How to Make Your Transmission Last Longer

Everyone’s vehicle transmission will eventually wear out, but if you take proper care of it, you can make it last much longer. Simple maintenance like changing the transmission fluid at the manufacturer’s recommended intervals and checking for any leaks can prevent extensive damage. Since the transmission transfers power from the engine to the driveshafts, axles, and wheels, your car cannot function without it. To make your transmission last longer, check out these tips from Express Auto Repair.

Routine Maintenance

Most manufacturers recommend the transmission fluid be changed every 15,000 miles. However, in some cases, it may need to be changed more often. If you routinely drive on hilly terrain or frequently drive on gravel roads, you should have the transmission fluid changed more often. In addition, a certified tech should inspect your transmission at least once a year.

Drive in the Proper Gear

Whether you have a manual or automatic transmission, don’t drive in the same gear. If your vehicle is automatic and you put it in drive, you don’t have to worry about it. However, some people prefer to manually shift their automatic transmission. In this case, always make sure to shift at the right RPMs. If your vehicle is a manual, don’t drive around constantly in first gear or you will wear out the gears quicker.

Check the Transmission Fluid Levels

With an automatic transmission, you can check the fluid yourself. Be sure to check the fluid level when it is warm because it’s easier to smell bad transmission fluid that way. Since a manual doesn’t have a dipstick, a tech should check the transmission fluid at least once a year. If you need to top off your transmission fluid, make sure you use the correct fluid by checking the owner’s manual.

Completely Stop Before Shifting Gears

Before shifting gears, make sure your vehicle is at a complete stop, especially between forward and reverse gear. Not doing this, or shifting before completely stopping, will cause wear to the clutches.

Warm Up Your Vehicle

You should always allow your vehicle to warm up before shifting gears, which is especially important in the winter. The cold causes oil to thicken, making them harder to travel through the engine and transmission.

Use Parking Brake

When you park your vehicle on a hill, set the parking brake. This helps take the pressure off the parking linkage and is an important safety feature. Should your transmission pop out of parking gear, then the parking brake will prevent your vehicle from rolling down the hill.

Maintain Your Engine

Your vehicle’s engine and transmission work together. So, if the engine works hard then the transmission is going to work hard also. Taking your vehicle in for regular maintenance at their proper intervals for tune-ups, oil changes, and transmission fluid changes will help keep your vehicle in good shape.

Check Your Tires

Driving on low tires not only wears out the tires, but also adds stress to your transmission. Additionally, if you use a donut tire for a spare, it’s important to have it changed as soon as possible, because driving on different-size tires will cause wear and tear on the axles, which results in strain on the driveshafts and the transmission.

Flush the Transmission

Automatic transmissions use clutches that rub against each other whenever the transmission shifts. Slivers of the clutch material and the clutch plate get shaved off from the friction and end up in the bottom of the transmission pan. These shavings can travel in the fluid and be deposited in other important parts. A transmission flush can get rid of any debris from the clutches.

Contact Express Auto Repair

Proper maintenance and timely service can help your transmission last longer. If you need transmission service, our team at Express Auto Repair is here to help. We have a variety of services available to get your car back on the road quickly and affordably. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.