your car to the shop for these must-have transmission services before you start packing your suitcase, whether you suspect something might be wrong or just want peace of mind that everything is okay.

Fluid Check

Your transmission needs transmission fluid to work properly. Transmission fluid lubricates the interior of your transmission and also keeps it from overheating. If you are low on fluid, it can be difficult for your vehicle to switch gears. This puts you -- and other drivers -- at risk when you're on the road, because your car might not move at the speed or direction that you expect it to.

Normal transmission fluid has a translucent red hue and does not have a burnt odor. If your fluid is significantly darker and/or has a foul odor, you may need a flush to clean out transmission-clogging debris. An experienced technician will check your fluid and then decide whether it needs to be refilled or flushed.

Electrical-Wiring Examination

One loose wire can affect the performance of your entire vehicle. In fact, people often assume they are experiencing transmission problems when the culprit is actually nothing more than a frayed, dead, or disconnected wire. Faulty electrical wiring can make it difficult to start your vehicle or keep it running, which is why some folks mistakenly think the transmission is damaged. 

If the issue is something other than a wire, you may notice a banging sound under the hood or experience a grinding sensation when you try to switch gears. Rather than trying to diagnose the problem on your own, you can take it directly to the shop and have them take a look at it. If it turns out that you do need a new transmission, the repair specialist can talk to you about budget-friendly options that won't cut into your vacation fund, such as rebuilt or re-manufactured parts.  

Transmission troubles can escalate quickly, even from something as minor as low fluid levels. You can't safely drive a car with a faulty transmission, so get it checked before you make concrete plans for your trip. Take your vehicle to a trusted transmission services provider so that you know you are receiving honest feedback about your car's current condition. Talk to experts like Unlimited Service for more information.