Transmissions are heavy duty pieces of equipment that are designed to last a long time. But like any other machine, they’ll eventually wear out and need repair. So let’s focus on what you can do to push that day off as far as possible.
The first thing you can do is to make sure your transmission always has enough fluid. Transmission fluid cools and lubricates; when there’s not enough fluid, it will run hotter and wear out sooner. The fluid also provides the pressure needed to transfer power from the engine to the transmission. Not enough fluid, and your transmission won’t shift properly.
Your service center will check your transmission fluid level with a full service oil change and top it off if needed. If you see any fluid on the driveway – it’s a reddish color – have us inspect it for a leak. A gasket, hose or seal could be leaking and may need to be repaired.
Replace transmission fluids on schedule
The next thing you can do to prolong the life of your transmission is to replace the fluid on schedule. As you can imagine, all those gears grinding on each other result in lots of little bits of metal in the fluid. The more there is, the faster the parts will wear out. Transmission fluid also contains detergents and other additives to protect your it. These additives are depleted over time, so old fluid doesn’t protect as well as new fluid. Your owner’s manual or service advisor will have a recommendation for when you should have a transmission service.
If your vehicle isn’t shifting as smoothly as it should, or if you suspect a leak, let us take a look at it and ask if it’s time for a service. Regular maintenance and taking care of small leaks right away will help your transmission last as long as possible.
The Auto Clinic is committed to providing the very best in automotive maintenance and repair services while providing five-star customer service. If you have any questions about the content above, please call one of our service professionals at 816-347-9700. We are honored to be your auto repair choice. We look forward to servicing your vehicle.