Two of the main components of your car is the engine and transmission. When one of these components fails and you have to replace them it will likely be an expensive repair. We’ve covered some topics on helping your engine last longer and tips that you can do so we decided to also include an article on getting the most out of your transmission as well. You can follow these tips to get better service from your transmission and to avoid costly repairs that will sometimes occur if you don’t properly service your transmission like you should.
Tips to Make Your Car’s Transmission Last Longer
Even when your transmission is performing as it should you still need to check the owner’s manual of the vehicle to see when the recommended service for the transmission is. You may think the transmission is doing well but it could be on borrowed time. Make sure to always get the transmission serviced per the manufacturer’s specifications as listed in the owners manual. This is true even if the car’s transmission is working as it should. Chances are your transmission’s filter is in need of changing by this time as well.
Look for Signs of Trouble with Your Transmission
Sometimes transmission problems will show up without any sort of warning and completely fail. While this is the case with some cars it’s certainly not true with all of them. Most transmissions will start showing signs of failure long before they fail completely. This may be from shifting harder to revving more and more to jumping in and out of gear. It may also take more time for the car to go into reverse or drive from park and take an extra second or two to get going. In either case, these are some of the first signs of transmission problems. Getting service during this time may actually be able to prevent further damage to your transmission and you’ll need to get it checked.
In either case, these are some of the first signs of transmission problems. Getting service during this time may actually be able to prevent further damage to your transmission and you’ll need to get it checked.
Get Your Transmission Fluid Checked with Each Service
Most cars today don’t have a way for car owners to check the transmission fluid level. So when you get your oil changed and your car serviced be sure to ask to get the transmission fluid checked as well. Most service repair shops will charge extra for this but it can give you a bit of peace of mind for your transmission.
Take It Easy on Your Transmission
Some of the problems that occur in the transmission are caused by improper driving. Sometimes we try to shave an extra second here and there when we’re driving and it can really damage the transmission. Some of the biggest problems that drivers will do is shifting from reverse to drive while the car is still moving backward without stopping first. They may also shift the car into park before it fully stops. Also revving the engine then shifting to drive can be problematic. All these actions can put a lot of stress and strain on the transmission and cause it to fail prematurely.
Don’t Forget About Transmission Service
Checking the owners manual of your car will tell you the recommended service interval for transmission service. You may also be advised with a dashboard message as well on some models. Getting your transmission serviced can help your transmission perform as it should and keep your car running smoothly.
Transmission Problems Will Cause More Fuel Usage
One thing that many people don’t consider when having transmission problems is that it can cause your car to use more fuel than usual. Because shifting is usually done later it allows the engine to rev higher and shifting later does this as well.
Get it Checked When There is Problems
If you suspect your transmission is giving problems and you live in the Southgate Michigan area be sure to stop by Good Care Auto. They have fully certified mechanics in Southgate MI standing by to help get your car back into good working order and on the road again. Give them a call to learn more at 734-285-1188