Top 10 Things Sacramento Auto Drivers Can Do To Keep Their Auto Transmission on The Road

Jan. 3, 2011 - PRLog -- 1.  Check the Fluid Level - The fluid in an automatic transmission operates the clutches, provides cooling and lubrication, and even drives the car.  So, few things are more important to keeping an auto transmission in good working order than maintaining proper fluid levels.  Most auto transmissions have a dipstick for checking the fluid level.  If you're not sure where yours is or how to check the transmission fluid level, refer to your owners manual or take your car into a certified Sacramento auto http://automotive.sacramentoinsights.com/ mechanic.

2.  Check Transmission Problems Promptly - Most auto transmission problems start out small, but get worse over time.  Very often, you can eliminate major auto repairs simply by addressing the problem early.  Whether it's a warning light on the dash, a few drops of fluid on the garage floor, or a change in the way the transmission operates, get your car checked out sooner rather than later.

3.  Service Your Transmission Regularly – Auto transmission fluids have a number of unique properties that can wear out over time.  And when they wear out, you can bet the transmission itself won't be far behind.  One of the best ways to keep your auto transmission in good working order is to have it serviced annually.  A complete fluid and filter change every year can add years to your transmission's life, and in the end, save you money.

4. Add a Friction Modifier to the Fluid - New fluid can really help your auto transmission last longer.  But there are a number of additives on the market that have demonstrated the ability to increase transmission life and reliability significantly, even beyond the extra miles you could expect from regular service.  In most cases, you won't be able to find worthwhile additives in your supermarket or do-it-yourself auto parts store.  The really effective additives are only available to professional auto transmission centers http://sacramentoinsights.com/business/raz-automotive.  

5.  Install an Auxiliary Cooler - The #1 reason for auto transmission failure is heat.  Transmission temperatures can quickly exceed 300F.  At that temperature, seals begin to harden, clutches begin to burn, and the fluid itself breaks down.  To help eliminate excess heat from the auto transmission fluid, have an auxiliary cooler installed.  This is particularly important on cars that tow trailers, carry heavy loads, or travel over rough or mountainous terrain.

6. Install a Cooler Line Filter - All auto transmissions have some type of filter inside them, but these filters vary in effectiveness.  Meanwhile, loose dirt and metal particles can quickly erode thrust washer and bushing surfaces, clog up passages, and reduce transmission life.  One of the best ways to eliminate these contaminants is to add an in-line filter to the transmission cooler lines.  These filters are inexpensive and highly effective in removing damaging particles from the transmission fluid.

7. Service the Cooling System - You may not realize it, but your car's cooling system does more than keep the engine running cool: it also cools the auto transmission fluid, through a heat exchanger built into the radiator tank.  So, a faulty cooling system cannot only damage your car’s engine, but it can reduce transmission life as well.  In fact, transmission damage may occur long before the car engine overheats.  To avoid both engine and transmission problems, keep your car's cooling system clean and in tip-top condition.

8.  Tune the Engine – The engines and auto transmissions in today's cars are linked far more closely than in the past.  A problem with engine performance can put much more strain on a car’s transmission than one that runs properly.  That's another reason why it's important to keep your car's engine in good running order.  A good running engine reduces the stress on your transmission, so the transmission can last longer without requiring major repairs.

9.  Help the Transmission Shift - Virtually all auto transmission wear takes place during the shifts, while almost none occurs between the shifts.  So one way to reduce transmission wear is to reduce the load during the shift.  Pay attention to the speed when your transmission shifts normally.  Then, just before the normal shift speed, learn to back off the gas just a bit.  Easing off the gas will force the shift, while reducing the load on the clutches, a sure way to improve transmission life.

10. Don’t Delay - Get your car’s auto transmission checked out today.

Article http://www.sacramentoinsights.com/articles/top-10-things-... by Randy Dawson, owner of Raz Automotive, serving the greater Sacramento area and beyond.  Raz Automotive is Northern California's preferred automotive & transmission repair service. Our automotive technicians & transmission specialists are ready to service cars, repair vehicles, and upgrade or rebuild most transmissions.  Since 1990, we have performed thousands of Sacramento auto repairs.  We also service federal, state, county, city, and commercial vehicles.

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