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The automatic transmission is one of the most complicated and consequently one of the less reliable parts of the vehicle. The repair of an automatic transmission is complex and tends to be quite expensive. More than that, automatic transmission problem can make your car unsafe - some transmission defects may cause, for example, that the car may roll in the Parking mode or drive forward in Neutral mode. On the other hand, if taking a good care of, your transmission can last you really long with no significant problems.
In this article you may find some simple tips how to
prevent your automatic transmission from damage and keep it in a good shape.
Have you ever looked in your vehicle owner's
manual? Try, it's a best source of information on your vehicle
maintenance. You will be amazed how many useful info you may find in
this book! Having more questions? Don't know what type of the fluid
to use? - just call local dealership service department and ask them,
they have all the information and they will be pleased to help you.
DON'T OVERFILL Too much fluid in your transmission will put extra heat and pressure. WHEN CHECKING AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS Make sure the engine is running, the car is fully warmed up, and on a level surface. BE AWARE OF THE COLOR If the automatic transmission fluid is brown or has a burnt odor, make sure to change it. If the fluid is red it should be fine for usage. FOLLOW RECOMMENDATIONS Drain and refill the transmission according to the manufacturer's handbook. As a general rule, 15,000 miles or 12 months is a good idea. KEEP CHECKING Every 3 months, verify the transmission fluid. Also, regularly check your parking space for leaks.
What can damage your automatic transmission Most of the transmission troubles start after overheating. Under heavy load, such as towing a heavy trailer, rocking the vehicle from the snow, having continuous stop and go traffic in hot weather, racing, etc. transmission overheats. [A friend of mine burnt the transmission after he was accelerating too hard freeing his shiny Audi from the snow on the next day after he bought it!] At higher temperature the transmission fluid burns loosing its lubricating qualities and becomes oxidized leaving deposits all over inside the transmission. Exposed to the heat the rubber seals and gaskets inside the transmission become hardened causing leaks. The metal parts warp and loose their strength. All this, sooner or later, results in transmission failure. However, this is not the only reason - sometimes transmission break down just because of poor design, or after being rebuilt by inexperienced technician. Few other cases that can cause an automatic transmission damage: - bad driving - too low or too high transmission fluid level - wrong transmission fluid type
How to prevent the transmission from damage
- Always check your parking space for leaks. Doesn't matter is it the engine oil leak, power steering fluid or transmission fluid - if you discover any, get it fixed before it caused something serious. - Once in a while check the transmission fluid level and condition. - If the level is too low, there is a leak somewhere that needs to be fixed. - Change the fluid as often as it said in your owner's manual or when it becomes too dark (rather brown than red) or dirty. Also, keep in mind that an automatic transmission can not be drained completely - there is always some transmission fluid left inside the transmission (the torque converter, in the valve body, etc.) which means you only can change about 60% of the fluid at once. This is one more reason to change it more often. - Use only the same type of the transmission fluid as specified in the owner's manual or on the dipstick. Some vehicles (eg. Dodge Caravan) are very sensitive to fluid type - Never shift to the Reverse or Parking until the car comes to a complete stop. - Never shift from the Parking mode when engine rpm is higher than normal idle. - Always hold a brakes down when shifting from Parking. - WHEN DRIVING UPHILL OR TOWING THE TRAILER Accelerate very gradually, since many transmissions defects are the result of too heavy load. - The automatic transmission can be damaged if towing with the drive wheels on the road. Always use a dolly or place powered wheels on the towing platform (if the vehicle is front wheel drive - tow it from the front leaving rear wheels on the road.) At higher temperature the transmission fluid burns loosing its lubricating qualities and becomes oxidized leaving deposits all over inside the transmission. Exposed to the heat, the rubber seals and gaskets inside the transmission become hardened causing leaks. The metal parts warp and loose their strength. All this, sooner or later, results in transmission failure.
How to use overdrive
Generally speaking, overdrive (O/D) is the highest
gear in the transmission. On most cars the automatic transmission has
3 speeds and Overdrive (forth speed). Overdrive allows the
engine to have less rpm with higher speed in order to have better
fuel efficiency. When you switch it on, you allow the transmission to
shift into overdrive mode after the certain speed is reached (usually
30 - 40 mph depending on the load). In normal driving condition the overdrive should be always on. You may need to switch it off if you drive in mountains area. The automatic transmission automatically shifts from OD to the 3-th gear when it feel more load. When it feels less load it shifts back to the O/D, but under certain conditions, e.g: driving uphill or towing a trailer, the transmission can not decide to stay in OD or to shift into 3-th speed and it starts to shift back and forth. That's the time you may switch it off and help the transmission to decide.
You also may need to switch it off when you want to
slowdown using the engine braking, for example, driving downhill.
Servicing your transmission I'd recommend to go for a service to your car make dealer - they have original parts, they know exactly what type of the fluid to use and their technicians are highly trained to service particular vehicle model. Even if you go to the independent garage, always ask to use original parts - sometimes, the aftermarket parts are not of as good quality as original.
When it's time to go to the transmission shop If you experience any problems with your transmission such as leaks, noises, problems with shifing, etc. (Follow this link to learn more: • How to check transmission fluid) - don't wait until the problem will become worse and car will finally stop somewhere on a highway, visit your trusted local transmission shop. Automatic transmission problems never disappear by themselves. Also, when going for the repair, try to explain to service person more detailed - what exactly problem you experience, when it happens, what does it look like. It will be easier for them to repair the transmission. Before going to the transmission shop for the repair ask them about the warranty - the longer warranty they will give you, the better will be the repair.
Related Topics: Know if Your Car Has a Fluid Leak Check Brake Fluid Check Power Steering Fluid Check Windshield Wiper Fluid Check Your Oil
DISCLAIMER: PLEASE READ - By printing, downloading, or using you agree to our full terms. Review the full terms by clicking here. Below is a summary of some of the terms. If you do not agree to the full terms, do not use the information. We are only publishers of this material, not authors. Information may have errors or be outdated. Some information is from historical sources or represents opinions of the author. It is for research purposes only. The information is "AS IS", "WITH ALL FAULTS". User assumes all risk of use, damage, or injury. You agree that we have no liability for any damages. We are not liable for any consequential, incidental, indirect, or special damages. You indemnify us for claims caused by you. I am in no way, shape, or form telling you to do this yourself. Your results may vary. If something goes wrong, it is not my fault. These are just guidelines.
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