Ways to Care for Your Automatic Transmission

Imagine being stuck in the middle of nowhere because your transmission has given up. Not fun, right?

Automatic transmission of your car works hard behind the scenes. Making gear changes smooth and effortless. But if you neglect basic care for automatic transmission. It will lead to annoying breakdowns, jerky gear shifts, or expensive repairs. 

Don’t wanna face it? Just follow the care tips we are going to tell you. They’ll keep your car automatic transmission in top shape & avoid dreaded repair bills.

At Perth Auto Mechanic, we know cars inside and out. Be it a you routine maintenance or full-scale car transmission repair. Our expert team has the skills and tools to keep your vehicle running like a dream. 

Let’s find out how to keep your transmission happy and your wallet safe.

8 Expert Tips to Maintain and Care for Automatic Transmission

Follow these simple maintenance tips to keep your car automatic transmission in the best shape. 

• Use the Right Transmission Fluid

The fluid present in your automatic transmission is vital for its smooth operation. It lubricates the transmission’s moving parts, keeps it cool, and smoothens the gear shifts. 

Each car model has specific requirements for transmission fluid. And using the wrong fluid can damage the whole system.

• Check the Manual: 

For new cars, the recommended fluid type is given in owner’s manual document. Using anything else means improper lubrication, overheating, and wear.

• Seek Professional Advice: 

When in doubt, consult a trusted mechanic to get suggestions for the correct fluid. Or get an auto transmission service from a professional mechanic.

• Check Your Transmission Fluid Regularly

No matter how high its quality is. Transmission fluid becomes dense, dirty & non-functional with time. It can lead to overheating and even transmission failure.

How to Check: 

• Most cars have a transmission dipstick near the engine. Pull out that dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it, and check the fluid level and colour.

What to Look For: 

• Bright red and sweet smell = Healthy fluid. 
• Dark, murky, or burnt smell = Fluid needs to be changed.

Check your transmission fluid every month. So, can change it ASAP when it is in need for changing. 

• Schedule Regular Fluid Changes

As we stated above, transmission fluid degrades and accumulates debris over time. Replacing it regularly is crucial to care for automatic transmission.

Most manufacturers recommend changing the fluid every 50,000 to 100,000 kilometres. But the exact frequency depends on your driving habits and vehicle type.

Fresh fluid helps the transmission in following ways:

• Keep it smooth
• Prevents overheating
• Extends its lifespan 

A well-timed fluid change can prevent unnecessary wear and tear. Saving you money on future repairs. 

• Replace the Transmission Filter and Gasket

Just like the oil filter, the transmission filter also needs to be changed regularly. As it traps debris and becomes non-functional with time. Same is the case with the gasket which keeps the seal leak-proof. It can also degrade with time. 

Why It’s Important: 

• A clogged filter reduces fluid flow, causing overheating and wear. 
• A worn gasket can lead to leaks, lowering fluid levels and harming the transmission.

Include filter and gasket replacements in your routine transmission maintenance. These components in good shape means your transmission is operating efficiently.

• Pay Attention to Warning Signs

Your car always gives warning signs when something is wrong with the transmission. Identify these signs so you can take early action and get saved from major repairs. They include:

• Delayed gear shifts or rough transitions.
• Unusual noises like grinding or whining.
• Leaks or puddles of fluid under your car.
• A dashboard warning light indicating transmission trouble.

Keeping an eye on these signs will help you catch issues early. Before they escalate into dangers and costly repairs. Servicing automatic transmissions can also help you in screening its issues.

• Prevent Overheating of Car

Heat is one of the biggest enemies of your transmission. Excessive heat can cause the fluid to degrade and damage internal components. It can be caused by driving in excessive heat, going through stop-and-go traffic, or radiator issues.

You should:

• Keep your car’s cooling system in good condition.
• Avoid aggressive driving habits to avoid over-heating. 
• Install an auxiliary cooler to maintain optimal temperatures.

It will relieve the extra strain from transmission and make it healthy & happy.

• Get an Annual Transmission Inspection

Apart from routine maintenance, a detailed professional inspection is also needed. Because it can uncover hidden issues that are not obvious during everyday driving.

In a professional inspection, mechanics will check:

• Transmission Fluid
• Transmission Components
• Transmission Pan & filter
• Gasket and Seal Condition
• Drivetrain and Mount
• Clutch and Torque Converter
• Cable and Linkage
• General Wear and Tear

 It will detect any problem in the functioning of automatic transmission components. Saving you from costly car transmission repair in the future.

