Your Mercedes needs a functional transmission to ensure it is able to deliver the correct amount of energy from the engine to the wheels. Problems in the transmission can cause it to leak transmission fluid. Though this can harm your car, it is an easily diagnosable problem, and we are here to help.
Why Transmission Leaks are a Problem
Luckily, you are not placing yourself in any imminent danger by driving with a leaky transmission. However, it is still important to get it fixed as soon as you can. Transmission leaks will worsen over time, and a big leak is likely to do more damage to your car and cost more to fix than a smaller one.
Transmission fluid is important to the function of your Mercedes. It helps initiate gear changes and eliminates excess heat from combustion in the engine. Fluid deficiency can severely harm your engine and your Mercedes as a whole.
Causes of a Leaky Transmission
Several issues may cause your car to leak transmission fluid. First, there may be a gap in your transmission, through which fluid leaks. This could occur in several different transmission components, such as the pan gasket, torque converter, fluid lines, the transmission pan, or the seals. A mechanic will perform a diagnostic test to uncover the leaking component.
Transmission leaks can be caused by ordinary wear and tear, especially if the leaky area is the pan. Structural problems can also cause a leaky transmission. Your Mercedes plugs may not be tied properly, or you may have loose or broken seals.
Parts of your transmission may be damaged by debris in the road or cracked by excessive exposure to heat. Heat-induced leaks may be especially damaging, so it is even more important to get your car checked out by a mechanic.
Diagnosing a Leaky Transmission
There are, fortunately, several ways to see clearly whether you have a transmission leak.
- Fluid on the Ground: The most obvious sign of a transmission leak is that your car has left transmission fluid where it is parked. Transmission fluid is typically green or red, but it may simply leave a dark spot on your driveway. Either way, the random appearance of fluid in your parking spot is a sign that your transmission is leaky.
- Dashboard Warning Light: Your Mercedes likely has a dashboard indicator that may tell you if your transmission is leaking. Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual if you are unsure what a sign means.
- Low Dipstick: Your dipstick might be able to help diagnose a leaky transmission. Checking your dipstick is simple: remove it, wipe it, and reinsert and remove it again. Your fluid may be brown, in which case it needs to be replaced, or the level may be too low. If your fluid is too low, you may simply need to add more.
On the other hand, it is also possible that your fluid level is low because your transmission fluid is leaking quickly. These other steps may help answer this question, and you should consult a mechanic if you have any suspicions.
- Grinding Gears: If you hear grinding noises when you shift gears, remember that transmission fluid is needed to help shift them. The culprit may be a lack of fluid, caused by a leak.
- Clunking Sounds: You may also hear what AAMCO describes as “clunking” sounds if your car is leaking transmission fluid.
- Odd Vibrations: A leaking transmission may cause your car to vibrate strangely while driving. You may also experience sudden jerking movements.
- Slowness: With a leaky transmission, your Mercedes may feel strangely unresponsive when you press the gas pedal, and you may struggle somewhat to accelerate.
- Burning Smell or Heat: A burning smell may signify a leaky transmission. It is entirely possible that it is unrelated to your transmission, but you should have a mechanic make sure, given that a leaky transmission is only likely to worsen. You may also notice that the inside of your car feels hotter than usual. If you suspect this, check your temperature gauge.
- Noises in Neutral: A bumping sound when your car is in neutral is a sign that your transmission may be leaking.
Momentum Motorworks for Expert Repair of Your Transmission
Luckily, the skilled mechanics 
at Momentum Motorworks in Birmingham, Alabama are here to meet your Mercedes needs. We are proud to serve areas including Alabaster, Homewood, Helena, Hoover, Mountain Brook, Vestavia. Call us today to set up an appointment.