Did you know that a transmission repair, rebuild, or replacement could cost you anywhere from $1200 to $5000? Of course, the actual amount depends on your vehicle’s make and model, type of transmission, and the extent of the damage. If you are curious as to what type of transmission your vehicle has, there are various ways to figure that out! You can use your VIN number, your owner’s manual, and various other ways that you can learn about here.
In any case, this is one auto repair bill that’s not likely to fit easily into your monthly budget. That being said, there are things you can do to extend the life of your transmission and keep it functioning well for as long as possible.
6 Easy Ways to Extend the Life of Your Transmission
The good news is that you don’t have to be a car guru to extend the life of your transmission and maintain its performance. However, you do have to be a savvy vehicle owner who cares about preventative maintenance.
Follow these tips to keep your transmission in tip-top shape:
- Schedule regular transmission service. This is #1 for a reason – it’s the most effective way to extend the life of your transmission and keep it in working order. Follow the transmission service recommendations given by your vehicle’s manufacturer or ask your trusted mechanic what service is required and when.
- Use the right type of transmission fluid. Although there are two main types of transmission fluid, automatic and manual, there are several varieties of automatic transmission fluid (ATF) alone. Use the type of fluid recommended for your vehicle make and model to prevent damage, extend the life of your transmission, and get maximum performance.
- Regularly check the transmission fluid level. Just like over- or under-inflating tires can affect gas mileage, over- or under-filling your transmission fluid can affect the transmission’s performance, shorten its life, and damage internal components. Low fluid levels can indicate a leak which should be evaluated at your local auto repair shop as soon as possible.
- Schedule a transmission flush every 30,000 miles. When transmission fluid breaks down, it’s no longer able to adequately lubricate the transmission. A transmission flush done at regular intervals keeps it clean and filled appropriately with fresh fluid.
- Follow manufacturer towing and weight limit recommendations. When you tow or carry something heavier than what’s recommended for your vehicle make and model, you put the transmission under added stress. This can lead to transmission damage very quickly.
- Stop before you shift. Broken or cracked gears can be very expensive and labor intensive to replace. This repair is often needed when the driver fails to stop before shifting between drive and reverse.
Transmission Flush and Transmission Repair in Tempe
At Good Works Auto Repair, we understand the important role that preventative maintenance plays in helping vehicles last as long as possible. Following a regular maintenance schedule is exactly why we have a fleet of high mileage vehicles averaging 187,500 miles each!
So, whether you want to extend the life of your transmission, save money by preventing expensive auto repairs, or you just want to keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely, we can help! Simply give us a call or schedule an appointment online today.
