AM-PM Automotive: Keeping a Healthy Transmission
Posted June 25, 2012
The automatic transmission is one of the most complex systems in a vehicle. It can be your best friend or your worst enemy, depending on how you treat it. Here are some tips from our local White Bear Lake auto repair shop to help you get the most out of your vehicle this summer:
Routine Maintenance
The best overall thing you can do for your transmission is to have a preventive maintenance plan with our local automotive mechaincs. This won’t just help your transmission, though, but your vehicle as a whole! Not a bad idea to have an ASE-Certified technician look over your vehicle, right?
Warm Car
On cold days, or even if your car’s been sitting around for quite some time, it’s a good idea to let it warm up for a few minutes before taking off. This will help out both your transmission AND your engine. The cooler temperatures cause your transmission fluid and engine oil to form into a thick sludge. By waiting 5 to 10 minutes, this sludge warms up and thins out to protect your vehicle’s vital systems better.
Transmission Fluid
Our ASE-Certified mechanic can assist you here, but it’s beneficial to your vehicle to have your transmission fluid checked at least twice a year. If your transmission fluid is a bit dart, it means that tiny metal flakes from your transmission have lodged in the fluid and are eating at your vehicle’s systems! In this case, it’s important to have your transmission flushed right away!
Stop before Shifting
This is a simple rule: Make sure you are completely stopped before you shift from drive to reverse or vice versa. By doing this, you’ll add years to the life of your transmission. There are components in your transmission that are moving in opposite directions when in forward or reverse, and it’s important to completely stop before shifting so they don’t work against each other.
Tow with Care
Many transmission issues stem from overheating. Continuous starts and stops or even towing in hot weather can aid in transmission problems. Stop by our auto service and ask an ASE-Certified technician about your vehicle’s towing capacities.
If you have any issues regarding your transmission, stop by or call your local Bellaire Automotive like AM-PM Automotive at (651) 426-0462 today!