While Audi recommends that you should have your transmission checked every 2 years or 15,000 miles, the reality is that this is a bit too infrequent to be helpful. It’s much better to simply have it checked every 6 months when you are getting some routine preventative maintenance done already.
Even with regular maintenance, it’s good to keep an eye out for signs of trouble with your transmission, so today we’re going to share some signs that your transmission might be in trouble so that you’ll know what to look for. Let’s take a look!
Signs that your transmission may be in trouble
Below you’ll find some of the most common signs that your transmission may need servicing. We’ll expand a little on each in the sections to follow:
- Red fluid leaks
- Slow shifting
- Grinding gears (Manual Transmission models)
- Being unable to put your Audi in gear at all
Red Fluid Leaks
One of the most obvious signs of a transmission issue is finding a telltale puddle of red fluid underneath your vehicle. When it’s red, you’re looking at transmission fluid, and a cooler line, a gasket, or a seal has become compromised.
While it seems innocuous, the moment you notice leaking transmission fluid you’ll want to get your vehicle to the shop. That’s because transmission fluid may potentially cause internal corrosion that can do a LOT more damage in a very short time!
Slow Shifting
If you notice that your vehicle is making slow, delayed shifts, then this might mean that it’s low on transmission fluid or that a closer look at the transmission needs to happen soon. Typically, you’ll notice the delay, as the vehicle will seem to pause and suddenly ‘jump’ as it shifts into the new gear.
When this occurs, be sure to check your transmission fluid right away and top it off if needed. After that, it’s a good idea to get your vehicle looked at to ensure that you won’t have worse problems coming up down the line!
Grinding Gears (Manual Transmission Models)
If your Audi has a manual transmission and the gears are making a grinding sound when you shift, then it could be a shifter that is wearing out on your vehicle or it may be a problem with the clutch. Before you panic, however, that’s not always the case – it could just be a matter of contaminated transmission fluid or even the wrong type of fluid.
In any case, this issue warrants an immediate visit for further troubleshooting to get to the root cause of the issue.
Being Unable To Put Your Audi In Gear At All
In some cases you may not be able to start your transmission at all! While this could be something like a shifter malfunction or a transmission fluid issue, there’s also a possibility that it’s software-related. With some of the newer Audis, software is in place to help determine the optimal time for an automatic gear shift.
You’ll want to be sure that you get your Audi looked at immediately by someone who knows what they are doing. If you happen to be in Bridgewater, MA, or surrounding areas like Easton, Norton, Raynham, or Sharon then you’re in luck – Motor Cars Internationals is ready and willing to help!
Transmission Repairs at Motor Cars International
If you need transmission issues diagnosed, mechanical 
or cosmetic repairs on your Audi, or even just a little preventative maintenance to maximize your mileage, then Motor Cars International has got you covered!
At Motor Cars International, we specialize in European vehicles such as your Audi, as well as BMW, Land Rover, Mercedes, MINI. and Porsche. With European imports, specialization is very important, as each make and model has very exacting preventative maintenance requirements to keep them running at their best.
What’s more, any repairs done to these models need to be done with a firm understanding of how each vehicle is designed. Our ASE certified mechanics understand this and can provide you with the benefit of not only many years of experience, but experience with your particular make and model.
Find out firsthand the difference that this can make by giving us a call or bringing in your vehicle today! It pays to have specialists on your side, protecting your investment and keeping your vehicle performing at its best, and at Motor Cars International that’s exactly what you’re going to get!
