A healthy transmission makes a happy driver. Luckily, there are a few things you can do as a driver to keep your transmission healthier for longer. Between keeping up with regular maintenance and paying attention to how you treat your car yourself, you can ensure your transmission keeps working smoothly. It’ll also help fend off major transmission repairs that can cost you a fortune.

Bad Gear Shifting Habits

No matter whether you drive an automatic transmission or manual transmission, you should be mindful of how you shift gears. Improper gear shifting can wear out your clutch and transmission quicker the usual. The faster your transmission wears out, the more likely you are to run into costly transmission repairs – and sooner.

Make Sure You Come to a Complete Stop Before Shifting into or Out of Reverse

In particular, pay attention when you shift in and out of Reverse. Any time you’re completely changing the direction in which your transmission and car move, it can easily put more strain on your transmission. If your car is still moving while you change in or out of Reverse, it can really wear down the parts in your transmission. Eventually, you may even have trouble getting your car into Reverse.

Towing Heavy Loads

Sure, some cars are built to carry heavy loads. But even they have their limits. Even if you do have a car built for towing or carrying heavy loads, it still could be putting extra strain on your transmission. This is especially true if your car isn’t really built for it and you decide to push your luck anyway. It’s best to be mindful of how often you tow heavy loads and how heavy those loads are.

Pay Close Attention to Your Manufacturer’s Recommendations for Towing

A good rule of thumb is to always check your owner’s manual for manufacturer recommendations. There should be information there about appropriate amount of weight you can tow. And in general, it’s best to err on the side of caution and aim for a bit less rather than too much. Remember, the more weight you tow, the more strain is put on your transmission.

Not Keeping an Eye on Your Transmission Fluid

With use, your transmission fluid becomes increasingly contaminated and thick. This eventually makes it difficult and even impossible for your transmission fluid to properly lubricate the parts inside your transmission. Many modern cars allow you to check your transmission fluid similarly to your engine oil, using a dipstick. You should check the level and consistency of your transmission fluid regularly.

Regular Transmission Fluid Services Prevent Extra Wear in Your Transmission

Even if you don’t keep an eye on your transmission fluid’s condition and level, your manufacturer has a recommended interval between transmission fluid services to keep your transmission operating optimally. In general, this will be every 30,000-60,000 miles and the more you do things that put strain on your transmission, the sooner you should get your transmission fluid changed.

Using the Wrong Transmission Fluid

Each car requires a specific type of transmission fluid that offers the right viscosity and additives to keep the transmission healthy. You can find the right type of transmission fluid for your car in the owner’s manual or my asking a trusted mechanic.

Incorrect Transmission Fluid Can Mean Incorrect Viscosity and Additives

If you use transmission fluid with the wrong viscosity, it can impact how well-lubricated the working parts are inside your transmission. Your transmission fluid also plays a role in moderating temperature. Without proper motion and additives, your transmission may be more prone to overheating, which will cause it to wear out faster than usual.

Ignoring Small Transmission Problems

Pay attention to how your car drives. If you notice any signs that you may have a necessary transmission repair, it’s best not to ignore it. You may want to avoid paying money to have the repair done now, but it won’t go away without the help of a trusted mechanic.

Minor Problems Can Easily End Up in Transmission Failure with Time

When you let any car problem go for too long, it can easily and sometimes quickly result in a much more serious repair. This is especially true of your transmission. Putting off a necessary transmission repair could mean you’re headed for transmission failure. Not only is this dangerous but it also means you’ll pay even more in the long run.

Need a Transmission Repair in Wichita? AAMCO is Your Transmission Shop

From major transmission repairs to simple questions about your transmission, our AAMCO Wichita mechanics are here to help no matter what your car needs. Give us a call or schedule an appointment at your nearest location online today