Helpful Tips

9 Things you can do today to keep your transmission on the road tomorrow!

Check the Fluid Level

The fluid in an automatic transmission operates the clutches, provides cooling and lubrication, and even drives the vehicle. So few things are more important than proper fluid operating level for keeping the transmission working. Most automatic transmissions have a dipstick for checking the fluid level. If you’re not sure where yours is or how to check the transmission fluid level, refer to your owners manual.

Check Transmission Problems Promptly

Most transmission problems start out small. They get worse over time. Very often, you can eliminate major repairs simply by taking care of the problem early on. Whether it’s a warning light on the dash, a few drops of fluid on the garage floor, or a change in the way the transmission operates, your best bet is to take your vehicle to a service center. In many cases you’ll be able to avoid a major repair simply by catching it while it’s still a minor one.

Service Your Transmission Regularly

Transmission fluids have a number of unique properties that can wear out over time. And when they wear out, you can bet the transmission itself won’t be far behind. One of the best ways to keep your transmission in good working order is to have it serviced annually. A complete fluid and filter change every year can add years to your transmission’s life, and in the end, save you money.

Install an Auxiliary Cooler

The #1 reason for transmission failure is heat. Transmission temperatures can quickly exceed 300° F: At that temperature, seals begin to harden, clutches begin to burn, and the fluid itself breaks down. To help eliminate excess heat from the automatic transmission fluid, have an auxiliary cooler installed. This is particularly important on vehicles that tow trailers, carry heavy loads or travel over rough or mountainous terrain.

Install a Cooler Line Filter

All automatic transmissions have some type of filter inside them. But these filters vary in effectiveness. Meanwhile, loose dirt and metal particles can quickly erode thrust washer and bushing surfaces, clog up passages, and reduce transmission life. One of the best ways to eliminate these contaminants is to add an in-line filter to the transmission cooler lines. These filters are inexpensive and highly effective in removing damaging particles from the transmission fluid.

Service the Cooling System

You may not realize it, but your car’s cooling system does more than keep the engine running cool: It also cools the transmission fluid, through a heat exchanger built into the radiator tank. So a faulty cooling system cannot only damage your engine; it can reduce transmission life as well. In fact, transmission damage may occur long before the engine overheats. To avoid both engine and transmission problems, keep your car’s cooling system clean and in tip-top condition.

Tune the Engine

The engines and transmissions in today’s cars are linked far more closely than in the past. A problem with engine performance can put much more strain on the transmission than one that’s running properly. That’s another reason why it’s important to keep your car’s engine in good running order. A good running engine reduces the stress on your transmission, so the transmission can last longer without requiring major repairs.

Help the Transmission Shift

Virtually all transmission wear takes place during the shifts; almost none occurs between the shifts. So one way to reduce transmission wear is to reduce the load during the shift. Pay attention to the speed when your transmission shifts normally. Then, just before the normal shift speed, learn to back off the gas just a bit. Easing off the gas will force the shift, while reducing the load on the clutches: A sure way to improve transmission life.

Take Your Transmission to Absolute Transmission

One of the best ways to get more life out of your transmission is to have it serviced regularly at Absolute Transmission, an ATRA member repair center.