Investing in a used car is a good way for you to reduce your costs while also being able to purchase a reliable vehicle. When you look for a used car, it is wise to take vehicles on test drives so you can see how they function. While the test drive will help you to see if you enjoy the feel of the car and how it handles, it will also allow you to investigate potential problem areas where the car may not be in the best condition. One of the things that you need to investigate is the transmission. Keep reading to learn about some signs that the automatic transmission may not be working as well as it should be.

Slipping Gears

If you test drive a car and notice that the tachometer is rising and the engine is revving like it is working harder, but the car is not accelerating, then this may mean that the transmission is slipping. Basically, this means that the clutches, bands, breaks, and gears of the transmissions are not working together to shift smoothly from one gear to the next. This may lead to improper engagement, disengagement, or holding of a specific gear as the vehicle drives. 

When an automatic transmission starts to slip, then the basic parts of the transmission may be extremely worn. While a rebuild can fix the problem, this is usually quite expensive. It may be in your best interest to look into purchasing a different car where the gears shift smoothly and properly. 

In some cases, the vehicle may simply not have enough transmission fluid. Make sure to check the fluid and ask the used car dealership to add transmission fluid if there is a need. Also, ask if the transmission filter has been changed recently. Dirty fluid may be keeping the gears from engaging properly, so this could be causing a slipping gear issue too.

Rough Shifting

Another thing you may notice when driving a used car is a rough shifting transmission. Rough shifts are often noted when you place the vehicle into drive or reverse. If you hear a clunk and notice the car moving forward, backward, or jerking suddenly, then this a rough shift. This may be a sign that the transmission is starting to deteriorate. Specifically, the bearings may no longer be in good shape. Also, the seals that hold transmission fluid and allow it to move through the vehicle may have started to deteriorate and leak.

If the used vehicle has not been driven for some time, then the rough shifting may be due to the gears of the transmission engaging when they have not in some time. Try driving the vehicle and shifting several times while the car is sitting to see if the problem continues. If it does, then try looking at a different vehicle. 

You can also have the used car dealership do a thorough inspection to check the condition of the car.