Slipping occurs when you are accelerating and your engine is producing the power to go faster, but your vehicle does not shift promptly. The RPM gauge on your vehicle will read unusually high, but your vehicle may feel as if it is struggling to accelerate or is stuck at one speed for a moment, before the vehicle shifts. When an automatic transmission begins slipping, it is normally a sign of a problem within the transmission. There are several things you can do that may help if your vehicle's transmission has started slipping.
The transmission control module stores error codes for your transmission just as the vehicle's computer stores engine error codes. If your transmission is slipping, it is a good idea to take your vehicle to a transmission shop and have these codes scanned in order to determine what exact problem is causing the transmission to slip and have it repaired.
A transmission that is low on fluid may slip or fail to shift promptly. Transmission fluid provides lubrication and hydraulic pressure for the transmission, so if the fluid is low or too old, you may experience shifting problems. Old transmission fluid is an issue because it does not provide the same amount of lubrication as new fluid.
To prevent slipping and other shifting problems, you should service your transmission and change the fluid in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific car or truck.
There are a number of transmission additives on the market that claim to be able to prevent and stop transmission slipping and other related problems. These products may be able to prolong the life of your transmission or provide a quick fix for problems. However, you should discuss use of any specific products with your transmission specialist before you add them to your vehicle's transmission fluid.
