You’re cruising down the road, windows down to enjoy the fresh air – and suddenly your car doesn’t feel as smooth as usual. Maybe you hear engine revs, feel hesitation, or feel vibration. There are a number of signs you may be dealing with transmission slipping. Whether it’s a new problem or has been gradually building for a while, don’t ignore symptoms of a slipping transmission or any other transmission problem.
If you’re worried about a transmission problem, visit the transmission mechanics at your local AAMCO and we’ll help ensure every drive is smooth again.
Pay Attention to Changes in How Your Car Drives
Each time you drive your car, you’re probably paying attention to how it feels and sounds. Changes in how your vehicle feels and sounds may be your first indication of problems, including a slipping transmission. Whether you notice revving, a loss of power, difficulty shifting gears, or new sounds and sensations, it’s important to take note rather than ignore them.
Do You Hear Sudden Revving?
As you accelerate, your engine will rev. You’ll gradually move to higher RPMs before dropping as a gear shift happens. On the other hand, if you suddenly notice engine revs that seem out of place, it can indicate a slipping transmission. This will likely happen alongside other symptoms of a slipping transmission, so pay attention to any other changes in how your car drives.
Do You Ever Briefly Lose Power?
Often, when you notice sudden engine revs, it comes alongside a loss of power, hesitation, or general sluggish feeling. Problems with acceleration are most likely to point to problems with the transmission or engine – and one possibility is a slipping transmission. A loss of power while driving can also be a safety risk, so don’t ignore it when this symptom appears.
Is it Difficult to Shift Gears?
Whether you drive a manual or automatic transmission vehicle, gear shifts should feel easy. In a manual transmission car, you may notice difficulty getting into a new gear. In an automatic transmission car, you may feel a difference in how gear shifts happen. Often difficulty shifting gears happens alongside a slipping transmission, as both typically have to do with worn gear parts.
Are There Strange Sounds or Vibrations?
Each gear shift should be smooth and silent. If you hear strange sounds or feel vibration that seems to be associated with shifting gears, pay attention. Grinding, whining, and vibrations can all be indicators of transmission problems and can commonly happen alongside slipping gears. The source of strange sounds and vibrations can be hard to pinpoint, so it’s best to have a mechanic inspect your vehicle.
How Can You Prevent & Fix a Slipping Transmission?
Keeping your transmission healthy is key to avoiding the most costly repairs and extending the life of your vehicle. Luckily, there are preventative steps you can take to keep some of the most common transmission problems at bay – and steps to take when you end up dealing with transmission trouble after all.
Schedule Regular Transmission Fluid Replacement Services
Roughly every 30,000-60,000 miles, your car’s transmission fluid should be replaced. This helps keep the level and condition of the fluid healthy, which prevents many common transmission problems. The right interval varies somewhat from one vehicle to the next, so check your owner’s manual for your car manufacturer’s recommendations. These maintenance services are also an opportunity for your mechanic to inspect the transmission and other systems for repairs that are flying under the radar.
Check Your Transmission Fluid
When you first notice signs of a possible transmission problem, take a few minutes to check your transmission fluid. Many common transmission problems are caused by fluid that’s too low, old, or dirty. Locate the transmission dipstick under the hood of your car and check the fluid just as you would with engine oil. If you notice a problem, schedule a service with your mechanic.
Make an Appointment with Your Mechanic at the First Sign of Problems
No matter what symptoms you notice related to your car’s transmission, the best step to take is to make an appointment with your mechanic. They’ll be able to check the transmission fluid, moving parts, and related systems to ensure any problems are fixed. The sooner these repairs and services are done, the less likely you are to deal with bigger problems.
Let AAMCO Louisville’s Mechanics Fix Your Slipping Transmission
Don’t let a slipping transmission get you down. Visit the mechanics at your local AAMCO Louisville transmission shop and we’ll help ensure each essential system in your vehicle runs smoothly. When problems show up, don’t sleep on it and let them escalate. Give us a call today or easily schedule your appointment online.