Your vehicle’s manual transmission is designed to stay in gear until you shift it. When the system starts slipping, or moving up or down on its own, the car may be difficult and unsafe to operate. According to the team at Dirk’s Auto Repair, the leading auto repair shop in Lincoln, NE, there are several reasons why this problem occurs.

3 Reasons Your Manual Transmission Slips

Broken Transmission Bands

The transmission relies on metal bands to hold its gears in place. When one of these bands corrodes or breaks, the gears won’t be able to engage properly, causing the transmission to slip as you drive. This can be prevented by scheduling tune-ups at an auto repair shop every two years. The mechanic will inspect the transmission and replace worn bands before they break.

Insufficient Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid creates the hydraulic pressure your car needs to change gears. When the system runs out of fluid, the transmission pump won’t be able to create enough pressure to switch to another gear. Aside from transmission slipping, running low on fluid can also cause the system to overheat due to a lack of lubrication.

Malfunctioning Clutch

Your clutch is responsible for separating the engine from the transmission when you change gears. It uses a friction material that’s similar to brake pads to separate the two components. This material gets thinner with use, which can interfere with its performance. If the layer is worn away, you will be unable to engage the clutch and switch gears.

Skipping a visit to your auto repair shop for regular inspections and maintenance service doesn’t save money—it puts you at risk for needing more expensive repairs later. The team at Dirk’s Auto repair will keep your manual transmission in top shape, so you can stay safe on the road. This car repair shop has been offering reliable auto diagnostics and repair services since 1995. Call (402) 466-6010 or visit their website for more information about their full range of services.