Nobody wants to deal with a broken transmission. Unfortunately, as car owners, we’re all likely to need a transmission repair at some point in the life of your car. While transmission repairs aren’t fun, it’s important not to ignore them and to find the right mechanic who can help get your car up and running again. Let’s go over some symptoms of a bad transmission and what you should do once you notice them.

Related: Top 5 Signs You May Have Transmission Trouble
Related: What to Do If Your Transmission Fluid is Leaking
Related: 5 Common Ways Transmissions Can Be Damaged

1. Difficulty Shifting Gears

Your transmission is responsible for controlling which gear your car is in and keeping it there until it should be changed. It should be no surprise then that one symptom of transmission trouble is difficulty shifting gears. The first gears where you may notice this problem are likely to be either First or Reverse. If you have an automatic transmission, pay attention specifically to when you change into and out of Reverse. When you start noticing difficulty with any gear, it’s time to get a mechanic involved by scheduling a transmission service

2. Inability to Shift into Gear

You may also find it impossible to shift into certain gears. This likely is a sign you have a transmission repair in your future. If you ignore difficulty getting into gear for too long, it will eventually reach this point as your transmission continues to wear out. It’s hard to ignore when your car won’t go into gear, but once you reach this point, it’s past time for you to have a mechanic take a look and carry out any necessary transmission repairs.

5. Grinding when Changing Gears

Manual transmission drivers in particular are aware of how it should feel when changing gears. Your gear shift should easily slide into position and there shouldn’t be any usual sound, unless you get the timing wrong with your clutch pedal. If you start noticing a grinding sound when changing gears, it’s time to get your car to a transmission expert before your transmission and clutch wear out.

6. Jerking or Shaking when Changing Gears

Notice jerking or shaking when changing gears? It could be your engine or transmission mounts. This is on the simpler end of transmission repairs, so don’t stress too much. However, if your engine or transmission mounts are loose or broken, it can quickly lead to more serious transmission repairs, since the engine and transmission aren’t properly secured. It’s a good idea to get an appointment with your mechanic on the calendar sooner rather than later.

9. Leaking Fluid

Seeing spots? Not in front of your eyes, but under your car. The most common cause of leaking fluid is an engine oil leak, but it could also be a transmission fluid leak. In either case, you should be able to check fluid levels under the hood and top off as necessary. However, any fluid leak should be addressed by a mechanic before it gets any worse.

10. Your Check Engine Light Comes On

Your Check Engine Light can mean a number of problems for your car. When this light comes on, it’s a sign of a potentially serious problem with your car, so it’s best not to ignore it. If you notice any of the other symptoms above alongside your Check Engine Light, it’s time to schedule an appointment with a trusted mechanic.