Transmission Troubleshooting: What Does It Mean When Your Car Revs But Doesn’t Move When in Gear?

Have you ever tried to drive your car but it won’t move, even though the engine is running and the revs are going up? This can be a very frustrating and scary situation, especially if you are on the road or in a hurry. What could be the cause of this problem and how can you fix it?

In this article, we will explain the possible reasons why your car won’t move when you put it in drive, and what you can do to solve it. We will also give you some tips on how to prevent this problem from happening again. Let’s get started!

What Is a Transmission and How Does It Work?

A transmission is a part of your car that transfers the power from the engine to the wheels. It allows your car to move at different speeds and change gears. There are two main types of transmissions: manual and automatic.

1. A manual transmission is the one that you have to shift gears manually, using a clutch pedal and a stick shifter. A manual transmission gives you more control over your car, but it can be harder to use and maintain. 
2. An automatic transmission is the one that shifts gears automatically, without you having to do anything. An automatic transmission makes driving easier and smoother, but it can be more expensive and complicated to repair. 

An automatic transmission works by using a system of pumps, valves, clutches, bands, and fluid to change gears. The fluid is called transmission fluid, and it is very important for the proper functioning of the transmission. The transmission fluid lubricates, cools, and cleans the transmission parts, and also helps to create the hydraulic pressure needed to shift gears.

What Causes Your Car Not to Move When You Put It in Drive?

There are several possible causes why your car won’t move when you put it in drive. Some of them are simple and easy to fix, while others are more serious and require professional help. Here are some of the most common causes:

• Your parking brake is on. This is the easiest and most obvious cause. If you forget to release your parking brake, your car won’t be able to move. To fix this, simply release the parking brake and try again.
• Your transmission fluid is low or dirty. This is a very common cause of transmission problems. If your transmission fluid is low, it means that there is not enough fluid to create the hydraulic pressure needed to shift gears. If your transmission fluid is dirty, it means that it is contaminated with dirt, metal particles, or other substances that can damage the transmission parts. To fix this, you need to check and refill your transmission fluid, or change it if it is dirty. You can do this yourself, or take your car to a mechanic. 
• Your transmission is damaged. This is the worst and most expensive cause of transmission problems. If your transmission is damaged, it means that some of the parts inside the transmission are broken, worn out, or malfunctioning. This can be caused by many factors, such as old age, lack of maintenance, overheating, abuse, or accidents. To fix this, you need to take your car to a transmission specialist, who can diagnose and repair or replace your transmission.

How to Prevent Your Car from Not Moving When You Put It in Drive?

The best way to prevent your car from not moving when you put it in drive is to take good care of your transmission. Here are some tips on how to do that:

• Check and change your transmission fluid regularly. This is the most important thing you can do to keep your transmission healthy. You should check your transmission fluid level and color every month, and change it every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, depending on your car model and driving conditions. You can find the recommended interval and type of transmission fluid in your owner’s manual.
• Avoid overheating your transmission. Overheating can cause your transmission fluid to break down and lose its effectiveness, and also damage your transmission parts. To avoid overheating, you should avoid driving in extreme temperatures, towing heavy loads, or driving in stop-and-go traffic for long periods. You should also use a transmission cooler if your car does not have one.
• Drive gently and smoothly. Driving harshly or aggressively can put a lot of stress on your transmission and cause it to wear out faster. To drive gently, you should avoid sudden acceleration, braking, or shifting. You should also avoid shifting from drive to reverse or vice versa while your car is moving, as this can damage your transmission. 
• Get your transmission serviced regularly. Even if you follow the tips above, your transmission still needs regular maintenance and inspection by a professional. You should get your transmission serviced at least once a year, or more often if you notice any signs of trouble. A mechanic can check your transmission for any leaks, cracks, or other issues, and fix them before they become worse.

Conclusion

Your car won’t move when you put it in drive because there is something wrong with your transmission. It could be something simple, like your parking brake being on, or something serious, like your transmission being damaged. To find out the cause and fix it, you need to check your transmission fluid, or take your car to a mechanic. To prevent this problem from happening again, you need to take good care of your transmission, by checking and changing your transmission fluid regularly, avoiding overheating, driving gently, and getting your transmission serviced regularly. By doing these things, you can keep your car running smoothly and safely.

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