Luxury vehicles are no different than other cars in one regard — they require routine maintenance to stay at top performance. Since most luxury car owners can’t resist testing their car’s powerful engines on the open road, this is especially true for transmission care. Whether you drive a Porsche® or a Ferrari®, here are some luxury vehicle maintenance tips for keeping your transmission in fantastic condition.

How to Keep Your Transmission in Good Condition

1. Follow the Maintenance Schedule

All car manufacturers publish a recommended maintenance schedule for the vehicles they produce, and while it might differ from make and model, you’ll find those recommendations in the owner’s manual. Transmission fluids usually must be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, and the correct transmission fluid must be used for your luxury car. A mechanic experienced in luxury vehicle maintenance should follow the recommendations from the car manufacturer.

2. Never Switch to Reverse While Moving

A transmission uses energy produced by the engine to turn the car’s wheels each time you apply pressure to the gas pedal. Your transmission receives its cues from the gear shift, so suddenly reversing while you’re driving can jolt and strain your car’s transmission, putting unnecessary wear and tear on its moving parts. Slow to a stop before putting the car in reverse.

3. Apply the Hand Brake When You Park on Inclines

Your transmission can suffer strain when it’s parked on a hill or other incline. Anytime a car is placed into park, a device called a parking pawl engages inside the transmission to prevent the wheels from turning. Parking pawls can break, causing vehicles to roll down the street. Engage the hand brake and turn the wheels toward the curb so your vehicle doesn’t roll down the hill.

If you need luxury vehicle maintenance in Saint Louis, MO, you can rely on the experts at Reid Vann Luxury Import Specialists for quick service and repairs. Their ASE®-certified technicians specialize in tuneups, alignments, and chassis repairs and services. Call (314) 968-4100 to make an appointment or visit them online to learn more about their services.