Transmission Repair - Avoiding a Sudden Breakdown
We depend on our cars to take us to work, act reliably while on vacation, and simply be ready to go when we need them. Dependability is a two way street, however, and transmission repair is expensive. Here are some tips you can use to avoid an unpleasant emergency.
Many drivers feel as though their cars betray them even when they have put nearly nothing into its maintenance. If you want a car you can rely on,
you have to put work into it. Transmission repair is expensive and it can come about suddenly if you are not careful. Here are some tips you can use to avoid an unpleasant emergency.
Heat is Your Enemy
One of the biggest causes of major system failure in your transmission is excessive heat. Most transmission repair specialists will point out that drivers do themselves few favors when they let it build up. How do you keep it from happening? You might consider putting in an extra cooler. While the car comes with a cooler to save the life of your liquid, it may not be enough if you're putting your vehicle through the paces. If you are engaging in towing on a regular basis, you might think about giving your car the extra cooling it needs.
Avoid Overdrive Towing
It is a common myth among amateur car enthusiasts that you are supposed to put the car into overdrive when towing a boat, U-Haul, or anything else. This is one of the worst things you can do to most vehicles. As with anything else, double check the owner's manual to make sure your manufacturer does not have any special recommendations. Otherwise, switch the overdrive off when you hook up that boat trailer. You will be happy you did when you avoid that expensive transmission repair bill in the future.
Fluid
It goes without saying that you should always make sure your fluids are at their proper levels. In some ways, though, it is just as important to make sure you are using the right type of fluid. Brand names are not particularly important, but types certainly matter. Many of the major car manufacturers have specific fluids that should be used under the hood. Anytime you go "off the reservation" as it pertains to using these fluids, you're taking a chance. Sure, you may save a few dollars by going with some aftermarket fluid of another variety, but the money you could spend on transmission repair will more than make up for it. If your mechanic recommends using another type of fluid, make sure she knows what she is talking about, and isn't just trying to sell you a product with which she can make a higher profit.
