If your car is equipped with an automatic transmission, it's going to need servicing from time to time. Without proper servicing, your transmission can run into problems that will require costly repairs. Here are four signs that your car is having transmission trouble.

Slipping

You're driving down the street, and all of a sudden your car slips from one gear to the next. There may not be any warning at all. Or, your car could give you a few warning signs before it slips. If your transmission is slipping, it may be a sign that the transmission fluid pump is malfunctioning. Those warning signs include:

• Slight shimmy right before it slips
• Whining sound or change in pitch of the engine sounds as it slips

Rough Shifts

Your car used to shift gears without any problem at all. Now it seems like your car shudders and jolts as it switches gears. You may also notice loud clunking sounds or feel a thud under your feet as your car shifts gears. Those are all signs that your car is experiencing rough shifting, which could signify that your transmission is low on fluid.

Slow Start

When you shift from park to drive, your car has to think about it for a few seconds before it moves forward. When you put your foot on the gas to accelerate, you may notice a significant delay before your car picks up speed, or your car may jolt abruptly as it accelerates. Automatic transmissions can get off to a slow start in cold weather, especially if the transmission solenoid is malfunctioning.

Puddles

Even if your car is not exhibiting any of the warning signs described above, it may still have transmission problems that you're not aware of. Take a look under your car. Do you see any puddles around your transmission? If you do, it means your transmission is leaking fluid. If it's losing too much fluid, your transmission is not getting as much lubrication as it needs. You'll need to have the gaskets inspected. Your seals may be wearing out. If that's the case, you'll need to have your transmission serviced and your fluid replaced.

If this is your first car, you might not be familiar with transmission warning signs. The information described above will help you keep track of problems you might be experiencing with your transmission. If you notice any of the problems listed above, be sure to take your car in to a service center like Rolling Bay Automotive as soon as possible.