The Real Reasons Why Your Car Transmission Breaks Down Often
Ever wondered why the transmission of your car is the reason why you frequent the mechanic garage; no matter how careful you seem to have been? Stay on this precise and concise read for 5 dos’ and don’ts with your car transmission:
5 Things You Should Never Do In An Automatic Transmission Vehicle
- Never put vehicle in neutral while coasting down the hill
- When changing directions in an automatic vehicle, come to a stop before switching from drive to reverse or reverse to drive
- Don’t rev up in neutral and drop it into drive and let that carry your car forward (and various things you shouldn’t do)
- Don’t put your car in neutral at a stoplight. Just leave it in drive
- Don’t put vehicle in park until you’ve come to a complete stop
5 Ways to care for your transmission
- Check the transmission fluid level, colour and smell
Inspection of the fluid level and condition is one of the most crucial inspections to do to ensure that your car’s transmission is in good working order. It’s as easy to check the transmission fluid as it is to check the engine oil. Draw out the dipstick, wipe it with a clean rag or tissue, reinsert it, then pull it out again to check the level while the engine is idling. If the level is low, have it checked for possible leaks, but pay close attention to the color of the fluid and how it smells as well. Excellent condition Fluid should be brilliant red and have a sweet odor, but if it is dark and has a burnt stench, it should be replaced. Also, examine your vehicle’s owner’s manual to ensure you’re using the proper transmission fluid. In general, having your transmission fluid cleansed once a year is recommended.
2. Don’t put it under unnecessary stress
It’s good to assist stranded drivers, but you should think twice before doing so. For example, if another car requires a tow, are you confident that yours can manage the added weight? If you don’t, your transmission will be harmed. Leave the heroics to a heavy-duty vehicle built for such a purpose. If you still want to help, suggest calling a tow truck – your automobile would appreciate it!
3. Use your emergency brake when parking on an incline
Have you ever wondered why your vehicle makes a loud clunking noise when you try to engage an automatic transmission while parked on an incline? That’s the sound of the parking pawl (a locking component of the transmission) being released. Attempting to shift the gear lever while parked on an uphill puts extra stress on the pawl, which might cause it to snap. If you have no choice but to park on a slope, follow these instructions: Keep your foot on the brake, engage the parking brake, and then select Park with the gear lever. The parking pawl will not be under load, thus the transmission will be less stressed when you need to put it in Drive or Reverse.
4. Don’t delay repairs – get them done, fast
If your transmission is hesitant to shift gears or does not shift at all, or if you notice any other unusual symptoms, have it checked by a professional as soon as possible. It could just be a shortage of fluid, but if left unchecked, it could evolve into a much more serious and costly problem.
5. Tune it up
Maintaining frequent tune-ups will help to guarantee that your car is in good working order. Even minor details, such as tyre pressure, can make a significant effect. Under-inflated tyres make your engine and transmission work harder, putting additional stress on the powertrain and potentially causing serious damage. Also, while larger tyres may appear to be more sporty, they will alter the transmission’s ratio. Stick to the manufacturer’s recommended tyre specifications.