Why Is My Transmission Slipping? | Seaside & Monterey Transmission Repair
If your car hesitates when shifting gears, revs higher than usual, or feels like it’s losing power, your transmission may be slipping. Ignoring this issue can lead to costly repairs—or even transmission failure!
At Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA, we specialize in transmission diagnostics & repair to keep Monterey, Pacific Grove, and Carmel drivers on the road. Let’s break down the signs of a slipping transmission, what causes it, and how to fix it before it gets worse.
What Is Transmission Slipping?
Your transmission is responsible for transferring power from your engine to your wheels. When it’s working correctly, your car shifts gears smoothly. If it’s slipping, that means it’s struggling to stay in gear—causing delayed acceleration, jerking, or high RPMs.
⚠ A slipping transmission won’t fix itself! The longer you wait, the worse (and more expensive) the problem gets.
Top 5 Signs Your Transmission Is Slipping
1. Delayed Acceleration or High RPMs
🚗 You press the gas, but the car doesn’t respond immediately. Instead, the engine revs high (RPMs spike), but your speed doesn’t increase right away.
💡 Fix:Low transmission fluid or a worn-out clutch (in manual cars) could be the issue. Get it checked before your transmission overheats.
2. Hard, Rough, or Jerky Gear Shifts
⚠ Your car jerks, lags, or shifts unpredictably when accelerating.
💡 Fix:Dirty transmission fluid, worn-out gears, or a faulty transmission solenoid could be causing rough shifting. We can diagnose & fix it at Wayside Garage!
3. Burning Smell From the Transmission
🔥 A burning odor while driving could mean your transmission fluid is overheating or breaking down, leading to metal-on-metal damage.
💡 Fix:Get a transmission fluid flush before it causes internal damage!
4. Unusual Noises (Whining, Clunking, or Grinding)
🎧 Automatic transmissions: May produce a whining or humming sound when slipping.
🎧 Manual transmissions: May make a grinding or clunking noise when shifting gears.
💡 Fix:Transmission fluid may be too low, or internal parts may be wearing out. Bring it in for an inspection before the damage spreads!
5. Transmission Warning Light on Your Dashboard
⚠ If your check engine light or transmission warning light turns on, your car’s computer detected a transmission issue.
💡 Fix:We can run a full diagnostic scan at Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA, to pinpoint the problem.
What Causes a Transmission to Slip?
🔹 Low or Contaminated Transmission Fluid – Causes overheating & gear slippage.
🔹 Worn Clutch (Manual Transmission) – Clutch plates wear out over time.
🔹 Failing Torque Converter (Automatic Transmission) – A bad torque converter can cause loss of power.
🔹 Damaged Transmission Bands or Gears – Internal wear can prevent smooth shifting.
🔹 Faulty Solenoid – The solenoid controls fluid flow in automatic transmissions.
💡 Ignoring these issues can lead to complete transmission failure—don’t wait!
How to Fix a Slipping Transmission
🚗 Step 1: Check Your Transmission Fluid – Low or dirty fluid is a common cause.
🔧 Step 2: Get a Transmission Diagnostic Scan – Your car’s computer may have stored error codes.
💰 Step 3: Address Issues Early – A small repair now is cheaper than a full transmission rebuild later!
At Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA, we provide:
✅ Transmission fluid changes & flushes
✅ Transmission diagnostics & repairs
✅ Clutch replacements for manual transmissions
📅 Schedule a transmission inspection today!
👉 [Click here to book your service!]
Need Transmission Repair Near Seaside & Monterey, CA?
If your transmission is slipping, jerking, or making strange noises, don’t ignore it! We proudly serve Seaside, Monterey, Pacific Grove, and Carmel, CA, with expert transmission diagnostics & repairs.
📍 Wayside Garage – Trusted Auto Repair in Seaside, CA
📅 Book your appointment today! Call us or schedule online.
👉 Schedule Your Transmission Service!