The Do's and Don't For Your Transmission

DO's
Check the automatic transmission fluid
 We recommend every 1,000 miles, or when you change your engine oil. Check level, color, and smell.  Low levels, dark color, and or a burnt smell, are all signs of trouble. For more on signs of bad fluid click here.

Maintain a properly tuned engine
Many vehicles utilize the engine's vacuum as well as other sensors, to control transmission shifting  and to maintain hydraulic pressure. A properly tuned engine is vital to the performance of the automatic transmission.

Maintain the cooling system on a regular basis 
Excessive heat can cause premature transmission failure.

Regular transmission maintenance 
Follow your manufactures recommended maintenance schedule, or check your vehicles owner manual.
 
Come to a complete stop before changing gears
Changing gears while the vehicle is moving is extremely hard on the transmission and will contribute to early transmission failure.

Early diagnosis and repair
Many minor clutch and transmission problems left unattended, can and usually do, lead to major repairs.

DON'Ts
Shift while rocking back and forth when you're stuck 
This may cause your transmission to operate in excess of 425 degrees. At that operating temperature, you could experience an immediate transmission failure. 

Overload the vehicle 
Follow recommended towing and load limits. Heavy loads cause excessive heat and greatly reduce your transmissions life.

Drive a vehicle with little or no transmission fluid 

Spin the tires when turning vehicles with front wheel drive

Drive in four wheel drive range on dry pavement (unless vehicle is AWD or automatic 4x4)

Drive on spare tires or mismatched tire sizes with front wheel or AWD vehicles for extended periods of time

Hesitate to call us if you feel you may have a drive line, 4WD, transmission, or clutch problem!  218-879-1974