Don’t blame your car for your transmission troubles, your transmission becoming wrecked is often a result of bad driving habits accumulated over the years!
Your transmission is a very important component of your vehicle. The transmission is what allows your vehicle to cruise without blowing up the motor. It is vital to the proper operation of your vehicle, but most people ignore it (especially those who drive automatic) and sometimes they don’t even know it exists! Even worse, sometimes people contribute to its destruction because of bad habits, which can completely damage the transmission.
Let’s take a look at some of these common mistakes that can destroy your transmission:
Not Maintaining Proper Transmission Fluid
If you constantly let your transmission run out of fluid or keep running your car when your fluid level is low, this is a guaranteed way to have your transmission breakdown. Your transmission fluid keeps its internal components cool and lubricated. Without it, these internal parts begin to grind and overheat, which leads to breakage and failure.
Failing to Change Your Transmission Fluid
If you fail to change your transmission fluid on time according to the schedule in your owner’s manual, it can also lead to failure. Just like the oil in your car’s engine, your transmission fluid can also become dirty, and it will eventually need to be changed. Keeping dirty fluid running through your transmission will damage the seals and gasket, as well as cause overheating and breakdowns.
Flooring It From Light to Light
Constantly flooring the gas pedal as soon as the light turns green, only for you to have to come to a complete stop at the next light, then repeating the process, will lead to the breakdown of your transmission. This is because you are not letting it cool down sufficiently in between starting and stopping.
Towing Excessive Weight
Towing limits are stated in your owner’s manual for a reason! Ignoring these limitations and towing heavy weights in excess will lead to transmission damage that might present itself later, and it isn’t worth it.
Doing DIY Repairs
We all want to save money, but not getting the proper maintenance on your transmission could cost you even more in the long run, especially if you don’t do it right. Not getting professional help from a licensed mechanic might be fatal (for your transmission). Changing your own transmission fluid might seem like a good way to shave off costs, but not all transmission fluid is the same, and using the wrong type could spell disaster for your car.
Avoid these bad habits if you want to get the most life out of your transmission, as well as your wallet. Have more questions about your transmission not mentioned here? Contact Alberta Drive-Line Rebuilders, a professional transmission repair shop in Edmonton.