When temperatures drop, motorists can anticipate a variety of car troubles—such as flat tires, dead batteries, and failing engines. Transmissions can also be just as vulnerable to the cold. As the system that controls your speed and power, it’s critical to keep watch for common winter weather issues. To help you stay safe on the road this season, here are a few problems that can occur and how you can prevent the need for transmission repair.

What Transmission Problems Are Common in Cold Weather?

Contracting Parts

Lower temperatures can cause small parts—especially those made of metal—to contract. Even slight contractions can cause gears and other components to fail. When this happens, you may notice that the transmission slips frequently.

Poor Lubrication

Transmission fluid keeps all parts lubricated so they can move efficiently and avoid overheating. However, in colder weather, some solutions may develop a thicker viscosity that stops the fluid from reaching all necessary components. This can result in premature wear and potential transmission failure.

Shifting Difficulty

In colder weather, gears may not move as smoothly as they normally do. As a result, you may encounter hard or sticky shifting—a problem that can cause considerable damage.  

Cracking

If water somehow gets into the transmission, it may freeze when the exterior temperature drops below 32 degrees. When the water freezes, it can expand and crack delicate parts. If the cracking is too extensive, transmission repair or rebuilding may not be feasible.

How Can You Protect Your Transmission Throughout the Winter?

Change the Fluid

In general, transmission fluid only needs to be changed every 30,000 miles. However, if you’re concerned about viscosity problems, consult a transmission repair specialist to see if you should change solutions. Synthetic fluids, for instance, contain compounds that help maintain proper viscosity in colder weather.

Start Slow

To ensure the system warms up properly, avoid driving at high speeds when you first hit the road. In addition, you should avoid shifting unnecessarily—such as by quickly reversing, driving, and reversing again. Instead, drive relatively slowly until the car heats up and shifting is smooth.

Store Smart

If possible, store your car in an enclosed garage overnight. Giving your vehicle shelter can help shield the transmission—and other sensitive systems—from cold temperatures.

When winter has you worried about your car, turn to Transmission Services. Based in Lincoln, NE, this advanced shop offers comprehensive transmission repair solutions for both automatic and manual systems. They also provide in-depth maintenance that can help your vehicle get ready for the cold. To learn more about their capabilities, visit this auto specialist online or call (402) 475-3637.