Automatic Transmission Vehicle Maintenance and Tips (Part 2)

Automatic Transmission Vehicle Maintenance and Tips (Part 2)

In the following article we are going to discuss how to take care of your automatic vehicle, so that you can make sure you get the most out of it for as long as possible, and that you do not need to pay extreme bills for repairs. Here are a few things you should and shouldn’t do when you own an automatic transmission vehicle.

Please, do not keep your fuel tank low, don’t do this to your vehicle. An automatic transmission car depends on fluid pressure to run as it should. Try to always keep the tank at least half full. If you do not, your car cannot be properly lubricated, and/or stay cool, hence the engine and other elements can wear out a lot quicker than they would otherwise.

Do you shift gears when the car is rolling? Well, this leads to your transmission components changing direction rapidly, which will wear out the gearbox faster than usual. Instead, try using the brakes to stop the vehicle. Some of you may even shift to Park without applying the brakes, this is also bad for the gearbox of the vehicle.

Now, moving on to parking, we will discuss the bad habit of switching to Park mode before you have stopped the car completely. Let us say what happens when you shift to Park mode first - a locking pin is attached to the shaft of the gearbox, when the locking pin is situated there and the vehicle keeps on moving there is a risk of breaking said pin. Make a point of using the brakes.

Use the correct type of transmission fluid. If you are not sure what type it is, you can consult the vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine it. If you are still unsure, you can take the vehicle to a professional and he will be able to check and let you know.

In addition to the previous point – check the transmission fluid periodically. If the transmission fluid is low you may have a leak, that is if you have recently taken care of it, and know that there should be an adequate amount. Another warning sign might be the color and odor, they are usually a bright red color, they smell kind of sweet and should be clear, but if they are dark colored, murky, or they smell nasty (sometimes like rotting meat or fish) you should have the transmission checked by a professional mechanic.

All in all, try to follow the advice above and it will save you on some unnecessary, expensive repairs.