Preventative Measure for your Transmission

The transmission is an integral part of your vehicle as it transfers power from the engine to the wheels of the car allowing the car to move forward and backward. The transmission fluid helps cool and lubricate your vehicle’s transmission’s internal parts. 

“Despite the significant advancements in modern transmissions and the “fill-for-life” fluids used by some manufacturers, automatic transmission experts say fluid should be periodically changed to ensure maximum transmission life.Manufactures started going to what they called “fill-for-life” which means the transmission fluid will be good until the transmission decides it’s going to fail.The reality is, though all transmission fluid should be changed. It will allow your vehicle to last longer, especially if you’re driving in the city in comparison to highway driving.”(excerpt from The Globe & Mail)

Is there a difference between an automatic and standard transmission?

An automatic transmission shifts the car into different gears depending on the speed you are driving.The transmission system in an automatic has an oil pan that contains the transmission fluid and filter that provides the power required to shift into different gears.If an automatic transmission does not have enough fluid, or the fluid is contaminated, it is possible for the transmission to start to slip and eventually fail.

A standard or manual transmission, has a case that contains the transmission fluid.The fluid in a manual system is not directly involved in changing gears, because it is a mechanical system whereas an automatic transmission is hydraulic.If a manual transmission does not have enough fluid, or the fluid has been contaminated, it is possible for the transmission to become noisy, the internal parts wear out faster and eventually the transmission to fail. 

Keeping the transmission in good condition as part of your preventative maintenance schedule is critical as transmissions are designed to operate at high temperatures, but consistent overheating can break down the fluid. 

This is why we promise to know you better and ask your driving habits because city driving tends to warm the transmission up much more frequently over the long haul than it does on highway driving.In combination with knowing your driving habits it is also important to know the manufacturers recommendations. 

DRIVER TIP:Extend the Life of your Transmission

The Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association (ATRA) recommends changing fluid every 50,000 km or two years, to help extend the life of your transmission.