Don’t Skip a Necessary Transmission Fluid Flush

The most important regular maintenance for your transmission is having your transmission fluid replaced or flushed. Your transmission fluid is there to lubricate the inner working parts of your transmission, as well as preventing overheating by minimizing friction. Over time, your transmission fluid accumulates debris from circulating through the transmission, eventually making it difficult for your transmission to stay adequately lubricated. Recommended frequencies for replacing your transmission fluid varies depending on your car and driving habits, so it’s best to consult your owner’s manual or a trusted mechanic.

The More Weight You Carry, the Harder it is On Your Transmission

Regardless of your manufacturer’s recommendation for towing weight, the more you tow, the more strain you’ll put on your transmission. A general rule of thumb is to avoid towing frequent, heavy loads, though that’s not always possible. If you do have to tow heavy loads on a regular basis, it’s a good idea to stay very on top of scheduling regular maintenance services.

Avoid Giving Your Lead Foot Free Reign

While it’s tempting to rev your engine and speed down the highway when the sun’s out and weather is perfect, it’s also hard on your transmission. Stop-and-go traffic is harder on your transmission because you spend so much time in lower gears where you tend to have a higher RPM. That means your lead foot is causing the same extra wear. Take it easy on your car’s transmission and cruise, rather than speed, down the road.

Mind Your Engine Temperature & Fluids

Used to checking your engine temperature gauge? If not, make it a new habit. While your car will tell you if your engine temperature is critically high, it’s always good to keep an eye on the temperature gauge to catch more subtle changes in engine temperature. That’s because it’s not only your engine health at stake. Your engine and transmission work closely together, so when one overheats, the other likely will, too. So when you take to the open road this summer, keep an eye on your dashboard indicators.

Adequate Fluid Levels Keep Your Engine and Transmission Happy

Another way to help maintain a healthy engine and transmission temperature is to keep an eye on your fluids. Both engine oil and transmission fluid help keep parts lubricated and prevent overheating due to friction-generated heat. Luckily, these fluids are easy to check by popping the hood of your car and looking for the appropriate dipsticks.