A healthy transmission means a better driving experience and a longer lifespan for your vehicle. Transmission repairs can be some of the most expensive, so not only will extending the life of your car’s transmission leads to a better driving experience, but it’s also likely to save you money in the long run on transmission repairs. If you want to help keep your car’s transmission as healthy as possible, we have three key tips to follow. Though there’s no guarantee you won’t run into transmission trouble, these tips will help keep your transmission as healthy as possible.
Looking for the right mechanic to help with transmission maintenance and repairs? Visit your local AAMCO Louisville transmission shop and our expert mechanics will help keep your car’s essential systems running at their best.
1. Keep Up with a Regular Transmission Maintenance Schedule
As with any essential system in your car, the transmission requires regular maintenance services to stay healthy and operational. Consult your owner’s manual for your car manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and stick to that as closely as possible. However, most modern cars should have their transmission serviced roughly every 30,000 miles and transmission fluid should be replaced about every 30,000-100,000 miles, depending on the type of transmission.
Healthy transmission fluid keeps moving parts lubricated and aids in smooth gear shifts, so you’re likely to notice if you get behind on your transmission maintenance schedule.
Between Transmission Maintenance Services, Keep an Eye on Your Transmission Fluid
You’ll likely go years in between transmission maintenance services, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still keep an eye on your transmission’s health. Aside from looking out for signs of transmission trouble, it’s smart to keep an eye on your transmission fluid. Much like the engine oil dipstick, most modern cars have another dipstick to check the level and condition of transmission fluid. If your transmission fluid level becomes low or the fluid looks contaminated, it’s time to schedule a transmission service.
2. Stick to Driving Habits That are Easy on Your Transmission
The way you drive has an impact on more than just other drivers on the road around you. Many of your car’s systems benefit from healthy driving habits, but the transmission in particular can become more worn, depending on how you drive. You probably know that city driving leads to lower fuel economy, but it can also cause extra wear on your transmission. While you can’t always avoid city driving or stop-and-go traffic, you can still avoid certain habits.
Aggressive Driving and Excessive Revving Wear on the Transmission
Traffic is frustrating – but the more aggressively you drive, the more strain you put on your car’s engine and transmission. Avoid driving with a lead foot, slamming on the brakes, and any other driving habit that causes excessive engine revving. Not only can these habits cause wear and damage to parts in the transmission, but they can also potentially cause overheating if there are already other problems with your car’s transmission, such as low or old transmission fluid.
3. Make Sure Your Car’s Cooling System is in Good Shape
Our final recommendation has to do with another essential system in your car: the cooling system. This system is responsible for maintaining a healthy operating temperature for the engine. It does so by circulating coolant through the engine, out to the radiator, and back. Each time it cycles through the engine, it absorbs heat and draws it out to the radiator where it’s cooled again. When this process happens as it should, both the engine and transmission benefit.
Both the Engine and Transmission Depend on a Healthy Cooling System
Because the engine and transmission work so closely together, if the engine is overheating, it’s likely to cause the transmission to overheat as well. Aside from low or contaminated transmission fluid causing the transmission to overheat, a cooling system in need of maintenance is most likely to cause the transmission to overheat, leading to extra wear and tear on parts. Keep up with regular cooling system maintenance, including coolant replacement, and you’ll help extend the life of your car’s transmission.
Trust AAMCO Louisville’s Transmission Repair Services
The expert mechanics at your local AAMCO Louisville transmission shop are here to help with any auto repair service your car may need. Whether your transmission needs attention or you’re due for regular maintenance, our mechanics will help ensure all of your car’s essential systems are running smoothly. Schedule an appointment with us today!