10 Ways To Prolong The Life of Your Transmission

1. Check transmission fluid regularly and properly. (See Owner’s Manual for Instructions)

2. Check transmission fluid after running hot. Stop and go traffic, mountainous terrain, hot weather, or towing can build up excess transmission heat causing fluid to be lost, damaged, or both.
3. Install an external cooler in high stress conditions. Towing a trailer, hauling heavy loads or being caught in traffic often creates excessive transmission heat. An external transmission cooler will help to bring the temperature down to normal operating level adding significantly to the life of the transmission.

4. Change transmission fluid more often in high stress conditions. Transmission fluid cools, cleans, and lubricates the internal transmission parts while providing the hydraulic pressure to make all of the components work mutually. When the fluid loses its ability to perform those tasks effectively trouble can’t be far away. Any of the conditions in items 2 & 3 above will shorten the effective life of transmission fluid. In those cases, change the fluid a minimum of twice a year (unless otherwise specified in the owner’s manual).

5. Check any malfunctions promptly. Repair cost tends to rise in ratio to mileage driven after the first signs of trouble. The longer you drive with a malfunctioning transmission, the more damage you may cause, and the more money it might cost you.

6. Have the transmission linkage and other adjustments checked periodically. Particularly after the vehicle has been in an accident or has had any major engine work performed.

7. Keep your engine properly tuned. A weak running engine can, at times, display symptoms related to a transmission problem.

8. Have other drive train components that may affect transmission function checked regularly. Drive shafts and their universal joints, drive axles and their constant velocity joints, engine flywheels or flex plates, computer system and sensors, radiator and cooling lines to the transmission, engine and transmission mountings can cause problems.

9. Have your vehicle’s cooling system checked twice a year for leaks, proper coolant level and strength. Antifreeze can deteriorate over time causing it to become ineffective creating overheating or freeze-up conditions.

10. Take your vehicle for a complete physical check up at least once a year. This should include all safety components such as lights, brakes and steering. Keep in mind that a poor running engine or certain transmission problems can be a safety hazard.