The transmission is one of the most important parts in an automobile. In additional to allowing the vehicle to shift to different gears, the transmission also transmits power from the engine to the drive train. In short, if your car's transmission is not in good repair, you will not have a reliable car that you can drive daily. Unfortunately, having to replace a transmission can result in a large repair bill. Use the following tips to extend the life of your vehicle's transmission:
Don't Ignore Small Problems
Transmissions rarely fail out of the blue--there are typically signs and symptoms of a problem. If you notice a small issue relating to your transmission you should visit a transmission repair shop as soon as possible. In many cases, if an issue is caught early it can be fixed before it become a major problem. Some common signs of transmission problems include jerking or shuddering while shifting gears, leaking transmission fluid, and a delay in movement after a gear is changed.
Schedule Regular Transmission Services
Just like the engine needs regular oil changes, a transmission needs to be serviced as well to remain in good condition. Many people neglect to get their transmission serviced according to the service schedule in the car's owners manual, which can lead to a transmission prematurely failing. During a transmission service the pan is removed and cleaned, the filter is replaced, oil transmission fluid is flushed or removed, and new transmission fluid is added. A small investment in regular transmission services can save you a lot of money in the long run and keep your transmission running smoothly for years to come.
Check the Transmission Fluid Level Often
Many transmission problems are caused by low transmission fluid levels. Transmission fluid keeps all of the parts of a transmission lubricated, so when there is not enough fluid, the components that make up the transmission can begin to grind against each other and cause damage. Checking the transmission fluid level is pretty simple--just pull out the dipstick handle that sticks out of your transmission and look to see if you can see fluid up to the line on the dipstick that indicates the proper level. If the transmission fluid level is low, it is a good idea to visit an experienced mechanic--transmission fluid does not burn off like oil, so a low fluid level may mean that you have a leak that needs to be repaired.
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