Transmission maintenance helps keep your car running smoothly, often extending the life of both your transmission and engine. More importantly, it can save you a ton of money. Did you know that replacing your transmission is one of the most costly repairs you’ll ever make on your vehicle? Depending on your make and model, these expensive transmission repairs and replacements can cost you anywhere from $1500 to $5000.
Having your system fail won’t just lead to costly transmission repairs; it can also cause other problems with the engine, such as overheating and breakdowns. If you want to protect yourself on the road and avoid some repair bills, follow this guide for routine transmission maintenance.
Check Your Transmission Fluid
Periodically checking your transmission fluid is an effective way to monitor your transmission’s health at home. A burnt smell or a dark, cloudy fluid is a clear indication that you need transmission services. Remember to take note of the fluid levels as lower than usual levels can be the first sign of a leak.
Get Regular Transmission Flushes
Routinely flushing your fluids will keep your system healthy and help to prevent a future transmission repair. It’s best to leave this to a local professional who can suggest how often your transmission should be flushed based on your local temperatures and how often you drive your vehicle. If you’re in the Maine area, we’d be happy to help you set up a proper schedule.
Routinely Service Your Cooling System
Your cooling system doesn’t just keep your engine from overheating; it also cools your transmission fluids and helps maintain their optimal temperature. If their temperature isn’t maintained, your transmission will struggle to change gears smoothly, which can cause some severe damage. When getting your transmission serviced, be sure to include a cooling system inspection as well.
Let Your Car Warm Up Before Driving
While it’s always recommended to let the engine heat up for at least 30 seconds before driving, it’s even more important during the colder months. During Maine’s winter season, we recommend giving your car a good minute to warm up. This lets the fluids warm-up, ensuring that your gears will be nice and lubricated before you hit the road.
Avoid Towing If Your Vehicle Isn’t Made For It
Unless you’ve got a big powerful truck, you’re going to want to avoid using your vehicle for heavy-duty tasks like hauling or towing. These wreak havoc on your transmission, causing the fluid to heat up or even burn during extreme conditions.
Don’t Rely Heavily On Your Spare Tire
Spare tires are handy when you need them, but they actually make your transmission have to work a lot harder. When using a spare tire, your car’s weight isn’t evenly distributed across all 4 tires, so your transmission and engine need to work much harder to get your vehicle moving.
Regular Inspections Are a Must
The most important part of your transmission maintenance is scheduling a routine transmission service with your trusted auto technician. If you’re in the Maine area, the technicians at Berube’s Complete Auto Care provide all of the essential transmission services to keep your car’s transmission healthy, so get in touch today.
If you suspect any trouble, our professionals will diagnose the issue and provide you with solutions that fit your situation. If you’re looking for Maine transmission services from an auto shop you can trust, Berube’s is here to help.