The fall is the perfect time to get your transmission serviced, as the colder months will often bring rise to problems that end up being far more costly than they would have been if preventative measures had been taken. At Northgate Transmissions in Cincinnati, OH, their automotive experts suggest taking certain precautions prior to winter so that an expensive transmission replacement won’t be necessary down the line. The hydraulic systems of automatic vehicles are more complex than those in manual cars, and ultimately require more attention.

What Transmission Service Preventative Measures Should You Take?

Check Transmission Fluid Levels

Locate the transmission fluid dipstick, and check regularly to be sure your car isn’t running low on fluid. You can monitor this by removing the dipstick, wiping it clean with a rag, and putting it back inside the transmission fluid retainer. When you pull the dipstick out the second time, you will be able to measure the level of the liquid. Your vehicle’s dipstick should indicate what level the transmission fluid should be at for your car to run properly.

Check Transmission Fluid Condition

When checking the levels of your car’s transmission fluid, you should also check it’s condition. Your car’s manual will inform you if the car needs to be in park or neutral, as well as what temperature the transmission should be at before you can get an accurate reading. After you’ve met your car manual’s specifications, you can pull out the transmission dipstick and smell the fluid. Some things to look out for are discoloration or the smell of other call liquids such as gas or coolant, as this means there is possibly a leak somewhere. Your car will likely need transmission service if the dipstick smells burnt, as this means your vehicle has been overheating and needs to be looked at by an expert.

Get a Transmission Flush

A transmission flush requires a special machine and can be done at any transmission shop. It’s performed to clear out most of the old transmission fluid, taking a lot of the grime along with it. Depending on how old the transmission fluid is, a cleaning solution might be required as well. Fresh fluid is then put in, making the transmission almost as good as new.

If you need assistance taking preventative measures with your vehicle’s transmission, the experts at Northgate Transmissions can provide transmission service for any of your vehicles this fall. Their automotive technicians are honest and go out of their way to ensure each and every customer understands what they’re paying for. To schedule your appointment, call them at (513) 385-4400 or visit their website for more information.