Automatic transmissions allow you to enjoy the ride without worrying about what's happening under the hood. While this approach can make for a more pleasant commute, it also means that it's sometimes harder to know when something is wrong.

However, since your transmission is one of the most expensive parts of your car, it can pay to spot the warning signs of failure before it's too late. This article will help you understand how your transmission should behave so you can more easily recognize when something is amiss.

The Behavior of a Modern Automatic Transmission

Modern transmissions come in various forms, including traditional automatics, continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), and dual-clutch transmissions (DCTs). All of these transmissions shift automatically but using drastically different methods. CVTs use belts rather than gears for "infinite" gear ratios, while DCTs are effectively manual transmissions that handle the shifting for you.

If your car has a traditional automatic transmission, it will typically use hydraulic pressure to switch between gears in its internal planetary gearset. These gear shifts are shockingly complex operations, but the result should be smooth and consistent. You may still feel your car shifting gears, but it should do so without unusual noises, clunks, or drama.

Your car should also be able to move through all of its forward gears without trouble. This behavior can be a little more challenging to spot from the driver's seat, however. One option is to watch your tachometer as you accelerate to highway speed. The time between shifts (when your RPMs fall) should be brief, and you should always feel your vehicle accelerating as the RPMs increase.

Common Signs of Trouble

Now that you know how your transmission behaves when it's operating correctly, you should be able to recognize when something is wrong. While some automatic transmission failures produce loud, dramatic noises, others can be more subtle. These signs are particularly critical to notice since they can give you a chance to fix a problem before it becomes too costly.

In particular, you should focus on how your vehicle behaves between shifts. Do your engine RPMs seem to "break loose" and continue rising without your car accelerating? Are there long periods between gear shifts where the engine speed drops before catching and going back into gear? Can you hear or feel thunks that seem more severe than usual?

Any of these symptoms can indicate an underlying internal issue or a problem with the hydraulic fluid levels. In either case, continuing to drive your car can cause more harm than good. By paying attention to the expected behavior of your transmission, you can spot these signs quickly and get your vehicle to a transmission shop for repair before it's too late.