If you have an automatic transmission, you probably don't spend nearly as much time thinking about it as the owner of a manual transmission would. But that doesn't mean it should be out of sight, out of mind. A car's transmission requires regular maintenance and care just like any other part of your vehicle. Here are some tips on how you can lengthen the life of your transmission and keep your car out of the transmission shop.

Careful on Those Three Point Turns

If you are in a rush on a three point turn, you might throw your car into reverse or back into drive before you've finished going in the other direction. But telling your transmission to start going one way while you're still traveling in another will cause needless wear and tear. Make sure your vehicle comes to a complete halt before attempting to move from reverse to forward motion or vice versa.

Coasting is Good for Your Transmission

Did you know that every time you hit your brake pedal, you are making your transmission's job just a bit harder? This is because it needs to account for the brake as it works to keep your car moving at your desired speed. If you are someone who constantly hits the brake pedal when it's not necessary,  you are accumulating additional wear and tear on your transmission (and your brakes as well, of course) Start getting used to just easing off the gas pedal when you want to slow down instead of slamming the brakes. Your transmission and brake line will thank you for it.

Schedule a Regular Transmission Flush

Your transmission needs its fluid changed on a regular basis, much in the same way you need to change your engine oil. If you've never changed your transmission fluid before and don't know where to begin, reach out to a local transmission shop for help. Getting a transmission shop to change your fluid for you and give your transmission a cleaning is much preferable to having to take your car there because your transmission is officially kaput. If your transmission fluid level seems low, the shop can install a new seal for you to keep the problem at bay into the future.

Don't neglect your transmission just because it's an automatic and something you don't physically interact with like you would with a manual. Contact a transmission shop today to schedule a full maintenance check up.

Share