Ten Tips To Take Care Of Your Vehicle’s Automatic Transmission
The comfort of driving an automatic transmission vehicle is much more relaxing as it is one less thing you have to worry about while concentrating on the road. This multi-speed transmission system does not require any additional input from the driver once you put the transmission into drive.
You will also find that there are only 2 pedals, that is the accelerator and brake with the clutch pedal missing as it is not required. Depending on the speed of the vehicle and throttle pedal position, the automatic transmission will automatically select the appropriate gear for maximum efficiency. Let’s take a look at how you can maintain your car’s automatic transmission for optimal performance.
1) Regular Maintenance
The automatic transmission is a pretty complex system and it needs to be serviced on a regular basis to deliver peak performance. Make sure you change the transmission fluid every 24,000 km and make sure you use the right type of transmission fluid that is formulated for your type of vehicle. Do not use low-grade fluids as this may lead to transmission failure and a sidelined vehicle.
2) Check Fluid Levels Routinely
Make it a habit to check the transmission fluid levels on a regular basis or at least once a month. Much like the oil pan, the transmission system also has its own dipstick. Low levels of transmission fluid can easily lead to failure of the transmission system. This can occur due to a leak in the transmission system. You should get this immediately rectified by taking your vehicle to a trusted general automotive repair shop or transmission specialist.
3) Come To A Complete Stop Before Changing Gears
This step is particularly important for cars with automatic transmission. Most drivers in a rush wouldn’t think twice about changing gears quickly but in cars with automatic transmission systems, this can cause serious issues over time to the transmission system and drive train. To avoid this, only switch the gear from drive to reverse or vice versa once you have come to a complete stop.
4) Warming Up The Car
Most drivers tend to start driving the car as soon as they get into the driving seat. While driving an automatic car, you should let the car warm up for a few minutes before you put the car into drive as this lets all the vital fluids get sufficiently warm ensuring proper flow. If you fail to do this, the electronic control unit (ECU) tries to warm up the automatic transmission fluids quickly by preventing the automatic gearbox from shifting to keep the revs higher and longer to generate heat.
Check: Best Performance Sedans in UAE
5) Do Not Tow Heavy Loads
If your automatic transmission vehicle isn’t rated to tow heavy loads, you must avoid doing this at all costs. Towing or carrying heavy cargo causes the transmission to send more engine power to the driving wheels, which can cause it to overheat faster than the engine. This action can lead to severe engine stress and early transmission failure.
6) Do Not Drive With Mismatched Tires
Driving with a smaller spare tire can stress or overwork the automatic transmission and ruin your vehicle's wheel alignment. This causes the engine to put in additional energy to correct these problems and leads to early transmission failure. To avoid this get the punctured or damaged tire fixed as soon as possible. Avoid driving long distances on mismatched tires.
Read More: Essential Tyre Care Tips
7) Avoid Shifting To Neutral At Stop Lights
In cars with automatic transmission when stopping at a red signal you do not need to shift the transmission to neutral as this action disengages the transmission. Constant shifting from drive to neutral and vice versa can damage the transmission. Applying the brake at stop signals can avoid this as it prevents the transmission from disengaging.
8) Always Maintain Adequate Fuel In Your Fuel Tank
The complex system of the automatic transmission requires you to maintain an ample fuel supply for proper lubrication. Having low levels of fuel can cause your engine to overheat quickly leading to engine damage.
9) Cooling System Maintenance
The automatic transmission system can easily overheat as you drive and not having adequate levels of cooling fluid can hamper this process. The vehicle’s cooling system is designed to help cool the hot transmission fluid before sending it back to the transmission. The fluid lines to and from the transmission to the radiator should be inspected periodically for leaks to prevent this.
10) Clean Electrical System And Check The Battery
All automatic transmission vehicles rely on electronics to control the proper functioning of the transmission and other driving systems. A weak battery or unclean electrical system can lead to the automatic transmission system from functioning correctly. This problem can be fixed quickly and cheaply if detected early or can result in a higher bill later as it could require changing the damaged transmission system. When taking the car in for maintenance ask the mechanic to pay special attention to the battery, alternator, and wiring harness. Reacting quickly to minor transmission issues can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Shop at CARS24 for the best-preowned cars in the UAE
When shopping for pre-owned cars, save valuable time and effort by shopping for them on the hassle-free and easy-to-use CARS24 website. Cars sold by CARS24 undergo a stringent 150-point quality check and a thorough refurbishment process before being listed on the site. We also provide a 7-days return policy and 2 years of warranty for every vehicle purchased on the site thereby ensuring complete peace of mind for all our customers.
