Does it sound like you have gravel rattling around under the hood? You may have car trouble brewing. Whether it’s your transmission, engine, or another part of your car, rattling that sounds like rocks is cause for concern. Pay close attention to where the sound is coming from so when you hear it, you can help the technician pinpoint exactly what repair may be necessary, but it’s always best to leave the final and most accurate diagnosis to your technician. Remember, a minor transmission problem can escalate to more serious car repairs when left alone for too long.
Rattling Sounds Can Mean More than Transmission Trouble
The first step is to try and identify the approximate vicinity where the rattling may be coming from. Does it come from under the hood or the underside of the car? Do you hear it while idling or accelerating? The answers to those questions can help tell you whether you’re likely to have a transmission problem or if another part of your car is in need of repairs instead.
Broken Engine Mounts
Your car’s engine mounts do just what it sounds like – they keep the engine securely in place. They’re made out of rubber and metal, so if they’re wearing out, it can start to cause a thumping or rattling sound when accelerating because the engine is hitting metal on the mounts. This noise is generally under the hood and means your engine is not as secure as it should be, so it’s important to have it handled by a technician as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your engine.
A Broken Heat Shield
Heat shields are part of your car’s exhaust system that protects sensitive parts of your vehicle from the heat being sent through the exhaust. Much of the exhaust system is located on the underside of your car, which means it’s more prone to damage from debris, bumps in the road, and moisture. As the heat shields begin to rust, break away and wear out, it can cause a rattling sound when you hit bumps and when accelerating and, when caught before further damage is done, they’re a relatively easy fix for your Technician.
Worn Out Exhaust Components
Besides your heat shields, other parts of your exhaust system both internal and external may have worn out. Many are made of metal and can become rusted, cracked, or otherwise damaged, leading to a rattle while your car is running. Exhaust repairs should be inspected by a trusted Technician sooner rather than later to ensure more damage isn’t caused and you’re not at risk of exhaust fumes making their way into the cabin of your car.
If It’s Bad Transmission Sounds, There are Some Steps to Take
Aside from the above auto repairs that can cause rattling while driving, you may be dealing with a necessary transmission repair. It’s tricky to diagnose transmission problems on your own and it’s best left to a trusted mechanic with experience working on transmissions. If you suspect the problem may be in your transmission, follow these few steps.
Avoid Driving More Than Necessary
The more you drive with a transmission problem, the more you risk running into more serious transmission repairs or possibly being stranded. Don’t worry, you may be dealing with a simpler transmission repair right now, but you want to ensure it doesn’t grow worse. Head home if you’re close or find a parking lot, ideally by an auto repair shop, where you can park and check in on your car’s transmission.
Check the Transmission Fluid
Your car’s transmission relies on transmission fluid to stay lubricated and function properly. If for any reason your transmission fluid is low, it can cause extra metal-on-metal contact and rattling like rocks when accelerating. Luckily, this is an easy fix when caught early on. If you’re comfortable with it, you can consult your owner’s manual for the proper type of transmission fluid your car uses and top it off. This will make it safer to drive your car, at least temporarily.
Get Your Car to a Transmission Expert for Diagnosis
Most importantly, if your transmission is rattling, it’s important to have a transmission expert inspect it and diagnose any necessary auto repairs. Transmission repairs can escalate quickly, so even if it’s a simple fix right now, you may find it’s grown worse by putting off an appointment with your mechanic.
The Most Reliable Transmission Repair in Chester is at AAMCO
When you’re worried about your transmission, you want the best mechanics working on it. AAMCO Chester’s transmission experts are here to help, whether it’s time for regular maintenance or you suspect a transmission repair is necessary. We’ll run diagnostics, take care of any auto repair needs, and get you safely back on the road.