When was the last time you checked your transmission fluid? Most people don’t. In fact, many vehicle owners don’t do much to maintain or prevent problems with their vehicle’s transmission. I get it. Car maintenance can sometimes feel like you’re spending money needlessly. However, preventive maintenance is far from being a needless expenditure of time and money. In fact, the money you spend on properly maintaining your transmission is much less than the cost of transmission repair or replacement. In this blog post, I’ll outline the 8 things you must do to help avoid transmission repair problems.

1. Check the level, color and smell of your transmission fluid regularly. Follow the instructions in your owner’s manual to check the fluid level. In most cases, you’ll check the fluid level with the engine running (and at operating temperature) and the transmission in “park.” If the fluid level is low, add fluid. It’s important to note that you should use ONLY the type of fluid recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. With respect to the color and smell of the transmission fluid it should be red (not black or brown) and not smell like its burnt.
2. Have the transmission fluid and filter replaced on a regular schedule. Transmission fluid and filter changes should be done at least every 25,000 to 30,000 miles. If you are using your vehicle for towing or carrying a heavy load, you’ll want to change the fluid and filter more often. Remember, it’s important to use the proper type of transmission fluid – one that’s meant specifically for your vehicle. If you have an older vehicle or one with high mileage and you’ve never changed the fluid or filter, ask us before having this service performed. Sometimes a fluid/filter change can cause problems with older transmissions that haven’t been maintained.
3. Don’t overfill your transmission. Follow the instructions in your owner’s manual very carefully when checking the level and adding transmission fluid. If you overfill the transmission, the fluid may foam leading to erratic gear shifting and possible damage.
4. Don’t tow in overdrive. If your vehicle has an automatic overdrive transmission, you have to make sure you turn off the overdrive when towing. Not doing so may cause excessive shifting between overdrive and the next lower gear. Locking out the overdrive will eliminate unnecessary shifting and can provide steadier performance.
5. Don’t overload your vehicle when towing. All that extra weight from towing makes the transmission work hard. If you tow too much weight, the transmission can overheat resulting in serious damage.
6. Avoid “rocking” between gears if your vehicle gets stuck in sand, snow or mud. Quickly shifting back and forth between gears causes excessive heat and can burn out a transmission. If your vehicle is stuck, either dig it or or have it towed.
7. Use your emergency brake, especially when you park on a hill. Doing so reduces stress on the parking pawl (pin).
8. If you are having any problems with your transmission, have it looked at by a professional right away. By taking care of small problems as soon as you notice them, you’ll be able to avoid a major transmission repair issue down the road.

photo credit: Automatic Gear Shift, Hyundai Elantra via photopin (license)