When it comes to automotive maintenance, a car’s engine often gets the most attention. However, the transmission is the most complex mechanical part of most modern cars, requiring its fair share of care and maintenance as well. Even the bravest home mechanics will avoid doing major repairs on their transmission. So how can you ensure your transmission doesn't break down?

4 Ways to Ensure Your Transmission Lasts

1. Monitor & Replace Your Fluids

Pulling the dipstick to check transmission fluid every few thousand miles is a great idea. When doing so, you’ll want to ensure two things: Your fluids are full and light in color. Over tens of thousands of miles, you shouldn’t notice a decrease in fluid levels, but you will find that the pinkish-red fluid will become darker. If your levels are low or the color darkens, you will want to schedule an appointment to have your transmission’s fluid, filter, and gasket replaced. 

2. Check Your Owner’s Manual

Like getting your oil changed, your transmission will also require regular maintenance. While some Chrysler products require maintenance every 30,000 miles, some Ford trucks can go 100,000 miles before needing service. Under extreme conditions, you should consider servicing every 12,000 to 18,000 miles. Remember that although some manufacturers claim life time fluid, your transmission rarely will be warrantied for life. It all depends on the make and model of your vehicle. If you are unsure how often these appointments should occur, check your owner’s manual. This information will likely be included in the section on maintenance or the pages dedicated to your transmission. 

3. Avoid Excessive Strain

The easier you are on your transmission, the longer it will last. To treat your transmission well, ensure the vehicle is all the way in gear before accelerating, avoid switching quickly between gears when stuck in the mud or snow, and only accelerate quickly when you absolutely must. Anything that makes your transmission work harder will produce additional heat, causing seals and fluid to break down faster. 

4. Know How to Tow

For larger vehicles, towing can be a part of the vehicle’s purpose. However, the more weight the vehicle needs to pull, the harder the transmission will need to work. When towing exceptionally heavy objects, like a trailer or another vehicle, avoid using overdrive (the highest gear). Like trying to pedal uphill in high gear on a bike, the transmission will work hard to pull the extra weight. A lower gear will lessen the strain and make pulling the added weight a breeze.

For more information on how to ensure your transmission is working properly, contact Pearl City Transmission at (808) 671-8767. Located in Waipahu, HI, their ASE- and ATRA-certified technicians will ensure your vehicle continues to shift free and easy for years to come. You can also find them on Facebook or Yelp.