Essential Tips to Keep Your Transmission Running Smoothly

Your vehicle’s transmission plays a crucial role in transferring power from the engine to the wheels, ensuring smooth and efficient operation. Just like any other mechanical component, it requires proper maintenance to keep it running smoothly and extend its lifespan. In this blog post, we’ll explore essential tips and practices to maintain your transmission and avoid costly repairs down the road.

Regular Fluid Checks and Changes
One of the most critical aspects of transmission maintenance is checking and changing the transmission fluid at regular intervals. Transmission fluid serves as both a lubricant and a coolant; and over time, it can degrade, accumulate debris, and lose effectiveness. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the recommended maintenance schedule and follow it diligently.

Regular fluid changes help prevent overheating, maintain smooth gear shifts, and protect the transmission’s internal components. When you come in to [atc] Auto Center, we do a Peace of Mind Inspection that includes keeping an eye on your transmission fluid levels. Ask your service advisor for more information.

Proper Fluid Levels
In addition to regular fluid changes, ensuring the transmission fluid is at the correct level is essential. Insufficient fluid can lead to inadequate lubrication, causing excessive friction and heat, while overfilling can lead to foaming and reduced performance. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on correctly checking the fluid level and using the recommended fluid type for your vehicle.

Gentle Driving Habits
Aggressive driving, such as sudden acceleration, abrupt braking, or excessive towing, can stress your transmission unnecessarily. These actions can lead to overheating and accelerated wear and tear on the transmission components. To maintain a healthy transmission, practice gentle driving habits, including smooth acceleration and deceleration, and avoid excessive loads or strain on the vehicle.

Allow the Vehicle to Warm Up
Even though we stay pretty warm year-round here in Augusta Georgia, occasionally we get a cold snap. During cold weather, it’s important to allow your vehicle’s transmission to warm up before putting it under heavy loads or driving at high speeds. Cold transmission fluid is thicker and less effective in lubricating the internal components. By giving it a few minutes to warm up, you allow the fluid to flow more freely, reducing the risk of damage to the transmission.

Regular Maintenance Inspections
Including transmission maintenance in your routine vehicle inspections is crucial. Regularly have a qualified technician inspect your transmission for signs of leaks, damaged seals, or any other potential issues. Timely identification of problems can prevent small issues from turning into major transmission failures.

Coolant System Maintenance
The cooling system in your vehicle plays a vital role in regulating the transmission temperature. Ensure the coolant levels are sufficient and the cooling system functions correctly. Overheating can cause significant damage to the transmission, so maintaining a properly functioning cooling
system is essential.

Seek Professional Assistance
While vehicle owners can perform some maintenance tasks, seeking professional assistance for more complex transmission maintenance is recommended. Certified technicians have the expertise and specialized equipment to accurately diagnose and address any transmission-related issues. Did you know “transmission” used to be our middle name? At [atc] we’re the transmissions experts. Let us look over your transmission for wear and tear. We’re proud to offer Jasper Transmissions.

Your vehicle’s transmission is a complex and critical component that requires regular care and maintenance. These essential tips can help keep your transmission running smoothly, prevent costly repairs, and prolong its lifespan. Remember, proactive maintenance is always better than reactive repairs when preserving the health and performance of your vehicle’s transmission.