Your car's transmission is easy to overlook when everything is smooth sailing. But if it begins to fail, it's hard to bring it back around. That's why stopping problems in their tracks is key to avoiding the need for a replacement. To keep your car in tip-top shape, here are four mistakes to avoid with your transmission.
Overheating
A vast majority of transmission failures are due to overheating. So just as you do something to remedy a fever, you need to address a hot transmission right away. Your transmission should be about 200 degrees, and for every 20 degree increase in temperature, its lifespan reduces by one half. Signs that it's overheating include fluid spewing from the transmission vent and a sweet odor coming from the car. You can always install a thermostat that will give you a direct reading, too. Either way, when it's running hot, pull over and park the car for a while so it can cool off.
Low Fluid Levels
Transmission fluid works as a lubricant for the moving parts, and it also acts as a coolant. So allowing the fluid levels to run low can lead to overheating and cause the internal parts to wear out. Set aside some time to periodically check your fluid levels, like once a week or once a month. Your car should not be burning off or consuming transmission fluid the way it does gas. So if your fluid levels are low, it probably means you have a leak. While checking the levels, it's good to glance at the color too. Transmission fluid should be red or green, and it should also be translucent. If it's dark or muddy, that could mean it's been overheating.
Wrong Fluid Type
Veering from the recommended type of fluid can damage your transmission. Fluids vary in their ingredients and additives, and they are specific to the type of car you own. So those who drive an automatic Jeep will need a different fluid than someone who drives a manual Ford. The right transmission fluid will provide the correct viscosity, clean and protect the metal surfaces, improve cooling ability to prevent overheating, and condition and protect the gaskets, among other things. Be sure to consult the owner's manual for what kind of transmission fluid you need.
Lack of Regular Service
Having your transmission serviced regularly is the best way to avoid problems altogether. Contaminants can build up, you could have a slow leak that isn't yet detectable, or your fluid might be sludgy from other internal issues. If you really want to get the most mileage from your transmission, it should be inspected and flushed by a mechanic periodically. Your owner's manual will let you know how often it needs to be done.
Contact a local transmission shop for additional information.
Share11 May 2017
After dealing with car repair after car repair, I started thinking about ways that I could prevent future problems. I started taking my car in for regular tune-ups, focusing on things like tire rotations and never forgetting an oil change. I also kept careful records that helped me to track my vehicle's performance. This blog is all about maintaining your vehicle as efficiently as possible, so that you might be able to save money and prevent issues in the future. After all, who has time and money to get their car fixed constantly? Thanks for reading our blog and have an awesome day!