A lot of costs can result from poor car transmission maintenance.
A maintenance checklist will ensure this complex yet very important part of your automobile stays in shape.
Also, if the damage is too much or the transmission is quite old, a repair may not be an option. But instead, you will have to perform a replacement.
Damage to the transmission is not such a common occurrence.
Hence the reason that there are no regular maintenance requirements for you to follow. But there are things you can do regularly to lengthen its lifespan.
In fact, if your vehicle is used for carrying heavy loads then you need to pay attention.
Because, the transmission gets more straining from carrying such heavy loads.
Functions of the transmission.
The reason it’s called a transmission is because it transfers power from the engine to the drive train which makes the car to move.
Further, it regulates the amount of power as per the engaged gear and the car’s drive train (all-WD, 4-WD, Front-WD and Rear-WD).
Additionally, the drive train is responsible for changing power from reverse to forward movement and from acceleration, deceleration and stopping.
A good maintenance checklist for your car transmission caters for keeping the moving parts well lubricated.
Further good maintenance of the transmission keeps the temperatures at an average level hence avoiding any overheating.
The transmission fluid is responsible for these two roles of temperature regulation and Lubrication.
The requirements for a car transmission maintenance does not matter whether it is manual or automatic.
Though the two are totally different, they observe the same requirements in terms of maintenance.
Something to note is that the automatic car transmission fluid is exposed to much more heat when compared to the manual car.
CAUSES OF REDUCED TRANSMISSION FLUID EFFECTIVENESS.
- More mileage causes the transmission fluid to oxidize and to turn brown.
- Overheating caused by an overworking torque converter especially if you’re driving uphill with a heavy load.
SIGNS OF A BAD TRANSMISSION SYSTEM.
- Cherry red liquid under the car when you have parked it.
- Shaky and sluggish shifting from one gear to the next.
- Noise when the vehicle shifts gears.
CAR TRANSMISSION MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST.
Check transmission fluid.
It is checked the same way you check for engine oil. That is by using a dipstick. Turn on the engine and let it idle. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean then insert it once more. Wait a few minutes before removing it once more.
Because transmission fluid is meant to last more than 30,000 it should not be low unless there is a leak. Further, if the colour appears dull then oxidation has probably taken place. This means it’s time to change the fluid.
Cater for the engine coolant levels.
The transmission depends on the engine coolant and transmission fluid to keep temperatures at a manageable level. How does this relate? Well, if the engine is functioning properly, it supplies power that pumps transmission fluid through out the transmission system.
If the engine’s coolant is insufficient, the engine will overheat hence increasing the transmission’s temperatures. In case the transmission overheats before the engine, there will be bigger and more costly problems.
Use the right transmission fluid.
There are various types of transmission fluids in the market. They are meant to serve different types of Vehicles. Basically because each drive train will function differently depending on whether it’s an all-WD, 4-WD or 2-WD. Ensure that the one you’re using is the right one for your type of drive train.
Regular servicing.
According to the Vehicle’s manufacturers, there is a maintenance schedule you’re supposed to follow. The servicing days are usually subdivided according to mileage. So because the transmission fluid is effective for a given mileage, the manufacturers are aware of that.
For that reason, they have considered all the areas that need service after a specific mileage. Make sure that you adhere to the stipulated terms. Otherwise, if you are using a second hand car, consult the dealer about the service per mileage stipulations.
