When you drive a vehicle with an automatic transmission, you may think that you’ll never need to worry about transmission slippage or similar problems. However, these issues can still arise in your vehicle. As the transmission service experts at Northgate Transmissions in Cincinnati, OH, explain, there are two primary causes behind this surprisingly common automatic transmission problem.

Low Transmission Fluid

The most common cause of automatic transmission slippage is simple: low levels of transmission fluid. And while you may be tempted to think it’s something that just naturally occurs over time, in most instances, a leak is the culprit. Most often, these leaks occur when a seal fails, allowing the fluid to leak out, which could potentially damage the transmission if left unchecked.

Problems caused by low transmission fluid become more severe when driving in hot weather, so have any leaks taken care of right away if the problem pops up during the summer. Replacing a leaky seal can be complicated work, so your best bet is to have the experts at Northgate Transmission diagnose and repair the problem as soon as possible.

Worn Transmission Components

Another reason your automatic transmission might be slipping is due to the wearing down of your transmission’s components. There are several brakes, bands, clutches, and other parts that engage and disengage as you drive to help your car automatically shift gears. Over time, however, these parts will gradually wear down and need to be replaced.

This problem is more common in areas with cold winters, as transmission fluid is less effective at lubricating the different components of your transmission during cold weather. In these situations, the likely solution is to simply have transmission specialists replace the worn out components.

Whether you need minor repairs or a total transmission replacement, the team at Northgate Transmissions can help keep your automatic transmission functioning properly. To learn more about their services, visit them online or call (513) 385-4400.