Yes, you can… But you should not.
The transmission, whether manual or automatic, essentially makes your car engine a controlled source of power. This component is the reason why your vehicle effectively responds to changes in speed and driving conditions. Driving with a defective gearbox can expose you to a myriad of operational issues and might even compromise your road safety. The sole purpose of writing this blog post is to help you understand the potential risks involved in driving a Volvo with a failing transmission.
Risks Of Driving With A Failing Transmission
The transmission unit- the most important part of your Volvo’ drivetrain system– is entrusted with the task of manipulating engine torque and conveying it to the wheels. If it malfunctions, the wise move would be to immediately pull over and contact the nearest auto service center– so that the issue can be diagnosed and addressed. If you decide to ignore the issue and continue driving, you could potentially experience one or more of the following problems.
Increased likelihood of breakdown
The gearbox of your Volvo is an intricate component- made of an array of metal parts such as the torque converter, planetary gear-sets, valve body, bands, solenoids, and sensors. The combined effort of all these components is what allows the gearbox to operate smoothly and efficiently. Since the components are interrelated- if one malfunctions, the functionality of others will suffer.
Safety concerns
The gearbox facilitates consistent power delivery to the wheels. So, obviously… if it malfunctions, your vehicle’s overall performance and handling will be impacted. This is something that might result in jerky movements, delays in acceleration, and a myriad of other drivability problems. You won’t be able to shift gears smoothly and might even loose control over your vehicle in critical driving situations.
Extensive damage over time
Has your Volvo gearbox been acting a bit strange lately? Don’t think of it as a trivial issue. If you ignore the issue and continue driving, you might end up with serious consequences. Key components of the transmission, such as the torque converter, hydraulic system, bands, and clutches, might get damaged if you ignore early signs of gearbox trouble in your vehicle.
In short… ignoring initial signs of transmission trouble in a vehicle can lead to accelerated wear of key gearbox components such as gears, bearings, and shafts. It could also result in catastrophic failure of the transmission system, and you might have to rebuild your vehicle’s gearbox to restore its performance and reliability.
Symptoms To Look For
If you are noticing any of the following signs, your best bet is to have your Volvo’s transmission assessed by certified professionals. Early identification of transmission-related issues can save you from costly repairs down the road.
Irregular shifting
One common finding in vehicles with a defective transmission is irregular gear shifting pattern. If you are noticing delayed or rough gear shifting– instead of smooth and consistent gear changes- it is an obvious sign of transmission trouble. Don’t waste time contemplating the issue… have the gearbox checked and repaired by certified professionals- so that minor glitches don’t turn into expensive repair.
Fluid leaks
Are you noticing red or brown puddles of fluid under your car? The presence of such puddles on your garage floor could point to a transmission leak. Your vehicle’s gearbox rely on a special kind of fluid for lubrication and cooling purposes. If the fluid leaks out because of a leak in the system or a cracked seal, the gearbox’s performance will be impacted. Find out and fix the source of the leak ASAP.
Unusual noises
Has your Volvo’s gearbox been giving off strange noises lately? It is by no means normal. The emergence of whining, clunking, or humming sounds from the transmission could point to a serious mechanical issue that needs immediate attention. Such noises are often accompanied by dashboard warning indicators like the check engine light/ transmission warning indicator.
Manfred’s Import Auto: Cary’s Leading Volvo Service Center
The transmission is the reason why your 
Volvo engine acts as a controlled source of power. It determines how much torque needs to be transferred to the wheels. If it malfunctions, your vehicle’s overall functionality and handling will suffer. Ignoring the issue can result in expensive repairs down the road.
So, if you suspect a glitch in your Volvo’s transmission, don’t take it for granted. Have the component checked by a certified professional. If you are living in or around Cary, IL, visit us at Manfred’s Import Auto. Technicians working in our service center have years of experience in dealing with complicated transmission problems in European-made vehicles, particularly Volvo cars. Call us at 847-462-2100 or visit our website to schedule an appointment now.
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