Your transmission is the most important part of your car, connecting the engine to the wheels. But most car owners never take care of it until it breaks down. If you take some regular simple steps, you’ll be keeping your transmission in great shape and you’ll save money on costly repairs and drive more smoothly. Let’s get down to some practical methods to keep your transmission running for decades.
Understanding Your Car’s Transmission
The transmission gets the torque from the engine to the wheels and lets you drive speed and torque. Transmissions of two kinds
- Manual Transmission: Driver operates the clutch by putting it down by hand.
- Auto Transmission: Changes gears automatically when you drive.
Both kinds need to be regularly maintained but the details differ. Keeping your transmission running efficiently means learning how it works and what you can do when something goes wrong.
Common Signs of Transmission Issues
You can save a lot of havoc by catching transmission problems in the early stages. Voici quelques-uns of the most frequent symptoms:
- Car Gears Are Losing Balance: When driving, your car unexpectedly shifts gears.
- Time lag: Shifting gears is a bit nitpicky.
- Strange Noises: Shouting, humming, or clicking.
- Fired Flavour: Can be an indicator of too much transmission fluid overheating.
- Fluid Spills: Red or brown puddles under your car.
Check these symptoms to stop any further damage from occurring.
Essential Tips to Maintain Your Transmission
1. Check and Replace Transmission Fluid Regularly
Transmission fluid is a lubricant and coolant that is used to clean the transmission. When the fluid gets old or dirty, it loses performance.
Method of Inspection: Check the levels and condition of the fluids using the dipstick (in the engine bay.
When to Replace: You should replace per your car manufacturer’s instructions, every 30,000 to 60,000 km for manuals and 50,000 to 100,000 km for automatics.
Hint: Always use the transmission fluid your car manual specifies.
2. Avoid Overheating
Hotter is the enemy of your transmission. This might break the fluid in excess heat, and it would become worn out.
- Never tow a lot unless your car is equipped to do so.
- Get your car’s transmission cooler if you have it.
- Keep your cooling system clean because indirectly, this keeps the transmission warm.
3. Service Your Transmission Periodically
Regular servicing by a professional mechanic ensures that potential issues are identified and resolved early. Routine services may include:
- Draining and refilling the transmission fluid.
- Replacing the transmission filter.
- Inspecting seals and gaskets for leaks.
4. Practice Gentle Driving Habits
Your driving habits have a great deal to do with the life of your transmission.
- Avoid abrupt gear changes.
- Switch gears when your car isn’t moving.
- Get in the right gear for the job (i.e., don’t drive in overdrive when towing)
5. Inspect Transmission Components Regularly
During routine car maintenance, inspect critical components such as:
| Component | Purpose | When to Inspect |
| Clutch (Manual) | Engages/disengages engine power | Signs of wear or slippage |
| Transmission Mounts | Support the transmission | During oil changes |
| Drivetrain | Transfers power to wheels | Every 30,000 kilometers |
Additional Maintenance Tips
- Don’t Overload: Loading more than your car can carry burdens on the transmission.
- Parking Brakes: This takes some pressure off the parking pawl in automatics.
- Keep up to date with software: There could be a software update for today’s cars that are electrically operated.
Why Transmission Maintenance Matters
A well-maintained transmission ensures
- Improved Control: Smoother gear shifts and better gas mileage.
- Benefits: No costly repairs and replacements.
- Longer Car Runtime: Keeps your vehicle up and running longer.
Trust Mecarnic for Your Car Accessories
Keep your transmission in top condition, and with the right tools and accessories, that becomes easier. Here at Mecarnic, you can find a huge selection of the highest quality car accessories as per your specifications. Transmission fluid kits to diagnostic tools, we got you covered.
Visit our range today and treat your vehicle like a lady. Check out Mecarnic’s online shop and buy now
