The gearbox is an integral part of your car's drivetrain. It delivers the engine torque to the wheels of the vehicle and also amplifies the power of the engine to suit different driving situations. Like other mechanical parts of your car, the gearbox is bound to act up at some point or another. One of the most common and serious gearbox problems that you should watch out for is gearbox slipping.

Gear slipping occurs when your car changes gear for no apparent reason, affecting your control of the vehicle. There are a variety of factors that can cause a gear slip. Here are a few common culprits behind the problem.

Transmission Fluid Issues

The transmission fluid in your car provides the pressure required to move clutches, transmission bands and other things inside your gearbox. If you are running low on transmission fluid or the fluid is worn-out or burnt, then you are bound to experience gear slipping. 

If your gears are slipping because of inadequate transmission fluid, you will need to get your transmission checked for leaks before fresh fluid can be added. Any leaks found should be sealed before new fluid is topped up. If the transmission fluid is worn-out or burnt, then the old fluid will need to be flushed out and new fluid added.

Faulty Transmission Solenoids

Transmission solenoids are what regulate the pressure of the transmission fluid flowing within the transmission system. If these solenoids are faulty, it means that the proper flow of transmission fluid within the system won't be achieved. If the transmission is starved of the transmission fluid, then gearbox slipping and other gear-related issues are bound to arise.

A transmission repair technician can inspect your solenoids and make the fixes required to get it back to normal working condition.

Worn Transmission Bands

The gears in your gearbox rely on transmission bands to effect a gear change. When these bands get worn-out, then your gear changes may start to feel sloppy, creating the feeling of slipping as your vehicle loses acceleration. 

Removing and replacing worn or broken bands can help to restore your gears back to normal operating performance.

Worn-Out Gears

You may also experience gear slipping because the gears in your gearbox themselves are worn out. Normal vehicle operation can cause wear and tear of your gears, leading to those frustrating gear slips. 

If you have worn-out gears, you will need to have them replaced to get your gears working properly again.

Gear slipping affects the performance of your vehicle but also its safety. If you notice this problem, contact a gearbox repair technician immediately!