After the engine, your transmission is the second most important system, and it's also a big-ticket item if it needs repairs. In the simplest of terms, your car's transmission changes the gears of the engine as your car picks up speed and slows down. If the transmission fails, your engine won't run. This makes it essential to maintain your automatic transmission and keep it in good working order. Check out these tips to maintain your transmission.
A few small changes in the way you operate your motor vehicle can make a big difference for your transmission.
- Routinely check your transmission fluid. Your fluid should be bright red and smell sweet. If it's a muddy color or smells off, it's time to get a transmission specialist to take a look at it.
- Flush your transmission. Take your car into the shop once a year to have your transmission flushed. If your car overheats or you do a lot of driving, you might consider having it flushed more often.
- Never change gears while driving. If you need to put the car in reverse, you should come to a complete stop. Changing gears while the car is in motion can damage your transmission.
- Change your transmission filter. Like your oil filter, your transmission filter can get clogged with debris and cause damage to your transmission. Have your transmission filter changed regularly to avoid costly repairs.
- Annual transmission inspection. Once a year, you should have a certified mechanic inspect your transmission to ensure it’s in good working order. They can check your fluid and identify any issues before they become larger, more expensive problems.
If your car is due for an annual inspection, or you think you might have an issue with your transmission,our technicians at Custom Complete Automotive are ready to help. We take pride in providing you with outstanding service and repairs. Contact us today for more information.
FAQs
Blog
- Check your transmission fluid periodically. ...
- Use the right type of transmission fluid. ...
- Have your engine's cooling system serviced. ...
- Get your transmission flushed regularly. ...
- Don't change gears while your car is moving. ...
- Let your car warm up before you drive. ...
- Don't drive on a spare tire for an extended period of time.
Your transmission fluid should be changed every 15,000 miles. If you have a regular maintenance schedule with your dealership, then it will be taken care of during one of your major maintenance visits. If not, make plans to change your transmission fluid at the 15,000, 30,000, 45,000, 60,000 (and so on) milestones.
How to make automatic transmission last longer? ›
6 ways to make your automatic transmission last as long as it...
- Coasting in Neutral. ...
- Revving the engine before shifting to drive. ...
- Changing gear position while the car is moving. ...
- Shifting into neutral at traffic lights. ...
- Keep your fuel levels in check. ...
- Driving your car hard while your automatic transmission is still cold.
A routine Transmission Service includes an inspection and replacement of dirty or worn transmission components to ensure the efficiency and performance of your vehicle's gearbox. It should be part of your regular auto maintenance routine. These days, many automobiles have a closed transmission system.
What is the maintenance of the transmission system? ›
The most important thing you should do to maintain your transmission is to invest in regular transmission fluid changes and filter maintenance. Today, most standard transmission fluid lasts for about 100,000 miles. After that, the fluid will start to evaporate, seize, or damage other parts of your engine.
What destroys automatic transmission? ›
Letting the transmission run out of fluid or operating it with a low fluid level is a guaranteed way to have a transmission breakdown. The fluid keeps the transmission's internal components cool and lubricated.
How to avoid damaging automatic transmission? ›
8 Tips to Care For Your Car's Automatic Transmission
- Avoid jack-rabbit starts when the engine and transmission are cold. ...
- Avoid shifting gears when the vehicle is still moving. ...
- Avoid towing other vehicles or heavy loads. ...
- Avoid driving long distances using a compact spare tire. ...
- Maintain a reliable cooling system.
Steps
- Warm Up Transmission. Firstly warm up the transmission fluid by idling and selecting through the gears or going for a short drive.
- Raise The Vehicle. Raise the vehicle and ensure it is level and stable.
- Check For Leaks. ...
- Locate Drain Plug. ...
- Drain Old Fluid. ...
- Examine Fluid. ...
- Remove Old Gasket. ...
- Clean Oil Pan.
How Long Does Your Transmission Last?
| Transmission Quick Facts |
|---|
| Transmission Lifespan Without Maintenance | 100,000 miles or less |
|---|
| Transmission Lifespan with Proper Maintenance | 300,000 miles or more |
| When to Change Automatic Transmission Fluid | Every 30,000 miles |
| When to Change Manual Transmission Fluid | Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles |
The Top Five Tips for Extending the Lifespan of Your Vehicle's Transmission
- Stay on top of routine maintenance: Routine maintenance is one of the best things you can do for your vehicle. ...
- Check transmission fluid regularly: ...
- Do not overload the vehicle: ...
- Warm up the car before driving: ...
- Avoid “neutral coasting”:
How to Improve Your Auto Transmission
- Regular Auto Transmission Maintenance.
- Lowering Gears When Driving With Heavy Loads.
- Changing Driving Habits.
- Ensuring Proper Tire Alignment.
- Proper Engine Maintenance.
- Having and Using the Correct Tire Size.
Changing the gear ratios in your transmission can help you optimize your engine's power output for maximum performance. By adjusting the gear ratios, you can adjust the transmission's shift points and improve acceleration. There are two main types of gear sets: close-ratio and wide-ratio.
How to preserve your transmission? ›
8 Tips to Prevent Your Transmission from Failing
- #1 Check Your Transmission Fluid Regularly.
- #2 Always Properly Switch Gears.
- #3 Use Your Parking Brake.
- #4 Avoid Overheating Your Transmission.
- #5 Don't Overload Your Vehicle.
- #6 Let Your Vehicle Warm Up.
- #7 Have Annual Powertrain Transmission Check-Ups.
Other than the dreaded check engine light, if you experience poor acceleration, slipping gears, or transmission whine, or harsh shifting, then you should think about having the transmission fluid changed or maybe even flushed.
What does a full transmission service include? ›
A complete transmission service is the most comprehensive form of preventative transmission maintenance offered. Not only do we replace transmission fluid and filter, we also check various components to make sure they are in good working order. We examine the transmission sump and pan. We clean the transmission pan.
What is the life expectancy of an automatic transmission? ›
How Long Does Your Transmission Last?
| Transmission Quick Facts |
|---|
| Transmission Lifespan Without Maintenance | 100,000 miles or less |
|---|
| Transmission Lifespan with Proper Maintenance | 300,000 miles or more |
| When to Change Automatic Transmission Fluid | Every 30,000 miles |
| When to Change Manual Transmission Fluid | Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles |
Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles is best, and that equates to roughly every 2 to 4 years. If you have an automatic vehicle, then it's then you'll most likely be safe to only bring your vehicle for a service on your transmission every 4 to 7 years.
What is the most common failure in automatic transmission? ›
The Most Common Transmission Issues
Leaking Seals: when your vehicle's transmission is low on fluid due to failed seals that cause a leak, it can lose so much fluid that the internal components fail to work correctly or fail.
