Tips

Your transmission relies heavily on the temperature, level, and condition of its fluid, which serves to cool and lubricate. With automatic transmissions, the fluid also transfers power and provides necessary pressure to the internal parts of the transmission. The transmission fluid must be checked and changed regularly. Special attention should be given to the temperature of an automatic transmission, as overheating will break the fluid down and cause it to lose the ability to protect moving parts inside the transmission.

Have your vehicle’s transmission fluid changed at the scheduled intervals according to your owner’s manual. Depending upon their condition, the filter and gasket may need to be replaced as well.

An AAMCO of Plymouth training technician can ensure the job is done right!

Discovering a leak early may help you to avoid further damage to your transmission. The ideal method for finding leaks is to park your car (or truck) on a clean, clear spot. You should then keep it parked for 24 hours – without driving or starting the vehicle. After the 24 hours has passed, you will need to start your car and allow it to run until it reaches normal operating temperature. At this point, you may move the car and immediately check the ground for leaks.

If you find liquid on the ground, blot the area with a clean paper towel. Transmission fluid is usually red, pink, or light brown; engine oil will usually be brown or dark brown; and coolant is green.

If you think you have a transmission leak, give AAMCO of Plymouth a call. You may find that the problem has just begun and by having it looked at early, you may save yourself the expense and trouble of an extensive repair.

Loose or worn belts and hoses can cause your vehicle to overheat. High temperatures can damage your automatic transmission. Keep an eye on these parts for any trouble, or if you are unsure what to look for, have a trained technician examine these for you.

This is an area where a little preventative maintenance can save you from bigger trouble down the road.