Is it Safe to Drive in Suffolk County if My Automatic Transmission is Slipping?

The most common cause of a slipping transmission is a low fluid level, followed by mechanical wear and electronic malfunctions.

• Low fluid causes transmission  slipping because it's both a lubricant and a hydraulic fluid. If your transmission is low on fluid, it can slip and generally feel sluggish as it moves through the gears.
• Burnt or contaminated fluid can also produce the same symptoms.  As the fluid degrades, it loses its performance. Most automatic transmissions need new fluid every 100,000 miles.
• Mechanical and electrical issues are less common, and a mechanical issue will typically also warn you with unusual grinding noises and excessive shaking. Solenoids and sensors can fail and disrupt hydraulic pressure, but you will usually see a warning light around the time the slipping develops.

Whatever the underlying cause, it's important that you don't ignore a slipping transmission. 

Low fluid leads to mechanical issues, so the longer you keep driving your car, the more likely it is that you will need significant transmission repair, rather than an affordable transmission fluid change.

Beyond the feeling of the transmission slipping, you can look for other signs that you need to visit a mechanic for transmission service.

• Do your engine RPMs rise quickly without the feel of engagement and acceleration?  This is the most common sign of a slipping transmission.
• Have you noticed delayed or erratic gear shifts? It may feel like your car is struggling to find a gear and settle on it, even when your speed is consistent.
• Have you noticed a burning odor when you drive? Burning transmission fluid has a distinct odor often described as harsh burnt toast with an acrid, chemical edge.
• Does your car struggle on inclines or when it's under load? If your car struggles to move up hills or when you have more people inside, the transmission is failing to transfer power from the engine to the wheels.