Avoid These 15 Automatic Transmission Mistakes to Save Your Wallet

The sound of grinding gears and slamming shifts is never a good sign, especially when it comes from your expensive automatic transmission. These complex mechanical wonders rely on precision engineering and quality fluid to operate smoothly for hundreds of thousands of miles. If you want to keep your automatic transmission purring along happily ever after, read on to discover the top 15 things you should never, ever do.

1. **Don’t Drive Through Deep Water**: Automatic transmissions have a vent located on the exterior housing. This vent serves an important purpose – it allows pressurized transmission fluid to escape and relieve pressure as the fluid expands from heat during normal operation. Driving through deep water, however, can be catastrophic for this vent. As the vehicle moves through standing water, the water can rush into the open vent and contaminate the transmission fluid inside.

manual shifters distracted driving — “Brisbane Mall changing gears-1=” by Sheba Also 18 Million Views is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

2. **Don’t Accidentally Shift From Drive to Reverse While Moving**: It’s easy to unintentionally shift from Drive to Reverse with column shifters that are mounted on the steering column or on the console next to the driver’s seat. The driver’s elbow or knee can inadvertently bump the shifter and knock it into Reverse while the vehicle is moving forward. Shifting to Reverse while the car is moving forward applies tremendous stress and torque on internal components not designed to handle it.

3. **Don’t Leave The Car Idling In Drive For Extended Periods**: It’s common to leave a car idling when stopped for a short time. But extended idling in Drive causes excess heat buildup within the transmission. The pump continues circulating fluid even while stopped, and the torque converter remains engaged with the engine spinning. So leaving the car in Drive forces transmission components to rotate constantly while not moving. This constant motion and friction generates internal heat.

4. **Don’t Do Burnouts**: Burnouts may place a lot of strain on drivetrain components. When doing a burnout, the tires break traction with the pavement and spin freely while the output shaft continues applying torque. This puts severe stress on the gears and shafts not designed to operate at such extreme opposing forces. Automatic transmissions in particular suffer greatly during burnouts. The abrupt changes in torque and wheel speeds generate tremendous heat and vibration within the transmission.

5. **Don’t Neglect Transmission Fluid Changes**: Many newer vehicles tout “lifetime fluid” that never needs changing. This seems like a maintenance bonus but actually causes transmissions to fail prematurely as old fluid degrades. Automatic transmission fluid is a precisely engineered formula designed for specific friction coefficients, thermal capacity, and viscosity. But over time and miles the fluid breaks down and loses its protective qualities.

6. **Stay Away from Slipping Gears**: One of the most frustrating experiences for any driver is when their vehicle unexpectedly slips out of gear. This problem often indicates that the transmission is struggling to maintain a connection between the engine and the wheels. Slipping can be caused by low fluid levels, worn clutches, or faulty sensors. The transmission can overheat and suffer from significant wear, leading to costly repairs. Therefore, please regularly check fluid levels and ensure that maintenance is performed.

7. **Monitor Transmission Temperature**: Like any complex machine, your automatic transmission has an optimal operating temperature range. Exceeding this range can result in severe damage, including burnt fluid and slipping gears. Many vehicles come equipped with a transmission temperature gauge, and if yours does, it’s crucial to monitor it. If the temperature climbs too high, consider pulling over and letting it cool down.

8. **Watch for Unusual Noises**: If your transmission is making strange sounds, it’s a red flag that something is amiss. Whining, clunking, or grinding noises can indicate internal damage or low fluid levels. Ignoring these sounds can lead to a complete transmission failure, resulting in expensive repairs. If you notice any unusual noises, it’s best to have your vehicle inspected by a professional as soon as possible. Early detection can often prevent a minor issue from escalating into a costly repair.

9. **Use the Right Driving Techniques**: Driving style can seriously affect the life of the transmission. As an example, rapid acceleration or hard braking puts unnecessary stress on transmission components. The alternative is smooth acceleration and gradual deceleration. When towing, make sure your vehicle is within towing capacity to avoid overloading the transmission. Practising good driving habits will not only improve your vehicle’s performance, but also extend the life of your transmission.

10. **Know Your Towing Capacity**: Overloading your vehicle can be detrimental to your transmission’s health. Every vehicle has a specified towing capacity, and exceeding this limit puts tremendous strain on the transmission. This can result in overheating, slipping, and ultimately, transmission failure. It is essential to refer to the vehicle’s owner’s manual for vehicle limitations. Ensuring that you drive within the recommended limitations will help maintain the integrity of your transmission over time.

11. **Avoid Quick Shifts After Cold Starts**: When starting your vehicle on a cold morning, it’s important to allow the transmission to warm up before driving aggressively. Cold transmission fluid is thicker and doesn’t flow as smoothly, leading to potential damage if subjected to high-stress conditions. Allow your vehicle to idle for a minute or two, giving the transmission time to circulate the fluid properly. This simple step can significantly reduce wear and prolong the life of your transmission.

12. **Regularly Inspect and Replace Filters**: Just like engine oil, transmission fluid can contain contaminants that affect its performance. A clogged transmission filter can restrict fluid flow, leading to overheating and eventual failure. Regular inspections and timely replacements of the transmission filter are crucial. Depending on your vehicle and usage, consider changing the filter every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. Keeping your transmission fluid clean ensures optimal performance and longevity.

13. **Pay Attention to Warning Lights**: Modern vehicles are equipped with various sensors that alert drivers to potential issues, including problems with the transmission. If your dashboard shows a transmission warning light, don’t ignore it. Prompt attention to these alerts can save you from extensive damage down the line. Always consult with a qualified technician to diagnose and address any warning lights promptly.

14. **Educate Yourself on Transmission Types**: Understanding the differences between your vehicle’s transmission type can help you make informed decisions regarding maintenance and driving techniques. Automatic transmissions operate differently than manual ones, and each requires distinct care. Familiarize yourself with the characteristics of your transmission type to better appreciate its needs and potential pitfalls. Knowledge is power, and being proactive can keep your transmission running smoothly.

15. **Consider Professional Maintenance Services**: The best way to ensure your transmission remains in good health is to enlist the help of professionals. A qualified mechanic can provide in-depth inspections and maintenance that the average car owner might overlook. From fluid changes to advanced diagnostics, a professional service can identify issues before they become major problems. Investing in regular professional maintenance can save repair costs over the life of your vehicle.

automatic transmission preventative care — Volvo | AMECA Auto Care | Hesperia, CA, Photo by amecaautocare.com, is licensed under CC BY 2.0

With these tips, you can ensure that your automatic transmission remains robust and reliable for years to come. Remember, a little preventative care goes a long way in avoiding costly repairs. Enjoy the open road, and drive with confidence knowing your transmission is in good condition!