• Keep Your Electrical System in Check

With the increased electrification of cars and their transmission components. Modern transmissions now rely on electronic components to operate efficiently. A faulty electrical system can interfere with their performance. 

Your automatic transmission dysfunction can be caused by: 

• Corrosion of the battery 
• Malfunctioning alternator 
• Problem in powertrain control module (PCM) 
• Issue of transmission control module (TCM) 

So, always maintain these electrical components in optimal condition. And include electrical checks in your routine vehicle maintenance.

10 Driving Habits to Keep Your Transmission Healthy

Good driving habits not only improve your car’s overall performance but also play a significant role in extending the lifespan of your transmission. 

Here are a few suggestions from our side:

• Avoid Revving the Engine Unnecessarily

Revving the engine excessively can strain your transmission. E.g. while warming up the car, flexing on road or accelerating rapidly.

Always use gentle acceleration to reduce wear & extend the life of your transmission.

• Come to a Full Stop Before Changing Gears

Switching from drive to reverse, or vice versa while your car is still moving puts unnecessary strain on your transmission components.

Always come to a complete stop before changing gears. While moving into a parking space or making a U-turn. It will save you from extra car transmission repair costs.

• Don’t Rely on a Spare Tyre for Long

Driving on a spare tyre seems harmless. But spare tyre is not of exact size & causes uneven rolling resistance. These imbalances also affect the transmission.

Replace the spare with a full-sized tyre as soon as possible and have your alignment checked.

• Avoid Towing Too Much

Towing heavy loads can overwork your transmission. Because excessive weight forces the transmission & generates heat. That can degrade the automatic transmission fluid.

Check your car’s towing capacity in the owner’s manual and avoid exceeding the recommended limits.

• Let Your Car Warm Up Before You Drive

Driving immediately after starting your car can stress the transmission. As transmission fluid is thickened in cold temperatures. Reducing its ability to flow and lubricate components.

Always allow your engine and transmission to warm up for a few minutes before driving. 

• Avoid Hard Stops & Aggressive Driving

Sudden stops and fast accelerations force the transmission to downshift abruptly. While aggressive acceleration creates unnecessary heat and wear.

Maintain a steady speed and anticipate stops carefully. It will reduce wear and tear on both your brakes and transmission.

• Use the Emergency Brake When Parking

Relying solely on the parking pawl to hold your car in place can cause damage over time. The parking pawl is a small metal pin to lock the gears. Overloading it can lead to breakage.

Always engage the hand-brake when putting your car into park, especially on steep slopes.

• Handle Slopes with Proper Techniques

Driving on slopes without proper techniques strains the transmission. And can cause heavy damage & accidents.

Always drive slowly and apply brakes smoothly on slops. This reduces wear on both the brakes and transmission.

• Drive Carefully in Different Weather Conditions

Adapt your driving style to suit the weather. It will help protect your transmission and other vehicle components.

Avoid sudden accelerations or stops that can cause skidding and strain the drivetrain. Check your cooling system in higher temperatures and avoid stop-and-go traffic when possible.

• Avoid Overloading Your Vehicle

Carrying loads beyond your vehicle’s capacity puts extra strain on the transmission. It can lead to overheating, increased wear, and even transmission failure.

Check the maximum load capacity specified on your car’s owner’s manual. And stick to the recommended load limits.

Conclusion

Taking care of your automatic transmission is necessary to avoid unexpected breakdowns. Simple habits like checking fluid levels, scheduling routine services, and driving gently can preserve its health. Saving your money and making your drives smoother & reliable.

Good driving habits are also important with regular maintenance. Adopt simple safety behaviours. So, you can reduce wear and tear, prevent overheating, and maintain car automatic transmission.

Is Your Car in Need of Transmission Repairs Perth?

Let Perth Auto Mechanic Handle Your Car Transmission Repair

At Perth Auto Mechanic, we provide comprehensive transmission maintenance and repair services. That can keep your car running smoothly. 

You can avail:

• Expert Mechanics: Skilled Aussie professionals who know cars inside and out.
• State-of-the-art Equipment: Advanced tools for accurate diagnosis and repairs.
• Transparent Pricing: Affordable pricing and a commitment to quality service.

Check Our Transmission Repair Services

Book Your Next Auto Transmission Service With Us

And be assured that your car’s health is in good hands!