5 Ways to Keep Your Automatic Transmission Healthy

Because transmission issues can quickly become very expensive to address, it's best to take measures to prevent problems from emerging in the first place. To optimize your transmission's health, you'll want to keep up with transmission maintenance, as well as drive in a way that doesn't unnecessarily stress your transmission. Here are five tips for keeping your automatic transmission healthy.

Check Transmission Fluid Regularly

You'll want to take a look at your automatic transmission fluid level at least every six months. Typically, automatic transmission fluid should be checked with the engine still on. This is because the fluid contracts as it cools, which could give you a misleading reading on how much fluid you're actually operating with. Checking your fluid regularly will help to ensure that you notice if your level gets dangerously low or if the fluid has become burnt.

Automatic Transmission Fluid Flush

It's generally recommended that automatic transmission fluid gets flushed every 30,000 miles, but you can consult your owner's manual to see the guideline for your particular vehicle. Automatic transmission flushes prevent you from driving with contaminated fluid that could lead to poor performance and costly repairs.

Gentle Braking

When you slam on the brakes, it can cause significant stress to your transmission. In the event that an unexpected safety hazard arises, you may have to hit the brakes harder than usual. But when you can safely avoid slamming the brakes, it'll be better for your transmission's health. You can also reduce transmission stress by regularly setting your parking brake, especially when parked on an incline.

Engine Maintenance

Your transmission may become increasingly stressed if your engine is performing poorly. This makes it all the more important to stay current with oil changes and other engine maintenance.

Completely Stop before Shifting to/from Reverse

By always fully stopping before shifting between reverse and a forward gear, you'll reduce the risk of causing excessive wear and tear to your automatic transmission.

If you need automatic transmission repair, be sure to bring your vehicle to an experienced specialist. For transmission repair & maintenance in Grand Prairie, Irving, Forest Hill, Colleyville, and Arlington, TX, contact the experts at SM Transmissions at (469) 908-3690. Feel free to give SM Transmissions a call today to schedule an appointment for any of your vehicle's transmission needs!

SM Transmissions Blog
Posted: March 12, 2021

Written and Published By MORBiZ