How to Know When an Automatic Transmission Slips

If you think your transmission is slipping, it’s very important to find out for sure right away. You don’t want to get stranded somewhere and have to pay for a tow truck to haul you and your car back home. If your transmission is slipping, it will probably fail soon if you don’t get it fixed quickly.

1.               Put your key in the ignition and start your vehicle.

2.               Let your car warm up to its normal running temperature.

3.               Move your car’s gear shift into “Reverse, ”Drive,” and Neutral while keeping your foot on the brake. Wait at least a few seconds to feel slight jerks between each shift. If it takes your transmission more than a second to engage or jerk after you shift, your transmission is probably slipping.

4.               Take your car for a short spin around the block. You don’t want to drive it too far and damage the transmission if it’s slipping. On your trip, shift your car into each gear and see how your transmission reacts. If there’s a delay before you feel that jerk, it’s slipping.

5.               Press your foot down very slow when accelerating and pay attention to the tone of the engine. Take your car on the highway to check your higher gears as well. If you hear a gear winding out too long or feel that delay between shifts, it is time to take your car to the shop. Your transmission is slipping. If you don't have the money to get your transmission rebuilt or replaced, you may consider driving a friend or family member's car to avoid further damage until you can repair it.