The transmission is one of the most complex and expensive components of any vehicle. In addition, it is also one of the most important as the engine could not transfer power to the driveshaft, axles, and wheels without it. As such, if your transmission begins to experience issues, your only option will be to either scrap the vehicle completely or repair or replace the transmission—which can often cost thousands of dollars. To avoid spending a considerable amount of money on a transmission repair or replacement, follow these tips on how to get the most out of your transmission. While no transmission lasts forever, this guide will help you learn how to increase its lifespan.
Check and Change Transmission Fluid Regularly
One of the most common causes of transmission issues is low or contaminated transmission fluid. Transmission fluid serves numerous important responsibilities when it comes to the operation of the transmission. In addition to lubricating various moving parts and preventing premature wear and tear, transmission fluid also prevents overheating which can permanently damage the transmission.
If there is not an ample amount of transmission fluid in the transmission or if the fluid has become contaminated, it will not be able to flow throughout the system properly and fulfill its many important duties. In such a case, significant wear and tear or even a complete transmission failure will likely occur. As such, it’s important to check your transmission fluid and change it regularly. Typically, transmission fluid should be replaced every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. However, you may need to replace it more frequently depending on the model of your vehicle, your driving habits, and other factors.
Conduct Thorough Annual Inspections
Don’t wait until your transmission shows signs of a serious issue before taking it in for an inspection. One of the best ways to prolong the lifespan of this important vehicle component is by taking it to a mechanic for a thorough annual inspection.
As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In other words, identifying any potential problems in your transmission and resolving them early on is far easier than trying to repair significant damage after it has already occurred.
By getting a thorough annual transmission inspection, you can identify any problem areas and rectify the issues before they get out of hand. When a serious transmission repair or replacement can cost upwards of a thousand dollars, paying for a quick yearly inspection doesn’t seem too bad.
Be Proactive About Problems
Vehicle issues pretty much always occur at the worst times. However, it is important not to put off resolving a problem until it is convenient. If you notice that your transmission is leaking, making strange noises, or shifting strangely, take your vehicle into a mechanic immediately.
The longer you wait to seek out help, the worse the problem will likely become. In many cases, small, easily resolvable issues can turn into large, expensive problems simply because they weren’t tended to quick enough. If you want your transmission to last, it’s important to address any potential issues as quickly as possible before extensive permanent damage is done.
Use Your Parking Brake
Your parking brake isn’t there for decoration. When parking on a hill or other type of incline, make sure to set the parking brake in place. In addition to preventing your vehicle from rolling downhill, doing so will also reduce the amount of pressure and stress placed on the transmission and other drive components. Using your parking brake is especially important if you have a manual transmission, as leaving the car in gear will only make the vehicle harder to move rather than lock the transmission.
To set your parking brake correctly, stop your car using your primary brakes and set your parking brake. Then put your car in park and turn off your engine. Often, people make the mistake of doing this process backwards by putting the car in park before setting the parking brake.
Break Bad Driving Habits
Your driving habits can have a large impact on the lifespan of your transmission. For example, shifting or putting your car into park before coming to a complete stop can place a lot of stress on your transmission’s delicate gearbox and may lead to serious issues.
In addition, starting your car and immediately pulling out of the driveway when the weather is cold should be avoided. If the transmission doesn’t have enough time to warm up to an adequate operating temperature, it will likely experience premature wear and tear overtime. In order to keep your transmission in good shape, it’s important to try to break your bad driving habits.
Get Your Cooling System Services
Another tip on how to get the most out of your transmission is to get your cooling system serviced. In addition to preventing your vehicle's engine from overheating, your cooling system also helps keep your transmission from overheating as well by cooling its transmission fluid. If your transmission overheats, it could incur substantial damage or fail completely. As such, it’s imperative to ensure that your car’s cooling system is working properly. To do so, consider having it serviced around every 30,000 miles depending on the instructions in your vehicle's owner’s manual.
Change Your Transmission Filter Regularly
Not all transmissions have a filter to collect particles and other contaminants that may accumulate in the transmission fluid. However, if your vehicle does, you will need to change the filter regularly to keep the transmission fluid in good condition. To determine if your vehicle has a transmission filter that requires regular changing, consult your owner’s manual.
Regardless of how well you take care of your transmission, it is normal for the component to experience some wear and tear over time. In some cases, purchasing a replacement part may be necessary to keep your transmission in good condition. Transparts Warehouse is a leading provider of high-quality transmission replacement parts—from transfer case parts to transmission coolers. To find the part that you need to get your transmission running smoothly, shop our extensive online collection today.
