A vehicle’s transmission is the system that enables the vehicle to change gears at different speeds. The transmission is an essential component of the vehicle and must be taken care of to ensure the vehicle functions properly. Check out these five tips for keeping your automatic transmission up and running.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
With any vehicle, it’s important to always schedule routine vehicle maintenance. Keeping your vehicle on a consistent maintenance schedule is the only way to make sure that all vehicle fluids are filled to the appropriate levels and that your vehicle is performing as it should.
Let the professionals run a checkup on your vehicle every so often just in case there are any problems. With regularly scheduled maintenance, potential problems could be caught early on, saving you money on repairs in the long run.
Check the Transmission Fluid
It’s important to have the transmission fluid checked periodically. Similar to checking the vehicle’s oil, all you have to do is pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, put it back in, wait a moment, and then pull it out to check the fluid level. You’ll also need to check if the fluid is dark or smells bad, as this could be a sign of a more serious problem.
Get the Engine Cooling System Serviced
The cooling system is vital to the vehicle, as it helps prevent the engine from overheating and helps cool down the transmission fluid. In order to keep all parts of the vehicle in good working order, it’s best to have the vehicle’s engine cooling system serviced every so often. Transmission and engine repairs can be incredibly expensive, so it’s a good idea to keep everything under the hood in optimal condition.
Don’t Change Gears While the Car is Moving
It’s harmful to the vehicle if you change gears while the car is still moving because it puts excess strain on the transmission. To take care of your automatic transmission, be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop before you change gears. For example, you want the car to be completely stopped before you switch from reverse to drive.
Preventative Maintenance
There are some preventative maintenance steps that you can follow to keep your vehicle’s transmission healthy. First, have your transmission inspected by a professional annually. The service professional will check the transmission for leaking or other problems and will also check the transmission fluid’s level, color, and smell.
Second, it’s better to let your vehicle warm up for a few minutes before you drive, especially in the wintertime. This is important because it lets the engine run and gets everything moving before you begin driving.
Whether you’re a novice or a professional regarding cars, it’s important to learn how to take care of your vehicle so it continues to run in tip-top shape. With these tips, you’ll be able to keep your vehicle’s transmission in good working order for years to come.
Image Via Flickr by Daniel Hartwig under use of CC BY 2.0
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