8 ways to extend the life of your transmission
Gearboxes - or transmissions, if you prefer - are far more sophisticated and powerful, especially automatic ones—no wonder they've pushed manual gearboxes to the brink of extinction in new vehicles.
As always, reliability and durability depend on driving habits and maintenance. Automatic transmissions can last for over 300,000 km, and in some cases even up to 500,000 km. However, when problems arise and the manufacturer's initial warranty has expired, the impact on the wallet can be very heavy.
That's why it's important to take care of your transmission. But how? We've compiled a list of tips and recommendations from car manufacturers, dealers, specialist mechanical workshops and other experts in the field:
Vehicle heating
Transmissions, and their oil in particular, don't like the cold. The best thing to do is to let the vehicle warm up and reach its optimum operating temperature. This can also be done while driving, if you don't want to burn fuel unnecessarily, but take it easy, especially in freezing weather. By the way, letting an engine idle too long isn't good for the transmission either.
Transmission oil cooler
Conversely, when the mercury is very high or the vehicle is subjected to demanding conditions (sporty driving, climbs, heavy loads, towing, etc.), the transmission can overheat and wear out more quickly. If you're shopping for a vehicle, a model equipped with a transmission oil cooler is a wise choice (it's sometimes possible to have one installed). And don't forget that overheating the engine can also affect the transmission.
Transmission oil
Like engine oil, transmission oil needs to be changed at the intervals recommended by the vehicle manufacturer to maintain its properties and efficiency. Too many people forget this. At your next transmission service appointment, opt for synthetic oil if possible. This type of oil is more resistant to extreme temperatures. Find out about compatibility with your vehicle and the manufacturer's recommendations.
Transmission filter
The transmission filter is an important component that helps prevent damage to the transmission through oil contamination, enabling it to do its job properly and efficiently. It should be replaced from time to time, again following the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.
Transmission additive
Transmission additives can help keep your transmission healthy and reduce wear on parts, extending their life and saving you money on future repairs. They're not a quick fix, but a detail that counts.
Smooth ride
Your driving habits have a direct impact on transmission life. Hard acceleration and frequent gear changes exert a stress that can increase transmission wear. Likewise, take the time to bring the vehicle to a complete stop before moving the lever into park or reverse.
Towing
Towing a load? Make sure you always stay well below your vehicle's towing capacity. Exceeding this limit can overload the transmission, leading to overheating and premature wear. Familiarize yourself with your vehicle's towing specifications to ensure safe practices that protect your transmission.
Noise and signals
Keep an eye out for any unusual or suspicious noises, such as rattling or grinding, when shifting gears. These noises are often a sign of an underlying transmission problem and require immediate attention, otherwise, things may get worse. For the same reason, never ignore warning lights on your dashboard that indicate transmission or engine problems.
