How to maximise the lifespan of your transmission
A vehicle’s transmission helps to ensure that your engine spins at the right rate without going too fastor too slow for your needs. It also ensures that your wheels get the correct amount of power. Without a transmission, any automobile would be difficult to start and stop and would be utterly unreliable. Follow our tips to maximise the lifespan of your transmission and avoid costly breakdowns.
Why is it important to maximise the lifespan of your transmission?
If your transmission ever gets into such a state that it has to be overhauled or replaced, you are looking at an expensive procedure. You want to avoid that and get the most out of your transmission for as long as possible.
Maximise the lifespan of your transmission – check your fluid
Your transmission cannot run without transmission fluid. For a manual vehicle, transmission oil is used and is just as crucial. A lack of fluid or poor quality fluid can wreak havoc with your transmission. Use the dipstick to check fluid levels once a month to ensure they are clean and at a sufficient level. The dipstick can be found under the hood, in the engine compartment. Make sure you are locating the transmission dipstick and not the engine-oil dipstick. The transmission dipstick is usually further back in the engine bay, toward the bulkhead at the front of the cabin. It is typically marked with a specific colour or transmission symbol.
After checking fluid levels, inspect the fluid and smell it. Damaged transmission fluid will look opaque as opposed to the regular unclouded red it should be. Foul-smelling fluid is also a sign there is a problem which needs to be addressed promptly by a qualified mechanic.
If you don’t want to do these maintenance checks yourself, you can bring your vehicle in to an auto repair specialist to have your fluids checked and topped off as needed.
Maximise the lifespan of your transmission – regular service
The times when you discover problems with your transmission should not be the only times you visit a mechanic. A transmission expert can look inside your transmission and notice things you can’t. That’s why you should book your transmission in for a service every 50,000 kilometres or every two years.
Maximise the lifespan of your transmission – avoid overheating
Overheating is a major problem for transmissions. Your vehicle’s radiator is tasked with cooling everything down. Maintaining the cooling system is important so you should have it checked regularly. Maintenance involves replacing the antifreeze, checking coolant levels, inspecting for leaks, checking the thermostat, and testing the pressure on the radiator cap.
Maximise the lifespan of your transmission – consider your driving style
Driving aggressively from a stop can put a strain on your transmission and can cause overheating, as can frequent accelerating and decelerating. Driving carefully will decrease the load on the gearbox. Remember that the transmission takes time to warm up, so drive your car easy on a cold start. If you have a manual vehicle, stop at each gear for a few seconds to warm up the transmission after starting a cold engine. This helps spread transmission fluid throughout the gearbox and lubricate all friction clutch packages. Other tips (for both manual and automatic vehicles) include using your emergency brake when parking on an incline (which you should always do anyway) and try not to rest your hand on the gear lever while driving.
What are the signs my vehicle has a transmission problem?
Worn or damaged transmissions can often be diagnosed by consistent whining noises while driving, or rough gear shifts. For more information, contact your experienced transmission team at Prorepair Auto Care Centre.
Maximise the lifespan of your vehicle with Prorepair Auto Care Centre
Your vehicle’s transmission requires routine servicing to maximise its lifespan and prevent any costly damage occurring. At Prorepair Auto Care Centre, we can service and repair transmissions on all makes and models. If you would like to learn more about our services, please contact us or visit our experienced technicians at 95 Arden Street, North Melbourne, and 109 Munster Terrace, North Melbourne. You can also send us an ">email or phone us on (03) 9326 5795 or (03) 9329 4461.
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