Car transmission repairs can be quite costly depending upon the type of vehicle and its age. Sometimes it is not possible to have a transmission repair specialist for your vehicle, especially if it is in a total breakdown condition.
Hence in this article, we are going to talk about certain tips that you can keep in mind in order to extend your transmission life and prevent its failure. So let us get into it.
10 Tips To Maintain Your Car Transmission
1. Checking the Transmission Fluid on a Periodic Basis
On most cars and SUVs, it is quite relatively easy to check the car transmission fluid. In order to check the transmission fluid, pull out the dipstick when the engine is idling, wipe it off, insert it again and wait to pull out an accurate reading. Now, if the fluid level is low, it indicates that you might have a leak. The fluid present in the transmission should be red in color and smell sweet. If you find that it is murky and dark in color and possesses a stinky smell, it is time to take it to a repair shop.
2. Use the Proper Type of Car Transmission Fluid
It is really important that you check the vehicle manual regarding the type of car transmission fluid you should use. If you are not sure about the fluid of the transmission, get in touch with a professional repair service who will guide you regarding this.
3. Check the Cooling System of the Engine
The vehicle cooling system helps in preventing the engine from overheating. However, most of us are not aware of this that car transmission fluid that is pumped through the gearbox gets cooled too. So, if your engine system is not functioning properly, it can directly affect your transmission. In such cases, you would need a transmission repair before the engine gets completely overheated. First, however, do ensure that the cooling system is in a good and optimal condition.
4. Ensure the Transmission is Flushed Regularly
It is best if you leave the task of changing the transmission fluid in the hands of a professional. Try to consult the manual of the car; however, in general, try to get the transmission of your vehicle flushed once a year. How long a transmission fluid in your car lasts depends upon the operating temperature of the vehicle and its mileage.
5. Warm up your car before you drive
Most of us hop in our car seats, power the engine, and drive away. However, this is not the right way. Essentially you should allow your engine some few minutes to warm up before it begins to drive, especially in the time of winter.
6. Avoid driving on Spare Tire for a Long Period
Driving your car with mismatched tires or smaller spare tires is a complete no. Not only does it damage the other parts of the vehicle, but it also damages the wheel alignment. This puts an unnecessary strain on the transmission, which you need to avoid.
7. Regularly Changing the Transmission filter
The automatic car transmission possesses a filter that needs to be changed on a regular basis. The transmission filter mainly depends upon the type of the model. However, most new vehicles do not have a transmission filter; however, if you possess one, make sure to change the transmission filter of your car.
8. Try to Avoid your Vehicle for Towing
Cars are not meant for towing. So, when you use your car to tow heavy loads, particularly in hot temperatures, it can cause the transmission fluid to oxidize or burn, thereby causing a lot of damage to the transmission.
9. Take your Vehicle for Inspection Annually
Make sure that you take your vehicle to a certified transmission repair specialist and run a diagnostic check of your transmission regarding leaks and abnormalities at least once a year. These services generally run periodic maintenance to ensure that your transmission is functioning effectively.
10. Avoid Shifting Cars Randomly
One of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your car transmission in good health is to ensure that you stop your car completely before you switch from reverse to drive or shift to parking.
Summing Up
An essential aspect of transmission maintenance is taking it to a routine inspection so that the problem is solved on time. You can also get in touch with A1 Auto Wrecking if you would like to get a quote on a high quality used transmission.
