Top 5 Signs of a Slipping Transmission

A slipping transmission occurs when your car struggles to stay in gear or shift properly, causing it to feel sluggish. Whether you are driving a manual or automatic car, the transmission should stay in the designated gear unless a shift is made. Any spontaneous shifts, or slipping in and out of gear, could be a safety risk that requires professional inspection. The top signs of a slipping transmission include:

1. Delayed or Rough Shifting

When driving, you should be able to shift between gears smoothly. Any delayed or rough shifting from one gear to another could signal a transmission problem. If adding fresh transmission fluid does not solve the problem, it could be a case of a slipping transmission that requires a visit to the mechanic.

2. Unusual Engine Revs

An unusually high RPM (revolutions per minute) accompanied by an unusual “revving” sound without a corresponding increase in speed could signal transmission problems. If you press the gas pedal and notice RPMs that exceed 3,000 while the vehicle speed does not change, bring your car for an inspection.

3. Sudden Loss of Power

Your car’s transmission transfers power from the engine to the wheels, ensuring smooth acceleration and deceleration, among other roles. Transmission problems such as slipping in and out of gear could cause sudden power loss when driving.

4. Warning Lights on the Dashboard

If the transmission warning light (gear symbol) comes on, it usually indicates a transmission issue. It could also be accompanied by the “check engine light”. Consider restarting the car a few times, and if the warning lights stay on, you could be having a bad transmission.

5. Unusual Noises

A slipping transmission may be accompanied by unusual noises such as a revving sound without a corresponding increase in speed. Other unusual noises to look out for include a high-pitched whine (particularly when accelerating) and grinding or clunking noises.

Visit Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers for Transmission Repair

A slipping transmission can impact your car’s acceleration. It could also result in other problems such as a sudden loss of power which can be dangerous when driving on a busy road. If you notice any of the above signs of a slipping transmission, have your car checked immediately. At Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers, our mechanics can help repair a slipping transmission with our transmission repair services. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.