3 Tips For Keeping Your Automatic Transmission In Tip-top Shape
Most people won't remember a time when all vehicles had manual transmissions
. Back then, if you didn't know how to "drive stick," you simply didn't drive. In the early 1940s, Chrysler released a semi-automatic; it still used a clutch to change gears. Technology expanded and within a decade, automakers began putting full automatics into their fleets.The driving experience has been considerably easier since the debut of the automatic transmission. The problem is, when they fail (and they do fail), having them repaired them can be incredibly expensive. In this article, I'll provide a few tips that will help you avoid the costly repair bill as long as possible. Here are three things you can do to keep your auto transmission in great shape:
Spot The Leaks
It wasn't so long ago that drivers were in the habit of looking for leaks under their cars. That's rare today, possibly because vehicles are designed much better and last longer than they did years ago. Unfortunately, leaks can develop within your tranny. When they do, fluid levels can plummet, exposing the entire assembly to damage.
Look for fluid that has a red-brown tint. If you notice any, try to find the parts from which it is leaking. A few spots doesn't imply disaster; if it's coming from a gasket, it may be simple to repair. You can also postpone having necessary work performed by frequently adding more fluid. On the other hand, if you notice a puddle under your car, have a mechanic take a look. Either way, the leak is unlikely to disappear on its own.
Examine The Fluid Level
You're probably already in the habit of checking your oil level (if you're not, you should be). You'll notice a second dipstick near the oil dipstick. That's for the transmission fluid. Check it occasionally to make sure the level is full and to avoid unnecessary damage to the tranny. You'll need to turn the engine over and let it idle for a minute in order to get a proper reading.
Note The Performance
If your automatic transmission is performing well, you'll notice the shifting is smooth at lower speeds and firm at higher speeds. If the shifting is inconsistent or you hear a whine accompanied by a "loose" shift, take your car to a repair shop. Something is wrong within the assembly. Minor problems can escalate quickly. If a technician can find the problem early enough, he might be able to fix it without overhauling the entire tranny.
A lot of motorists seem surprised when their cars' transmissions show signs of failure. Often, the reason they fail is because they don't receive proper care. Keep in mind that a complete overhaul can cost $2,500 or more. Invest the time to check for leaks, replenish the fluid level when necessary, and have minor problems resolved early. Doing so can save a significant amount of money in costly repair bills.
by: Lawrence J. Reaves