Preventative Service for Your Transmission Is Best Performed at the Beginning of the Year
Why do you need to get your transmission serviced? Like all parts of your car, preventative maintenance for your transmission is important to keep it running smoothly and identify any problems before they get out of control. Regular transmission maintenance is important, but especially in winter. With the new year and freezing temperatures right around the corner, it’s a great time to get your transmission serviced in Hanford, CA.
Transmission service involves flushing out the transmission fluid and replacing it with new fluid. Much like an oil change, this removes fluid that’s clogged with dirt and debris. Transmission fluid not only acts as a lubricant, but also as a coolant.
How often should I service my transmission?
Depending on your type of car, the owner’s manual’s recommendations and how much you drive, your service intervals will vary. We recommend getting your transmission serviced at the beginning of each year because it’s easy to remember, and cold weather affects your transmission anyway—but you can never overdo it, and you should always check your transmission fluid regularly to ensure it’s still clean and topped off.
Manual transmissions generally need to be serviced every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, or according to your manufacturer’s recommendations. This is because the transmission fluid is more easily contaminated than in automatic transmissions, and not changing the fluid regularly can lead to engine breakdown.
Automatic transmissions should be serviced about every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. While they can withstand longer periods of time without attention, they generate more heat than manual transmissions, which can cause the fluid to break down. It’s important that you continue to check the transmission fluid to ensure it’s clean and full.
Why winter affects your transmission
Your car doesn’t like the cold, and freezing temperatures can cause problems for your transmission. For example, metal contracts in the cold, which can loosen up parts and cause them to wear down faster or spring leaks. Transmission fluid also changes viscosity in the cold, becoming thicker and failing to properly lubricate the moving parts.
You may also experience shifting problems, as the shifting points become harder or delayed. It also may affect your car’s ability to use overdrive until the transmission fluid comes up to the proper temperature. Finally, if there’s any water in your transmission, it will freeze and can cause major issues for your mechanical components—it may even expand and cause cracks in the machinery.
These are all great reasons to make sure you service your car at the beginning of the year.
Transmission service in Hanford, CA
Ready to schedule an appointment for transmission service in Hanford, CA? AAA Sandoval Transmissions is here to help. Whether you need routine maintenance or something more complex, we’re masters of resolving problems within your transmission system and take pride in offering solutions where other general auto shops can’t. We invite you to schedule an appointment with us today to see for yourself the level of superior service we’re able to deliver, and why drivers keep coming back.
Categorised in: Transmission Service
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