Your car's transmission isn't necessarily a delicate system, but it needs the right things in place to keep it running like a champ. Although it takes a lot of wear and tear for the system to require repairs, there are times when the components can break. Factors such as high mileage and neglect can cause the transmission parts to fail early. Here are some four actionable steps that you can take to extend the durability of the system and save on auto repairs.
Listen out for problems
Before a transmission system fails, it will give some warning signs. Ignoring these signs will ultimately cause parts of or the entire system to shut down. An essential maintenance tip is listening to your vehicle and looking out for the signs indicating that the transmission may require repairs. Here are some of the common telltale signs that should never be ignored.
- A grinding noise as you shift gears, which is usually a sign that your transmission fluid is low of contaminated.
- Slow response of the transmission system, especially when you put the vehicle in drive or when shifting between gears.
- An unusual smell of a burning clutch when driving the car.
Visit an auto repair dealer immediately you notice any of these signs. Failure to attend to them can curtail the lifespan of the components, and you may end up incurring huge replacement costs.
Always stop before shifting
The technique you use when shifting between gears could be causing premature wear and undue strain on transmission components. For instance, most people tend to prematurely shift to drive when backing out of their garage or a parking lot. If you are moving too fast between the forward and reverse gears, always come to a stop before shifting. This will protect your transmission system from straining, and safeguard the components from wear and tear.
Maintain the engine
The engine is the heart of the transmission system. If it is not working correctly, it will put stress on the transmission system. Take care of the engine to ensure that the transmission is in good working condition. Here are some engine maintenance tips that you can follow:
- Change the engine oil regularly as required.
- Replace the oil, air, and fuel filters regularly.
- Inspect the spark plugs and their wires.
- Use quality fuel with no contaminants.
- Get frequent tune-ups and service it as recommended by the manufacturer.
During the cold season, you should always warm the engine by leaving the car idle for a few minutes. This will allow the transmission fluid to warm up as well and provide adequate lubrication to the moving parts. Doing so will prevent grinding of components against each other, which can cause premature wear.
