Keeping your Transmission in Top Condition
Summer is a great time to cruise a cool city like Austin. However, to really enjoy driving you have to keep your car in good operating condition. Tires must be kept properly inflated and fluid levels should be maintained. The oil has to be checked and the occasional fuse may need to be replaced. One of the most important systems to maintain is the car’s transmission.
Fixing the transmission is a complex auto repair. It’s not usually a job for the average do-it-yourselfer who knows how to change the oil or the shocks and struts. It’s a big job best left to a professional mechanic.
Automatic transmission repair is one of the most costly fixes to any vehicle. It’s far more preferable to keep this system in good working condition than to face an expensive repair caused by lack of maintenance. Here are a few ways you can help keep your transmission in good order and avoid a trip to the car mechanic.
First, you should know what damages the transmission. Overheating is the most common cause of problems in this system. At high temperatures, several things can happen. The nature of the transmission fluid protecting the working parts can change. It may oxidize and leave deposits within the system. Gaskets and seals inside the system can harden causing leaks.
Avoid creating high engine temperature by driving at lower rpm’s and accelerating at a moderate rate. Don’t change gears while the car is moving. Wait till it comes to a stop before moving from reverse to drive (and vice versa) and you will prevent wear and tear on the transmission.
To keep the delicate transmission system running well, you need a very special set of tools; your eyes. Just being observant of a few things will alert you to small issues before they become big problems.
Regularly check a few areas for tell-tale signs of leaks. Look over the surface of your parking area, the driveway or garage, for messy drips and puddles. These could signal small leaks, which are the early warning signs of transmission breakdown. If you have a gravel parking area at home, check at work or while running errands. Just take note of what the parking space looks like before you enter it and after you leave it. Alternately, weight down some old newspapers under the car at night before bed and check them in the morning. They should show you any drips that occurred overnight.
Check the transmission fluid level regularly too. Major losses in volume can signal leaks. Dark or dirty-looking fluid should be drained and replaced. Ideally, a regular maintenance program will see to this before discoloration occurs.
Use your “tools” to read the owner’s manual. It will tell you exactly how often to check and change the fluids. Whether you need car repair or ATV repair, the transmission in any type of vehicle needs to be properly looked after. It should also tell you what kind of transmission fluid your system was designed to use. Try not to use products not recommended by the manufacturer. Sometimes a bargain fluid is cheap for a reason!
Keep an eye on your transmission to make sure it’s in the best possible working order. Look for leaks, check the levels and have your car maintained by a professional on a regular schedule. Your transmission will thank you.
Leonard’s Garage & Service Center
4401 South 1st Street
Austin, TX 78745-1924
(512) 445-2892
Leonard’s Garage & Service Center
4401 South 1st Street
Austin, TX 78745-1924
(512) 445-2892
