Tips for Maintaining your Auto Transmission
New vehicles can have a long lifespan to begin with and do not require nearly as much maintenance as was required in the past. While it should be easy to keep up on the needs of a vehicle by following a few simple maintenance steps, it is no less important. On a used vehicle, it could be even more important to follow good maintenance and driving patterns to prevent expensive replacement issues.
Use the maintenance schedule recommended by the manufacturer in other words: read the owners manual that came with the vehicle.
If there was not one in the glove compartment, call the dealer or former owner and see if one is available. It might have been misplaced during the sales transaction. If one cannot be located that way, you can most likely find the recommendations on-line from the manufacturer or maybe purchase the owners manual on-line. If you cannot find a manual to purchase look for the information on-line for your vehicle, and then print a copy for future reference.
Check the transmission fluid
Usually the transmission fluid is checked at the same time the oil is changed but ask to be sure and check it yourself occasionally if possible. A mechanic can only check it on some vehicles since certain ones do not have a dipstick. Sometimes they will recommend that you have the transmission fluid changed after a determined number of miles.
Know where the transmission dipstick is on your vehicle; do not accidentally put oil in your transmission. Park the car on a level spot, pull the emergency brake on and put the car in neutral. Make sure the engine is warm and let the car run while you check it, and if you do add it yourself make sure you are adding the right fluid. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s specs about this. They recommend a certain type of fluid for a reason. If the fluid appears to be dirty or brownish, notify your mechanic and have the vehicle scheduled for maintenance.
Use good driving practices
Do not ride the brakes. It is bad for both the transmission and brakes. Do not do burnouts or drive your car like a race car unless it is a race car. Make sure you stop completely before changing gears. The transmission is more than just fluid and the combination of gears, valves, seals, and more can become damaged and cause expensive repairs.
Make adjustments before traveling
If going on vacation be sure to check the owner’s manual and ask your mechanic about special considerations. If crossing the mountains, going to higher elevations, or crossing the desert, you may need to make adjustments for those driving conditions. If towing a trailer for vacation, moving, or just for a local delivery, make sure to have all of the information you need to protect the transmission against overheating and failure.
If having the vehicle towed and it has an automatic transmission as nearly all cars do, make sure the proper procedure is used. A good tow truck driver should know which are the drive wheels and make sure they do not roll on the ground. Do not try to pull it with a chain, rope or use any method that could prove dangerous or damaging to the transmission.
Maintenance is probably one of the key factors in preventing transmission failure. Driving sensibly is one of the others. By following a pattern ofgood maintenanceand good driving and being aware of the needs of your vehicle, you can greatly improve the chances of arriving where you are going safely and on time.
