!: How to Extend the Life of Your Vehicle's Transmission

Your car's transmission is comprised of hundreds of individual parts. Each has a specific job to perform and they work in unison to support the tranny's operation. Any assembly with that many parts working together is bound to eventually develop problems. When they occur, it is important to have a mechanic resolve them quickly. Otherwise, they will evolve and worsen, becoming far more expensive with time.

Given that a complete overhaul costs thousands of dollars, investing time to prolong your transmission's life can save a significant amount of money. In this article, I'll provide a quick checklist of preventative maintenance steps you can take to extend the life of your car's tranny as long as possible.

Maintain The Fluid Level

Your transmission needs fluid in order to operate efficiently. Under normal conditions, the level of fluid should rarely decline. However, if the assembly develops leaks, they can cause a severe lack of fluid that will lead to costly damage down the road.

Get into the habit of checking the transmission fluid at the same time you check your oil level. You'll find the two dipsticks are located near each other. Keep in mind that you need to let the engine idle for a minute before checking the tranny fluid.

Also, when checking the level, examine the fluid's color. It should have a reddish hue. If it looks brown or dirty, you need to have it changed. Refer to your owner's manual for the recommended service schedule.

Stay Vigilant About Leaks

Leaks are problematic because they always worsen, causing expensive damage to your transmission. The first sign of leaking will be a few drops on the pavement directly under the assembly. Assuming the leak is not coming from your power steering system, you should have a mechanic fix it as soon as possible. If you only see a few drops on the ground, you can get away with replenishing the fluid level. However, keep in mind that leaks do not go away. They must be fixed.

Have Minor Problems Repaired Immediately

If your transmission is experiencing problems, you will notice them. For example, you might hear a high-pitched whine under the floorboard, or feel "jerky" shifting during acceleration. Like leaks, these problems will not disappear on their own. They suggest that something is wrong and needs to be repaired or replaced.

There is one rule of thumb you can count on when it comes to your vehicle's tranny: the cost of repairs will rise in proportion to the number of miles you drive after hearing the first signs of trouble. Many problems, if they are identified early enough, can be repaired relatively inexpensively. For example, a worn or leaking gasket can often be replaced without needing to lift the assembly out of your vehicle.

Given that a complete overhaul can translate into a ,000 repair bill, it pays to extend the life of your transmission. The more you can do upfront to avoid problems, or prevent minor issues from growing worse, the longer you'll be able to drive without needing major repairs.