Transmission Slipping

The most important component of a car, without which driving would be impossible is its transmission. It works as a torque distribution and speed control mechanism, which operates through gears. A well oiled and fully functional transmission lets you make a more efficient use of engine power.

There are two main types of transmission, which include automatic and manual types. A slipping transmission should never be left unchecked. If ignored, the problem may grow into a full blown transmission failure which can cost you thousands of dollars in car repairs.

What Does a Slipping Transmission Mean?
When you hit the accelerator and see the engine RPM touching high values but your car wheels do not get the requisite power from the transmission, it is a sign of transmission slipping and not engaging gears. This absence of timely synchronized gear change is slipping. When the transmission starts slipping, efficient use of engine power is not possible leading to efficiency losses and a bumpy ride.

Symptoms
One of the most easily noticeable slipping symptoms is abnormal RPM reading which crosses over 3000 RPM. When your transmission slips, you will notice that your car coasts for a long time, before it comes to a stop. Down shifting problems and delay in car acceleration are other signs of a transmission which has started slipping. You may experience problems in using the reverse gear and the transition is not at all smooth.

Another sign is a high degree of noise that may become noticeable at high speeds. Experienced car mechanics suggest that a tell tale sign of slipping problems is a change in the color of transmission fluid to brown, from the usual red. If you notice any of these car problems consistently while driving your car, then you must get it checked as soon as possible. A timely visit to a car mechanic might save you a lot of money, that you might spend later.

Causes
The prime reason is low transmission fluid level, leading to increasingly higher degree of friction between gears, which brings us to the second prime reason. Worn out gears and transmission machinery may be another reason why transmission may start slipping. Transmission band problems or torque converter malfunctioning are other causes.

How to Fix a Slipping Transmission?
To fix a slipping transmission, first an accurate diagnosis of the cause must be made. Considering the nature of automatic transmission systems, their repair is best left to professionals. A repair of torque converter, transmission fluid change, gear replacement and transmission band repair may fix the problem effectively.

If you can avoid the prime causes of slipping and carry out maintenance dutifully, such problems will scarcely arise. Transmission problems should not be ignored and should be taken care of as soon as possible to prevent major car repairs. In case of car transmission, ensuring adequate lubricant levels will take care of more than half of the problems.