A vehicle has many parts that must work together to make the motion effortless. The engine is one crucial car component that makes the vehicle move. It moves the vehicle with the help of the transmission system that allows a synchronized movement of the wheels as the engine runs. This crucial system of the car changes the power produced by the engine into physical momentum. Therefore, if the transmission is damaged, the vehicle will be inoperable. That is why car owners should take care of their transmission. Here are expert tips to help them save transmissions from breakdowns.
Keep Up With the Annual Check
Some car owners will not take their vehicles for inspection unless something is wrong. Even if they notice the car is malfunctioning, they will try to fix the issue on their own or ignore it as much as they can. This habit is dangerous as it could lead to the car failing when least expected, causing accidents, delays, or engine failure. Keeping up with the annual vehicle check is one of the best and most effective ways to keep their rides in the best condition. When taking the vehicle for inspection, ensure the mechanics check the condition of the transmission.
Checking the transmission is important since it will help the driver notice any mechanical issues. It is also crucial to understand that during the inspection, the mechanic might advise the car owner to replace the entire transmission system, especially if it is completely worn out or too damaged to fix. This can be frustrating, especially for those with a tight budget. However, the good news is that with some research, it is possible to get an affordable transmission that will serve the vehicle for a long time. Replacing the transmission or its parts will minimize the chances of the car breaking down.
Consider the Fluid Level and Quality
Responsible drivers will always check the condition of their rides before they hit the road. This step is essential as it helps ensure the car is in excellent condition. One mistake many of them make is only to check the exterior, yet the interior condition is just as critical, if not more. One of the components they have to check is the transmission to ensure that it has the right transmission fluid level. For this step, the driver should refer to the vehicle’s manual to understand the right fluid level. Remember that if the fluid is too much or too little, it could cause transmission issues.
Besides checking the level, car owners should also check the quality of the fluid. Checking the quality of the transmission fluid is important when the driver needs to top up. Note that there are various transmission oils, and drivers must ensure they only use the one that suits their vehicles. It is also crucial for them to check the condition of the oil regularly to ensure that it does not have a burnt smell, dust, water, or metal shavings. Such things could compromise the functioning of the transmission system, leading to a breakdown.
Avoid Excess Heat
Car owners should know that heat is one of the biggest enemies of the transmission components. When the temperature rises, the electronic circuits in the transmitter overheat, causing permanent damage. Additionally, too much heat will cause the materials in the transmission to expand, and if this condition is not rectified on time, they might crack. In turn, that will disrupt the power flow and lead to mechanical issues. That is why drivers are urged to avoid exposing the vehicle transmission to high heat levels to avoid heat damage. This can be achieved by installing an auxiliary transmission cooler, which will help keep sensitive parts from overheating.
The other essential fact that drivers should know is that using old transmission fluid can lead to issues like overheating the transmission. That is because the old oil will not coat the parts as required, leading to a high level of wear and tear. This is likely to happen if the car is used in extreme conditions, such as driving in high temperatures for a long time, towing loads, or driving in high traffic. Therefore, car owners must consider changing the fluid and filter when necessary to minimize the risk of breakdown.
Change Gears Carefully
Many experienced drivers are often overconfident when driving, and some are never keen on changing gears. They need to understand that careless handling of the gear could strain and damage the gearbox. Over time, this will strain the transmission and lead to mechanical failure. Fixing these issues can be costly, and drivers need to avoid such problems by carefully handling the gear. If they notice any strain or struggle when changing the gears, they should have an auto repair expert fix it before it damages the transmission.
Car owners must also be mindful of how they use the park and reverse gears. Engaging th gears when the car is moving will strain the gearbox. The best way to use these gears is to wait for the vehicle to stop completely. Another critical tip for drivers to consider is not to use the park gear when their vehicle is on any incline. This will strain this gear, causing it to wear out and eventually fail, which will cause a transmission breakdown.
Warm the Vehicle Before Driving
Mornings are often rush hours, and people strive to get to their places of work. But that should not be the reason for them to damage their transmission. Given that mornings are cold, the transmission oil can thicken, which means it will move slower and will take more time to lubricate the transmission. Therefore, drivers should give the vehicle time to warm up before driving it. This will help ensure the transmission is well-lubricated and reduce the possibility of friction that will cause the parts to wear out.
When warming up the vehicle, an important consideration is the age of the vehicle. The older the car, the more time it will need to warm. Also, consider the last time the transmission was serviced, as this will affect the time it takes for the oil to warm and lubricate the parts.
Drivers should take good care of the transmission since damage to this part could cause the vehicle not to move. Additionally, fixing a damaged transmission is expensive, and depending on the damage, it can take a long time. Rather than wait for the transmission to get damaged, drivers should take proactive measures to save it from breakdown.
