The transmission is one of the most important parts of your vehicle. Though you don’t necessarily need to know what every component does to drive, a basic understanding will help you avoid the need for premature transmission repairs. Use this guide if you want to learn more about this essential component so that you can better care for it.

What It Does

A transmission is responsible for switching the gears in your car. This component takes power from the engine and gives it to the axles, which control the tires’ rotation. If your car is in too low a gear, it won’t have enough power to reach faster speeds. If the gear is too high, the car will use excessive power, making it less efficient.

There are two types of transmissions: manual and automatic. If you drive a manual transmission, you’ll need to shift gears by using the clutch and center gear shifter—this should happen once the vehicle reaches a certain RPM. On the other hand, automatic transmissions do the shifting for you based on the engine’s power signals.

How to Care for It

Transmissions use fluid to lubricate its moving parts and prevent itself from overheating due to friction. Reference the owner’s manual to locate the reservoir, then check it as you would oil. If the liquid isn’t pink and looks burnt instead, have a mechanic flush the reservoir and add new fluid. These maintenance tasks should be done annually or once every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.

Reduce transmission wear by letting your car warm up for a few minutes before driving. Idling helps the fluid circulate and lubricate the parts properly before they’re used. You should also stop your vehicle completely before switching from drive to reverse or vice versa. Even if you’re rolling slowly, a sudden gear change will stress the transmission and cause its parts to wear prematurely.

If you experience issues with your transmission, turn to Quality Transmission Service in Anchorage, AK. These ASE-certified mechanics provide drivers with reliable transmission repairs and rebuilds for manual and automatic vehicles. Get more information about their services online, or call (907) 561-8767 to request a free transmission repair estimate.