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Your car generates a lot of heat, especially the engine and transmission. While your vehicle’s cooling systems are designed to keep everything operating at a safe temperature, the additional heat of a sweltering summer can cause unexpected breakdowns even if you aren’t planning a long road trip. Understanding how summer heat affects your transmission can help you avoid getting stuck roadside when temperatures start to climb.

How Summer Affects Your Transmission

High Heat

Most modern transmissions are designed to withstand even the highest summer temps, but they do have to be regularly serviced and maintained. Before summer hits, have your auto tech inspect your transmission and change the fluid to ensure it can handle the heat. Otherwise, the added pressure of summer activity can cause essential components to fail.

Extra Driving

transmissionFor most people, summer means traveling to see family, spending time with friends, and participating in favorite activities. Not only are you driving more often, but so is everyone else, which can mean sitting in stop-and-go traffic. Continuous shifting is harder on your transmission than cruising on the highway, adding wear-and-tear that can lead to clunky shifting, slipped gears, and other serious problems. During the summer, keep track of how many miles you drive, and be sure to schedule your regular maintenance on time.

Towing Heavy Loads

Whether you’re taking your boat to the lake or hauling materials for a landscaping project, towing heavy loads puts a great deal of stress on your transmission. If your vehicle gets a lot of heavy use over the summer months, check the transmission fluid more often and have it changed immediately if it turns dark or has a burnt smell.


For over 41 years, Reffitt's Garage & Towing Service, Auto Body Repair, LLC has been Hamilton, OH’s, professional towing and auto repair experts. Whether you’re broken down on the side of the road or just need routine transmission maintenance, you can depend on their highly trained, friendly staff to deliver the honest service you deserve with some of the best rates in the industry. Visit their website for an overview of their towing and auto repair services, get updates and tips on Facebook, or call (513) 863-3008 to make an appointment today.

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