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How to Get More Miles From Your Automatic Transmission

Your vehicle is probably one of the largest investments you have ever made. Keeping it in good shape is imperative if you want to get the most for your money. Part of that includes taking the steps to preserve your auto transmission. The following tips can help you get more miles from your auto transmission:

  1. Get Regular Service
    Just as you would change your oil regularly, your transmission should be checked often. A professional technician can perform fluid and filter changes, which will help to extend the life of the part. Experts agree that a transmission check-up is one of the most cost-effective maintenance tasks you can do.
  1. Check Your Fluid
    Burned fluid or low levels of fluid can rapidly cause poor functionality. Check your owner’s manual or look for a transmission dipstick in your vehicle.  Have your fluid level and condition checked with each oil change.
  1. Upgrade Your Fluid
    If you aren’t sure which fluid your transmission currently uses, ask a technician or consult your owner’s manual. If you are using a petroleum-based fluid, you may want to consider a synthetic one. Synthetic fluids resist heat better and typically last longer. However, using the wrong product can lead to damage, so it is always best to consult a professional before putting anything into your transmission.
  1. Evaluate Your Tires
    The condition of your tires affects so many of your vehicle’s systems. If you have low tire pressure, it can cause your transmission to work overtime. It also takes a toll on the tires themselves as well as your gas mileage. Every month, you should make sure your tires are inflated to the factory recommendation. Do not overinflate them, as that can cause other problems as well.
  1. Don’t Let Your Car Overheat
    Heat is a transmission’s true enemy. You can reduce the heat by doing the following:

    • Make sure your cooling system is in good condition
    • Avoid fast starts, which creates friction in the transmission
    • Ease into shifts by laying off the gas

You may also want to consider adding a transmission cooler. Temperatures in Arizona soar, causing excessive heat inside your car. An auxiliary transmission cooler can help to extend the life of your transmission during hot weather.