Healthy
Transmission Tip #3
WANT
YOUR TRANSMISSION TO LIVE LONGER?
HERE ARE
TEN THINGS YOU SHOULD
NOT DO
 1. Don’t
Leave The Shift Lever In Park (P) Without The
Parking Brake On.
If another vehicle were to even tap yours in
the front or back while parked it could cause
a part inside your transmission (the parking
pawl) to break leaving your vehicle to roll
down the street unattended.
2. Don’t
Downshift To "Brake" At Traffic Lights.
A forced downshift at high engine RPM causes
excessive wear on transmission friction components
(clutches and bands).
3. Don’t
Place Shift Lever in Drive or Reverse when engine
is at "Fast Idle". This can cause abrupt
transmission engagement leading to early failure
of clutches, bands, gear sets, driveline components
and engine or transmission mountings.
4. Don’t
Drag Race. Unless your vehicle was specifically
designed for that purpose it cannot sustain
that form of abuse. You run the risk of damaging
all driveline components.
5. Don’t
Use Your Shift Lever Instead of Your Brake.
Before reversing direction your car must be
at a complete stop. Using the transmission to
stop the vehicle will lead to premature transmission
failure.
6. Don’t
Rock Your Car in Sand or Snow. Dig it out
or have it towed. Both are less expensive than
the damage you may cause by quick shifting between
Reverse (R) and Drive (D) over and over again.
The excessive heat that is caused by such action
can burn out a transmission in a very short
period of time.
7. Don’t
Drive Until The Engine Warms Up. For your
transmission to perform properly, the fluid
must be at operating temperature. Give it a
few minutes and it will give you better and
longer service.
8. Don’t
Let Anyone Tow Your Vehicle With The Drive Wheels
on the Ground. Rear wheel drive vehicles
must be towed with the rear wheels off the ground.
Front wheel drive with the front wheels in the
air. All wheel or full time four-wheel drive
vehicles should be flat towed (all four wheels
off the ground) Not sure? Check your owner’s
manual. Improper towing can cause serious
damage!
9. Don’t
Stop Suddenly. Like fast starts, sudden
stops can damage drivetrain components like
engine and transmission mounts. These can lead
to transmission damage. After any sudden emergency
stop, it would be wise to have your mounts checked.
10.
Don’t Play Transmission "Doctor". Over the
counter additives that are supposed to stop
leaks or make the transmission shift better
many times contain chemicals which cause worn
seals to swell. This can interfere with the
function of these operating rubber parts and
lead to severe damage.
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