Caring for Your Car's Transmission
Out of sight, out of mind. That’s how a large number of drivers consider their vehicle’s transmission. Yet, under the hood, this complex assortment of gears, clutches, bands, seals, and gaskets, works tirelessly to maintain the performance of your engine. With enough miles, the tranny will eventually need to be repaired, replaced, or completely overhauled. The good news is that there are things you can do to make sure that your transmission system works for a long time.
Below, I’ll describe a few maintenance areas that deserve your attention. I’ll explain how to look for fluid leaks, check for color or odors that suggest a problem, and note changes in how your tranny operates.
Looking For Leaks
If you notice spots appearing underneath your vehicle in the general area of your transmission, place a piece of white cardboard underneath to catch the drip. That will allow you to ID the color. If the drip appears reddish, it is likely coming from your tranny or the steering column. Take your car to a mechanic and ask him to identify the source of the leak.
If the amount of leaking is relatively small, you may be able to put off having it fixed for awhile. Just be sure to keep the fluid levels up. Like motor oil for your engine, your tranny needs plenty of fluid. Starving it will lead to costly damage. Also, keep in mind that leaks seldom repair themselves. Sooner or later, you’ll need to have it fixed.
Checking For Health with Your Nose and Eyes
Get into the habit of checking your fluid levels every two or three weeks. Turn your engine on and let it idle for a minute. Then, pop the hood and pull the dipstick out. If the fluid is "healthy," it will have a vibrant, reddish hue. If it is brown, appears murky, or smells as if it's burning, take your vehicle to a mechanic and ask him to check your transmission. He will probably suggest that you drain it before replenishing its fluid.
Noting Changes In Behavior
Transmissions normally perform their job with uniformity. Changes in behavior will not be subtle. For example, you might hear a high-pitched whine coming from the floor. You might notice a hard shift between certain gears. You might also notice that your transmission shifts sporadically at different RPMs. Each of these is a warning sign that something might be wrong.
Have a mechanic take a look. You can avoid a large repair bill if you can catch the problem early enough. On the other hand, if you let it persist, the problem might make an expensive overhaul necessary in the future.
As with most of your car’s parts and systems, periodically checking the health of your transmission will go a long way toward preserving its life.
