4 Tips To Help Prevent A Transmission Failure

The last thing car owners want is for the transmission on their vehicle to fail -- rebuilding or replacing a transmission can be quite expensive! Luckily, transmissions are designed to have a long lifespan if they are maintained and taken care of properly. Spending a little bit of time and money now can prevent the need for a new transmission, saving you a lot of money and hassle. Use the following tips to keep your car's transmission in good condition:

Get Transmission Repairs Promptly

It is never a good idea to ignore transmission problems -- if your vehicle starts having problems shifting gears or buckles during gear changes, have your vehicle looked at by a mechanic, like those at S & A Transmission, as soon as possible. It is much easier to make repairs on a transmission as soon as the problem starts; continual driving with a transmission in need of repair greatly increases the chance of your transmission failing completely.

Check Transmission Fluid Levels Regularly

Transmission fluid lubricates parts within the transmission and allows the transmission to transmit power to the drive train. If the transmission fluid level in your vehicle is too low, damage can occur to your transmission, and your vehicle may not operate properly. Checking the transmission fluid level is a pretty simple process that anyone can do in their own driveway or garage. Just pull out the dipstick in the transmission fluid reservoir, and ensure that the fluid comes up to the right level on the dipstick. For best results, check transmission fluid levels while the car is still warm after being driven.

Stay On Top of Recommended Transmission Services

If you want to keep your transmission in good repair, regularly scheduled transmission services are essential. Over time, transmission fluid becomes old and dirty, and the transmission filter can become clogged with buildup, which can negatively affect the performance of the transmission. During a transmission service, the old fluid will be replaced with new transmission fluid, and the old filter will be replaced with a new one. If you are unsure of how often your vehicle needs a transmission service, refer to your owners manual, and make sure you stick to the transmission service maintenance schedule recommended by the manufacturer. 

Maintain Your Cooling System

Excessive heat is very damaging to the transmission in your vehicle, so make sure you properly maintain your vehicle's cooling system to the transmission does not get overheated. If you want to go the extra mile, you can also consider installing an auxiliary cooling fan to further protect your transmission from heat.