4 Tips for Taking Care of Your Automatic Transmission

In order to provide drivers with maximum control over their driving and to allow them to reach high speeds, there is a complex system of gears that adjust the level of torque delivered to wheels. The system that manages these gear transitions is your transmission, which is often automatic and does this job without much driver input.

Though transmissions don’t require quite the same amount of attention as your tires, for example, regular servicing and transmission fluid management is vital. The transmission is, after all, essential for your car to function. To help you manage it well, here are some tips for taking care of your automatic transmission.

Check Your Transmission Fluid

Checking your transmission fluid regularly is the most important tip for taking care of your automatic transmission. To do this, first check your manufacturer manual. For most cars, you should check your transmission fluid with the car running and in park, but there are some exceptions. Some car manuals recommend checking your fluid when the car is at operating temperature but off during inspection. Practically, checking your transmission fluid is very similar to checking your oil. Find the transmission dipstick, pull it out, wipe off the fluid that is present, then reinsert the dipstick, pulling it out again to assess your current fluid level.

Change Transmission Fluid

Eventually, your transmission fluid wears out. Though car manuals differ by model on this, many models recommend changing your transmission fluid every 60,000 miles, though that number can be lower. Bringing your car in for servicing allows professionals to flush old, contaminated transmission fluid and replace it so your transmission achieves efficient lubrication, cooling, and hydraulic pressure.

Be Mindful of When You Change Gears

One step you can take to preserve your transmission is limiting your gear changes to when you’re at a complete stop. It is not natural to change gears with your automatic transmission suddenly while the car is in use. Over time, doing so puts unnecessary strain on your transmission and shortens certain components’ overall life.

Bring Your Car in for a Transmission Assessment

If you do sense a problem when you shift gears or if servicing is due soon, visit an auto service shop to assess your transmission’s health. Transmissions experience more problems in hot environments, but on the whole, bring your car in for a transmission check about once every year.

For those in need of a transmission fluid change or other servicing, get in touch with our caring team at AutoLab. We operate an auto repair shop in Libertyville, IL, and would love to hear about your current car dilemma and work toward a solution with you.