If you drive a car with an automatic transmission, you might take it for granted. You put it in ‘Drive’ and away you go. But you should take measures to make sure that your transmission keeps on working as smoothly as it should. Here are some ways to take care of your transmission and avoid costly repairs.
Check the Fluid
It sounds simple, but checking your transmission fluid regularly is the easiest way of taking care of your automatic transmission. Not only will it show that you have the correct level of fluid, but, if the level is really low, it can also identify if you have a leak. Finding a leak early can save you an expensive repair later on.
When you check the dipstick, the fluid should be a bright red color and have a sweet smell. If it’s cloudy, dark-colored, or smells bad, take it to a transmission specialist to have it checked. If your transmission fluid needs topping up, consult the owner’s manual to make sure you use the correct type of fluid.
Have Your Transmission Flushed
How long your transmission fluid lasts depends on how much driving you do and what type of driving. If most of your journeys are on the freeway, your transmission has a pretty easy life. But driving around the city or off-road makes it work a lot harder with lots of stopping and accelerating, meaning frequent gear changes.
Regular flushing of the transmission ensures that the fluid is in good condition and can also identify problems such as leaking seals. Check the owner’s manual, but you should generally have the transmission flushed by a professional once a year.
Stop Before Changing Gears
When you’re changing from ‘Reverse’ to ‘Drive’ or vice-versa, it’s easy to shift while the car’s still moving. However, doing that can put additional strain on your transmission which can lead to serious problems. Always come to a complete stop before you change gears.
Let Your Car Warm Up
When you’re headed somewhere, you might usually hop in the car, start the engine, shift into ‘Drive’, and go. But that can be harmful to your transmission. Just take a few minutes to let the engine and transmission warm up before you drive. This is especially important in colder weather when your car takes longer to get up to its operating temperature.
Avoid Towing
Unless you have a heavy-duty vehicle with the appropriate equipment for towing, you should avoid towing or hauling heavy loads with your car. Trying to pull too much weight can put serious strain on your automatic transmission, cause the fluid to overheat, and cause additional wear that could shorten its life. A new transmission is a cost you can do without.
Don’t Ignore Problems
If your transmission starts making grinding noises, changes become clunky, or you notice a strange smell, have it checked by a professional. Ignoring these signs could be a serious and costly mistake.
Following these tips should help your transmission to last for the lifetime of the car. For advice about taking care of your Cadillac’s automatic transmission, contact Service Cadillac of Lafayette.
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