Take Care Of Your Car’s Transmission

A large number of drivers do not think about twice of the importance of regular transmission oil change.

Yet, under the hood, this complex assortment of gears, clutches, bands, seals, and gaskets, works tirelessly to maintain the performance of your engine. With enough miles, the tranny will eventually need to be repaired, replaced, or completely overhauled. The good news is that motorists can help ensure that this component (or, symphony of components) lasts for years.

Below, I’ll describe a few maintenance areas that deserve your attention. I’ll explain how to look for fluid leaks, check for color or odors that suggest a problem, and note changes in how your tranny operates.

Looking For Leaks

If you notice spots appearing underneath your vehicle in the general area of your transmission, place a piece of white cardboard underneath to catch the drip. That will allow you to better identify the color. If the drip appears reddish, it is likely coming from your tranny or the steering column. Take your car to a mechanic and ask him to identify the source of the leak.

If the amount of leaking is relatively small, you may be able to put off having it fixed for awhile. Just be sure to keep the fluid levels up. Like motor oil for your engine, your tranny needs plenty of fluid. Starving it will lead to costly damage. Also, keep in mind that leaks seldom repair themselves. Sooner or later, you’ll need to have it fixed.

Checking For Health By Sight And Smell

Get into the habit of checking your fluid levels every two or three weeks. Turn your engine on and let it idle for a minute. Then, pop the hood and pull the dipstick out. If the fluid is “healthy,” it will have a vibrant, reddish hue. If it is brown, appears murky, or smells as if it’s burning, take your vehicle to a mechanic and ask him to check your transmission. He’ll likely suggest that you have it drained before replenishing it with new fluid.

Noting Changes In Behavior

Transmissions normally perform their job with uniformity. When there is a change in behavior, the change will seldom be subtle. For example, you might hear a high-pitched whine coming from the floor.

You might notice a hard shift between certain gears. You might also notice that your transmission shifts sporadically at different RPMs. Each of these is a warning sign that something might be wrong.

Have a mechanic take a look and makes a transmission fluid change. In many cases, if you can catch a problem early enough, it can be fixed without incurring an enormous repair bill. On the other hand, if you let it persist, the problem might make an expensive overhaul necessary in the future.

As with most of your car’s parts and systems, periodically checking the health of your transmission will go a long way toward preserving it’s life.

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