3440 Spring Mountain Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89102
(702) 367-7140
Land Rovers are prized for their ability to do it all, whether you want to trek across the desert or simply ride down the highway in comfort and style. The last thing you want is to adventure into the middle of nowhere and find out your car is having transmission problems.
There are a few symptoms to be aware of that may tell you early that something is wrong with your transmission, and some preventative measures to take to ensure nothing can surprise you.
How does the transmission work in your vehicle?
In very broad terms, the transmission is what guides power created by the engine into usable force. It does this by housing the gears that manage rotations and power at adequate levels. The engine is meant to rotate thousands of times per minute, but this needs to be managed or it would literally accelerate until parts sped up so fast they overheated and blew out. This makes the health of your car’s transmission absolutely critical to operating safely and effectively.
Signs of Transmission Problems
There are many moving parts within the transmission itself. Below are some of the most common issues that can arise in the transmission and lead to more serious issues:
Delay when changing gears
The main function, besides housing the gears, is to shift between gears to manage acceleration and power output. If you notice that giving the engine more gas results in a delayed gear change, or the rotations per minute are going excessively high, this can mean there is a problem inside the transmission.
Like many car issues, this is most easily noticed by the driver because a subtle difference should be noticed from the many quality miles you’ve driven. The car will still operate for some time, but at the first sign of a problem shifting you should have a certified technician look at the transmission because if left unchecked it will result in damage to other parts as well.
Liquid where the vehicle has been parked
Besides driving, a sign of transmission problems is if you see a puddle of transmission fluid left on your driveway or a parking spot after pulling out. This is an issue that could mean any number of parts are leaking. Not every Land Rover owner will know what transmission fluid looks like, but ultimately, a leak is a warning to bring your car into the shop, because no fluid should be leaking out of your vehicle.
Preventative Care
So what can be done to keep the transmission running in top condition before problems arise?
- Changing the transmission fluid: It is important to follow manufacturer recommendations and have the transmission fluid changed before it becomes a problem. Unfortunately, many drivers do not know this is a consideration to monitor. Everyone knows to check their motor oil and change it at regular intervals. The fluid in your gearbox is exactly the same. Having your regular maintenance done by a trained mechanic will ensure such recommended scheduled repairs are being done.
- Let the car warm up completely: Another easy habit to keep your car operating well is to let the vehicle warm up before driving. Many drivers ignore the engine warm up light on the dash, but this serves a critical function. Getting the fluids to the correct temperature and flushing through the gears ensures that they shift smoothly as intended, rather than causing damage just because you’re in a bit of a hurry. Consistently following your manufacturer’s recommendations is what will keep you driving your Land Rover for years to come.
European Motor Cars
European Motor Cars in Las Vegas has served 
the Summerlin and Nevada area for over three decades. We are dedicated to hiring only factory-trained technicians who know exactly what your Land Rover needs to keep you out of the shop and out driving. We offer the most substantial warranty in the country, 40-months/40,000 miles on every service and part. With in-house financing options and amenities here at the shop while you wait, we are ready to serve you and earn your business! Call us today.
