When your transmission goes, you know you’re in for some major trouble.  Not only are you going to be out of a vehicle for a period of time, the resulting bill is most likely going to make you want to pull out your hair! The best way to prevent a transmission breakdown is to properly maintain it with the help of a trusted auto repair shop in the first place. Don’t wait until your transmission goes completely and the repairs become too big to handle. Thankfully, there are ways to ensure your transmission is working properly before the worst case scenario.

Knowing how to spot the first signs of transmission problems could save you a LOT of time and money in the long run. Experts suggest that you follow these tips to prevent a transmission breakdown;

• Check the level, color and smell of your transmission fluid regularly.
• Use the correct transmission fluid, as they vary from vehicle to vehicle. Cost isn’t always the answer.
• Don’t overfill your transmission fluid. That could lead to erratic shifting, loss of internal lubrication and potential transmission damage.
• Avoid excess heat with your transmission – this is one of the most common reasons for a damaged transmission.
• Remember not to tow in overdrive.
• Consider installing an auxiliary cooler. This can help with the dangers of excess heat that we warned about before. When properly installed, they may help your transmission to run 30% to 50% cooler when towing. It could really save you a lot of money on transmission repairs in the future.
• Don’t overload your vehicle and make it work too hard, too often.
• On cold mornings, let your vehicle warm up before taking off.
• Avoid rocking between gears if you ever get stuck on ice or in mud. The wheels should stop moving before changing gears.
• Avoid high performance starts, or spinning your tires, in any situation other than an emergency.
• Use your emergency brake when parked on an incline.
• Play it safe and get potential problems looked at by a certified mechanic who has the knowledge and expertise to properly maintain or repair your transmission and its related components.

It’s no surprise that transmission repairs cost a fortune. However, we hope these tips can help to save you time and money someday!