Auto transmissions are sturdy and reliable components. However, this doesn’t mean that they don’t need a little bit of maintenance from time to time. Performing consistent maintenance on your transmission will not only help it to run more efficiently, but it will also prolong its lifespan.
The question is: what does transmission maintenance entail? There is quite a bit involved with the upkeep of an auto transmission. We’re going to cover the specifics below.
Change Your Pan Gasket on Schedule
In order to seal in transmission fluid, a transmission makes use of a component known as a pan gasket. Sitting at the edges of the transmission pan, this component is prone to deterioration over time.
At some point, after enough wear and tear, a pan gasket can spring a leak, causing transmission fluid to slowly seep out of its corresponding transmission. When this occurs, the transmission can suffer irreparable damage.
This is why it’s important to keep a close watch on your pan gasket, inspecting it every year or so. If it’s still going strong, you can leave it as is. However, if it’s showing signs of deterioration, you’ll want to think about making a change.
Replace Your Filter on Schedule
As time passes, your transmission is bound to take on more and more residue. This is why transmissions are stocked with filters. The filters catch a great deal of this residue, helping the transmission to perform as efficiently as possible.
However, filters have a shelf life. At some point, after having taken on a great deal of residue, they will need to be changed. Failure to change your transmission filter in a timely manner will undoubtedly lead to efficiency issues.
Generally, it’s recommended that you replace your filter after every 30,000 miles of driving, or after every 2 years.
Clean Your Transmission Regularly
Transmissions are prone to taking on residue. As such, they can become exceedingly dirty in just a short amount of time. For this reason, they should be cleaned on a regular basis.
When cleaning a car’s transmission, it’s important to reach every single one of its components, including its pan gasket, its transmission pan, and its transmission casing. Generally, a hard-thistle brush will suffice in removing caked-on residue.
In most cases, in order to sufficiently clean a transmission, it needs to be flushed. Flushing a transmission allows access to its interior, which allows for a thorough cleaning.
Replace Your Transmission Fluid in a Timely Manner
Over time, as transmission fluid sees more and more use, it deteriorates. Eventually, what was once a smooth, red-brown liquid can turn into a thick, brown-black sludge. Once the transmission fluid has reached its sludgy form, it does a very poor job of providing lubrication.
For this reason, it is crucial that you replace your transmission fluid in a timely manner. Transmission fluid can thrive for anywhere from 30,000 to 60,000 miles, but the only legitimate way to know whether or not it’s performing its function is to have it checked.
It is recommended that, every month or so, you take a look at your transmission fluid to ensure that it’s not black and sludgy. If it is, you should have it changed immediately.
Need Help with Transmission Maintenance in Bellwood, Illinois?
Are you in search of professional transmission maintenance in Bellwood, Illinois? If so, King Transmission Company has you covered.
In business since 1954, we’ve helped maintain the transmissions in vehicles all throughout Bellwood and its surrounding areas. Regardless of the make and model of your vehicle, our mechanics can help you.
Contact us now for a free estimate!
