If your transmission slips while driving—especially on Colorado’s steep and winding I-70 corridor—it’s not just an inconvenience, it’s a serious risk. From Eisenhower Tunnel to Vail Pass, a slipping transmission can quickly turn dangerous. Here’s what local drivers need to know before heading into the mountains.
Quick Answer
Driving I-70 with a slipping transmission is risky. Reduced power, overheating, or total failure can occur—especially on climbs or descents. Get it checked immediately before you lose drive or damage other components.
1. I-70’s Elevation Changes Expose Weak Transmissions
Colorado’s I-70 climbs over 11,000 feet in elevation. This puts a tremendous load on your transmission, especially in vehicles already struggling to maintain gear or accelerate. A slipping transmission may seem manageable around town—but it can overheat and fail outright on mountain grades.
2. What “Slipping” Actually Means
Transmission slipping happens when your vehicle changes gears unexpectedly, the engine revs without accelerating, or you feel a delay between pressing the pedal and moving forward.
Common symptoms include:
- Rising RPMs without speed increase
- Jerky or delayed gear shifts
- Transmission warning light
- Burning smell after long drives
3. Risk of Losing Power on Steep Grades
When you’re halfway up Vail Pass and the transmission slips, you lose critical torque. This can:
- Leave you crawling on the shoulder
- Cause engine overheating
- Increase the risk of rear-end collisions from faster traffic
Worse, on a descent, it may prevent proper engine braking—forcing you to rely solely on your brakes, which can overheat or fade.
4. Emergency Towing vs. Pushing Your Luck
If your transmission is slipping before you get on I-70, do not wait until you’re stranded at high elevation. We offer free local towing with approved repairs from both Lakewood and Westminster locations. It’s faster, safer, and cheaper than waiting for a breakdown in the mountains.
5. Early Repair Is Always Cheaper
Letting a slipping transmission go too long often results in:
- Internal clutch damage
- Solenoid or valve body failure
- Full rebuild or replacement costs ($2,500–$5,000+)
Early diagnosis and minor repairs (like fluid service or shift solenoids) can prevent major failures.
FAQs: Slipping Transmission on Colorado’s I-70
Q: Can I drive short distances with a slipping transmission?
A: You might get away with it locally—but long climbs or descents on I-70 could cause rapid failure.
Q: What causes slipping?
A: Low or burnt fluid, worn clutch packs, or valve body issues are the most common causes.
Q: How much does a transmission repair cost in Colorado?
A: Minor fixes can be under $500. Full rebuilds range from $2,500 to $5,000+, depending on your vehicle.
Q: Is towing covered with repair?
A: Yes—Advanced Transmission Center offers free towing with major transmission repairs.
Q: Can slipping be fixed without a full rebuild?
A: Sometimes—especially if caught early. Fluid changes, solenoid replacement, or band adjustments may be enough.
With over 10 years of hands-on experience in the automotive industry, including serving as General Manager for a high-volume transmission shop, Tom Christy brings deep operational and technical expertise to every facet of auto repair and service management. Having overseen multi-million-dollar operations, led national teams, and improved shop performance across sales, staffing, and customer service, Tom has a proven track record of growing revenue while reducing costs. Tom's real-world experience in transmission diagnostics, repair workflows, and customer satisfaction makes them a trusted voice in the field.
Free Customer Towing Service 
Free TrueTest™ Inspection 
Fast Transmission Services 
Comprehensive Warranty in Denver 
