Have you checked your transmission fluid lately? If you answered “no,” you’re not alone. Most vehicle owners do very little, if anything, to maintain their vehicle’s transmission. Here’s the thing about maintaining transmissions – it’s a wise investment. In fact, the amount of money you spend to properly maintain your transmission is far less than the cost for transmission repair or replacement. In this blog post, I’ll identify how you can avoid transmission repair problems by doing 8 simple things.
1. Make a commitment to regularly checking the level, color and smell of your vehicle’s transmission fluid. The proper quality and quantity of transmission fluid is vital to the health of your vehicle’s transmission. To check the fluid level, follow the instructions listed in your owner’s manual. For most cars, the fluid level is checked with the engine running at operating temperature and with the transmission in “park.” If the dipstick indicates the fluid is low, very carefully add the type of fluid recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. While you’re checking the fluid level, make sure the transmission fluid is red (not black or brown) and does not smell like it’s burnt.
2. Replace the transmission fluid and filter on a regular schedule. Transmission experts say transmission fluid and filter changes should be done at least every 25,000 to 30,000 miles. If you’re towing heavy loads with your vehicle, you’ll want to have it changed more often. Remember, it’s important to use the type of transmission fluid recommended by your manufacturer. If you’ve never had the transmission fluid and filter changed and your vehicle has a lot of mileage on it, check with us before having this service performed. Cars with older transmissions that have never had the fluid and filter changed can develop transmission problems.
3. Never overfill the transmission fluid. It’s imperative that you follow the instructions in your owner’s manual very carefully when checking and adding transmission fluid. Overfilling can cause the transmission fluid to foam up which leads to erratic gear shifting and possible damage.
4. When towing, never leave your vehicle in overdrive. Does your vehicle have an automatic overdrive transmission? Make sure you turn off the overdrive when you’re towing. If the overdrive is used while towing, you’ll experience excessive shifting between overdrive and the next lower gear.
5. Avoid overloading your vehicle when you are using it for towing. When your vehicle is towing extra weight, the transmission has to work harder. This can cause the transmission to overheat and may result in serious damage to the transmission.
6. If your vehicle gets stuck in sand, snow or mud, don’t “rock” between gears. Rocking between gears causes the transmission to become too hot and can even burn it out. Instead, dig your vehicle out or have it towed. The cost of a tow is much less expensive than transmission repair or replacement.
7. Get in the habit of using your emergency brake, especially when your vehicle is parked on a hill. This will reduce stress on the parking pawl (pin). Just don’t forget to disengage the parking brake when you start to drive.
8. When you experience even the slightest problem with your transmission, have it inspected by a professional as soon as possible. By dealing with transmission problems right away, you’ll may be able to avoid more serious transmission repair issues down the road. Read this blog post to learn about the signs you may be having problems with your transmission.
The absolute best way to maintain your vehicle’s transmission is to have it serviced on a regular basis. The technicians at Country Road Automotive, in Lincoln Park, New Jersey, have the expertise needed to handle all your transmission maintenance and repair needs. Give us a call to schedule your next transmission service or click here to make an appointment online.