Maybe you’re moving furniture on a trailer? Perhaps you’re towing your boat to the lake? Whatever the case may be, if you’re towing cargo on a regular basis, there are a few key things you should know about the effect it can have on your vehicle’s transmission. Are you wondering what this includes? If so, you’ve come to the right place — this transmission repair company in Carol Stream, Illinois is going to explain below.
What Is the Effect of Towing on Your Transmission?
In truth, this depends on the circumstances. Many vehicles are designed to tow trailers. That said, they have weight limitations. Assuming you stay within these limitations, you shouldn’t run into any problems.
When you creep above these limitations, or when you use a vehicle not designed for towing, you’re more than likely going to put undue strain on the transmission. This will result in premature wear and tear, eventually resulting in the premature replacement of your transmission as a whole.
Therefore, there’s no reason to avoid towing altogether. You’ll just need to be cognizant of how much weight you’re towing.
Signs to Look Out for When Towing with Your Vehicle
Many vehicles are designed to tow trailers and the like. That said, there are limitations to what they can tow. Once they’ve reached these limitations, they’re bound to demonstrate a variety of negative signs. These are the signs you should look out for:
Jerky Shifting
One sign that your tow-load may be too much for your transmission to handle is that, when your vehicle shifts gears, it does so in a jerky and delayed manner. If you experience rough and semi-violent motions during gear changes, it’s probably time to lighten the load.
Strained Noises
Another thing you might come across is strained noises. When your vehicle is towing too much weight, it might produce a whining sound. Ideally, when towing, your vehicle will produce the same sounds that it normally does. If there are additional sounds present, it’s probably time to cut back the weight.
Burning Scents
The last sign that you may be towing too much weight is that your vehicle is producing burning scents. This can occur in situations where a transmission is struggling. If you smell a burnt aroma, you’ll want to have your vehicle inspected as soon as possible by a transmission repair company in Carol Stream, Illinois.
Helping Your Transmission When Towing
If you really want towing to go as successfully as possible, you need to be mindful of how you’re going about it. There are a few things you can do to reduce the strain on your transmission.
First, you need to regularly maintain your transmission. This not only involves changing the transmission fluid regularly, but also taking it to be inspected by a professional transmission repair technician. If you think your transmission might need maintenance, you can always schedule a diagnostic appointment with your local transmission repair company in Carol Stream, Illinois.
Apart from that, it’s important to distribute weight evenly across your tow load. If there’s too much weight in any one spot, it can put undue stress on the transmission. You should also shift your vehicle into a low gear, in most cases, the first gear. This will provide your vehicle with the power and consistency required to thrive.
Looking for a Transmission Repair Company in Carol Stream, Illinois?
Has your transmission suffered damage? Maybe it needs a fluid flush? In any case, if you’re looking for a transmission repair company in Carol Stream, Illinois that handle it all, King Transmission Company has you covered. Contact us today to discuss your needs.