The comfort of driving an automatic transmission vehicle is much more relaxing as it is one less thing you have to worry about while concentrating on the road. This multi-speed transmission system does not require any additional input from the driver once you put the transmission into drive.
You will also find that there are only 2 pedals, that is the accelerator and brake with the clutch pedal missing as it is not required. Depending on the speed of the vehicle and throttle pedal position, the automatic transmission will automatically select the appropriate gear for maximum efficiency. Let’s take a look at how you can maintain your car’s automatic transmission for optimal performance.
1) Regular Maintenance
The automatic transmission is a pretty complex system and it needs to be serviced on a regular basis to deliver peak performance. Make sure you change the transmission fluid every 24,000 km and make sure you use the right type of transmission fluid that is formulated for your type of vehicle. Do not use low-grade fluids as this may lead to transmission failure and a sidelined vehicle.
2) Check Fluid Levels Routinely
Make it a habit to check the transmission fluid levels on a regular basis or at least once a month. Much like the oil pan, the transmission system also has its own dipstick. Low levels of transmission fluid can easily lead to failure of the transmission system. This can occur due to a leak in the transmission system. You should get this immediately rectified by taking your vehicle to a trusted general automotive repair shop or transmission specialist.
3) Come To A Complete Stop Before Changing Gears
This step is particularly important for cars with automatic transmission. Most drivers in a rush wouldn’t think twice about changing gears quickly but in cars with automatic transmission systems, this can cause serious issues over time to the transmission system and drive train. To avoid this, only switch the gear from drive to reverse or vice versa once you have come to a complete stop.
4) Warming Up The Car
Most drivers tend to start driving the car as soon as they get into the driving seat. While driving an automatic car, you should let the car warm up for a few minutes before you put the car into drive as this lets all the vital fluids get sufficiently warm ensuring proper flow. If you fail to do this, the electronic control unit (ECU) tries to warm up the automatic transmission fluids quickly by preventing the automatic gearbox from shifting to keep the revs higher and longer to generate heat.
Check: Best Performance Sedans in UAE
5) Do Not Tow Heavy Loads
If your automatic transmission vehicle isn’t rated to tow heavy loads, you must avoid doing this at all costs. Towing or carrying heavy cargo causes the transmission to send more engine power to the driving wheels, which can cause it to overheat faster than the engine. This action can lead to severe engine stress and early transmission failure.
6) Do Not Drive With Mismatched Tires
Driving with a smaller spare tire can stress or overwork the automatic transmission and ruin your vehicle's wheel alignment. This causes the engine to put in additional energy to correct these problems and leads to early transmission failure. To avoid this get the punctured or damaged tire fixed as soon as possible. Avoid driving long distances on mismatched tires.
Read More: Essential Tyre Care Tips
7) Avoid Shifting To Neutral At Stop Lights
In cars with automatic transmission when stopping at a red signal you do not need to shift the transmission to neutral as this action disengages the transmission. Constant shifting from drive to neutral and vice versa can damage the transmission. Applying the brake at stop signals can avoid this as it prevents the transmission from disengaging.
8) Always Maintain Adequate Fuel In Your Fuel Tank
The complex system of the automatic transmission requires you to maintain an ample fuel supply for proper lubrication. Having low levels of fuel can cause your engine to overheat quickly leading to engine damage.
9) Cooling System Maintenance
The automatic transmission system can easily overheat as you drive and not having adequate levels of cooling fluid can hamper this process. The vehicle’s cooling system is designed to help cool the hot transmission fluid before sending it back to the transmission. The fluid lines to and from the transmission to the radiator should be inspected periodically for leaks to prevent this.
10) Clean Electrical System And Check The Battery
All automatic transmission vehicles rely on electronics to control the proper functioning of the transmission and other driving systems. A weak battery or unclean electrical system can lead to the automatic transmission system from functioning correctly. This problem can be fixed quickly and cheaply if detected early or can result in a higher bill later as it could require changing the damaged transmission system. When taking the car in for maintenance ask the mechanic to pay special attention to the battery, alternator, and wiring harness. Reacting quickly to minor transmission issues can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Shop at CARS24 for the best-preowned cars in the UAE
When shopping for pre-owned cars, save valuable time and effort by shopping for them on the hassle-free and easy-to-use CARS24 website. Cars sold by CARS24 undergo a stringent 150-point quality check and a thorough refurbishment process before being listed on the site. We also provide a 7-days return policy and 2 years of warranty for every vehicle purchased on the site thereby ensuring complete peace of mind for all our customers.
