Here’s Why Your Transmission is Slipping
The way to tell if your transmission is slipping is easy.
Does your car drive in a certain gear, then suddenly change gears for no reason? Your car might feel under-powered and struggle while accelerating. Do you hear a whining sound? If the engine revs, but your car doesn’t speed up, the transmission is slipping.
- Sudden gear changes
- Engine revving
- Slow acceleration
- Whining sound
Slipping is one of the most common things a transmission does when it needs maintenance or repair – but what causes a transmission to slip?
There are two main factors that cause a transmission to slip:
- Worn out components
- Low fluid pressure
Worn out components in the transmission, such as the gears, cause slipping.
Worn out transmission gears cause erratic shifting and can cause the engine to over-rev as it changes gears. The parts in the transmission wear out over time from normal driving, but there ways to reduce wear and help them last longer. The best and easiest thing you can do is change your transmission fluid according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule and always use the same kind.
Fresh fluid ensures there are no foreign particles in the operation of the transmission and its components. Other factors that contribute to quicker transmission wear and tear are towing heavy loads and driving hard and fast. Your driving habits can have a huge impact on the life expectancy of your transmission.
Low transmission fluid is one of the most common and easily fixed causes of transmission slipping.
Low transmission fluid level will result in a lack of internal pressure within the transmission assembly. For the torque converter to transmit engine torque to the transmission, the converter must be filled with fluid. This lack of pressure will stop the transmission from fully engaging, which makes it feel like its slipping. Lack of pressure will cause the transmission to perform poorly, such as missing gears, shifting hard, and even jumping between gears.
Low transmission fluid is an issue all by itself and can lead to other problems.
You need to pay attention to low fluid, especially if your car is not performing correctly. Be aware that low transmission fluid is usually the result of a leak. Even if you top off the fluid yourself or get it changed by a mechanic, a leak will continuously put your transmission, your car – even you – in jeopardy. You should have your transmission checked and any leaks found and fixed as soon as possible.
Other signs of transmission trouble you need to know.
Here are some signs of serious transmission issues that you should not ignore. If you experience any of these, have your transmission checked by an expert technician as soon as possible.
- Revving engine or high RPM (over 3,500)
- Inability to reverse
- Difficulty shifting gears
- Delays in acceleration
- Unusual or burnt smells
- Check engine light
- Hard shifting gears or thudding
- Strange noises – whining, grinding
AAMCO Colorado – Your Local Transmission Experts
When it comes to transmissions, AAMCO Colorado is the name you can trust. Our trained professionals are experts in all things transmissions and we promise quality repairs every time. From transmission fluid flushes, expert inspections, repairs, rebuilds, and general car care, we’ve got you covered. Visit an AAMCO Colorado transmission repair and total car care center near you when issues arise and you need to have your transmission checked or serviced. Call or book an appointment online.
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