Regular Transmission Service: Know the Why!
For a lot of people, the economy continues to present its financial challenges. Because budgets are tight, many vehicle owners need to hold onto their current vehicle a little longer than they had planned. This makes it important to take care of the smallest details of vehicle maintenance, including transmission service. This will ensure you keep your car or truck in peak operating performance and prevent a more costly transmission repair.
However, if you keep your vehicle long enough, it will eventually require some form of transmission service. Because the engine and transmission are vital components of your vehicle, you can avoid premature transmission repair by becoming an informed vehicle owner.
Causes of failure:
- Overheating - Most transmission problems stem from overheating. Towing heavy loads, rocking the vehicle back and forth when stuck, stop-and-go driving, driving in extremely hot weather, or racing, can cause overheating. When the transmission fluid overheats, it will oxidize, lose its lubricating qualities, leave deposits, and look dark and dirty, with a strong burnt smell. The continued exposure to heat can cause the rubber seals of the O-rings to become hard and brittle and the metal parts to warp causing valves to stick.
- Design flaws, inferior parts, poor repair, lack of maintenance – Some transmissions are just better built than others. The newer units seem to function better than their counterparts of years ago. Sometimes a transmission repair is just not performed properly. The wrong kind of transmission fluid can also cause problems.
How to prevent problems:
- Check for leaks - Regularly check your parking space for leaks. If you see any fluid under your car, be sure to get the leak fixed before lack of oil or fluid can cause a more expensive repair.
- Check the transmission fluid level - check your owner's manual for instructions on how to check the fluid level. If the level is too low, schedule a transmission service to make sure it is filled to the correct level.
- Change the transmission fluid – Follow the schedule in your owner's manual or when the fluid becomes too dark or dirty. Use only the type specified in your manual or on the dipstick.
- Proper shifting - Never shift to Reverse or Park at high engine RPMs. Wait until the car comes to a complete stop.
- Proper Towing - Check your owner's manual for the proper way to tow your vehicle. In many cars, the automatic transmission can be damaged if towing with the drive wheels on the road. Consider installing an additional cooler if towing a heavy trailer. It's also advisable to have transmission fluid changed more often when towing a trailer.
You can prevent, or at the very least, postpone unnecessary transmission repair by becoming a knowledgeable vehicle owner!
Looking for expert transmission repair? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Care Auto by calling 507-625-8005, or go on-line at www.expresscareautomn.com for more information about our transmission service. Our auto repair shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
For a lot of people, the economy continues to present its financial challenges. Because budgets are tight, many vehicle owners need to hold onto their current vehicle a little longer than they had planned. This makes it important to take care of the smallest details of vehicle maintenance, including transmission service. This will ensure you keep your car or truck in peak operating performance and prevent a more costly transmission repair.
However, if you keep your vehicle long enough, it will eventually require some form of transmission service. Because the engine and transmission are vital components of your vehicle, you can avoid premature transmission repair by becoming an informed vehicle owner.
Causes of failure:
- Overheating - Most transmission problems stem from overheating. Towing heavy loads, rocking the vehicle back and forth when stuck, stop-and-go driving, driving in extremely hot weather, or racing, can cause overheating. When the transmission fluid overheats, it will oxidize, lose its lubricating qualities, leave deposits, and look dark and dirty, with a strong burnt smell. The continued exposure to heat can cause the rubber seals of the O-rings to become hard and brittle and the metal parts to warp causing valves to stick.
- Design flaws, inferior parts, poor repair, lack of maintenance – Some transmissions are just better built than others. The newer units seem to function better than their counterparts of years ago. Sometimes a transmission repair is just not performed properly. The wrong kind of transmission fluid can also cause problems.
How to prevent problems:
- Check for leaks - Regularly check your parking space for leaks. If you see any fluid under your car, be sure to get the leak fixed before lack of oil or fluid can cause a more expensive repair.
- Check the transmission fluid level - check your owner's manual for instructions on how to check the fluid level. If the level is too low, schedule a transmission service to make sure it is filled to the correct level.
- Change the transmission fluid – Follow the schedule in your owner's manual or when the fluid becomes too dark or dirty. Use only the type specified in your manual or on the dipstick.
- Proper shifting - Never shift to Reverse or Park at high engine RPMs. Wait until the car comes to a complete stop.
- Proper Towing - Check your owner's manual for the proper way to tow your vehicle. In many cars, the automatic transmission can be damaged if towing with the drive wheels on the road. Consider installing an additional cooler if towing a heavy trailer. It's also advisable to have transmission fluid changed more often when towing a trailer.
You can prevent, or at the very least, postpone unnecessary transmission repair by becoming a knowledgeable vehicle owner!
Looking for expert transmission repair? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Care Auto by calling 507-625-8005, or go on-line at www.expresscareautomn.com for more information about our transmission service. Our auto repair shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
