|
Ten
Things You Can do To Keep Your Transmission in good
Condition
1. Check the Fluid Level
The fluid in an automatic transmission operates the
clutches, provides cooling and lubrication, and even
drives the vehicle. So few things are more important
than proper fluid operating level for keeping the
transmission working. Most automatic transmissions have
a dipstick for checking the fluid level. If you're not
sure where yours is or how to check the transmission
fluid level, refer to your owners manual, or go to your
local ATRA-member repair center: They'll be happy to
show you.
2. Check Transmission Problems Promptly
Most transmission problems start out small. They get
worse over time. Very often, you can eliminate major
repairs simply by taking care of the problem early on.
Whether it's a warning light on the dash, a few drops of
fluid on the garage floor, or a change in the way the
transmission operates, your best bet is to take your car
in to your local ATRA member repair center for service
right away. In many cases you'll be able to avoid a
major repair simply by catching it while it's still a
minor one.
3. Service Your Transmission Regularly
Transmission fluids have a number of unique properties
that can wear out over time. And when they wear out, you
can bet the transmission itself won't be far behind. One
of the best ways to keep your transmission in good
working order is to have it serviced annually. A
complete fluid and filter change every year can add
years to your transmission's life, and in the end, save
you money.
4. Add a Friction Modifier to the Fluid
New fluid can really help your transmission last longer.
But there are a number of additives on the market that
have demonstrated the ability to increase transmission
life and reliability significantly, even beyond the
extra miles you could expect from regular service. In
most cases, you won't be able to find worthwhile
additives in your supermarket or do-it-yourself parts
store: The really effective additives are only available
to the professional transmission centers. Ask your local
ATRA member service repair center for recommendations.
5. Install an Auxiliary Cooler
The main reason for transmission failure is heat.
Transmission temperatures can quickly exceed 300? F: At
that temperature, seals begin to harden, clutches begin
to burn, and the fluid itself breaks down. To help
eliminate excess heat from the automatic transmission
fluid, have an auxiliary cooler installed. This is
particularly important on vehicles that tow trailers,
carry heavy loads or travel over rough or mountainous
terrain.
6. Install a Cooler Line Filter
All automatic transmissions have some type of filter
inside them. But these filters vary in effectiveness.
Meanwhile, loose dirt and metal particles can quickly
erode thrust washer and bushing surfaces, clog up
passages, and reduce transmission life. One of the best
ways to eliminate these contaminants is to add an
in-line filter to the transmission cooler lines. These
filters are inexpensive and highly effective in removing
damaging particles from the transmission fluid.
7. Service the Cooling System
You may not realize it, but your car's cooling system
does more than keep the engine running cool: It also
cools the transmission fluid, through a heat exchanger
built into the radiator tank. So a faulty cooling system
cannot only damage your engine; it can reduce
transmission life as well. In fact, transmission damage
may occur long before the engine overheats. To avoid
both engine and transmission problems, keep your car's
cooling system clean and in tip-top condition.
8. Tune the Engine
The engines and transmissions in today's cars are linked
far more closely than in the past. A problem with engine
performance can put much more strain on the transmission
than one that's running properly. That's another reason
why it's important to keep your car's engine in good
running order. A good running engine reduces the stress
on your transmission, so the transmission can last
longer without requiring major repairs.
9. Help the Transmission Shift
Virtually all transmission wear takes place during the
shifts; almost none occurs between the shifts. So one
way to reduce transmission wear is to reduce the load
during the shift. Pay attention to the speed when your
transmission shifts normally. Then, just before the
normal shift speed, learn to back off the gas just a
bit. Easing off the gas will force the shift, while
reducing the load on the clutches: A sure way to improve
transmission life.
10. Take Your Transmission to an ATRA Member Center
One of the best ways to get more life out of your
transmission is to have it serviced regularly at an ATRA
member repair center. ATRA members receive access to the
latest technical information and training, and must meet
a rigid set of requirements to display the ATRA name.
The ATRA logo is your assurance that the shop you've
selected provides quality service at a reasonable price.
Don't trust your transmission work to just anyone?always
look for the ATRA logo when choosing a transmission
repair center. |
back to questions |
