I have been noticing something odd with my car for the past couple of weeks and I cannot tell if it is a real problem or just in my head. When I accelerate from a stop the engine revs up a little before the car actually moves, like there is a small delay. It only happens sometimes and mostly when the car is cold. Once it warms up it drives fine. I mentioned it to a friend and he said it sounds like the transmission is starting to slip which honestly scared me because I know that can be expensive. But another person told me it could just be low fluid or even a dirty filter and that I should not panic yet. I have not taken it anywhere because I am worried a workshop will immediately tell me I need a rebuild. How do I know if it is really slipping or if it is something minor? What should I check first before spending money on a diagnostic? Also does the heat here make transmission problems worse because my car sits outside all day. Another thing I am unsure about is whether the delay could be related to the engine rather than the gearbox, like a dirty throttle body or a sensor issue that makes the revs hang for a second. I have read that sometimes what feels like a transmission problem is actually an engine problem in disguise. How would a mechanic tell the difference and should I ask them to check both? I am also curious about whether the fluid level is something I can check myself or if it needs a proper workshop because some cars do not even have a dipstick anymore. If it turns out to be low fluid, is topping it up enough or does it mean there is a leak somewhere that needs fixing? I would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has dealt with something similar because I am trying not to stress but it is hard not to. I do not want to ignore it and make it worse but I also do not want to be pushed into an expensive rebuild if it is something simple. On a side note, my AC has also been weak lately and I have been looking for trusted solutions for car AC cooling problems in Industrial Area 3 since that is where I work, so if anyone has a recommendation for that too I would be grateful.