A Cool and Smooth Transmission in Poway

When it comes to preventive maintenance on our vehicles, most of us Poway auto owners remember to get our oil changed. But Poway Auto Repair services that occur at longer intervals — like transmission service — sometimes get overlooked. Yet transmission service is a critical part of car care for Poway drivers. A poorly maintained transmission will reduce fuel economy and lead to pricey repairs.

The transmission transfers power from the engine to the drive wheels. When it’s clean and well – lubricated, it gives maximum fuel efficiency. But when it gets dirty or worn down, your gas mileage will suffer. Your transmission relies on transmission fluid to keep everything running well.

Transmission fluid has two jobs: to cool and lubricate the transmission. The transmission operates at high temperatures. It can get 100-150°F degrees hotter inside your transmission than inside your engine. Transmission fluid transfers some of the heat away from the transmission. Transmissions work hard. Their parts need constant lubrication to prevent excessive wear and keep them running smoothly for Poway drivers.

The constant shifting and movement of gears inside the transmission cause bits of the gears and clutch material to wear off. These bits of harmful grit get into the transmission fluid. This grit increases friction inside the transmission and causes even more wear – it’s like liquid sandpaper. Also, the high temperatures inside the transmission cause the transmission fluid to break down over time, making it a less effective lubricant. The fluid can actually become sludgy, which can gradually plug up the maze of passages inside the transmission. Gradually, the transmission loses efficiency and stops operating smoothly. Eventually, the transmission will be damaged or fail altogether.

This is why the transmission fluid must be changed periodically. Your owner’s manual will give you a recommended time schedule for this vital service. Or, you can talk to your Friendly Poway Auto Repair service professional. Generally, the interval is around 35,000 miles (55,000 km) or every two years. But the interval for your Vehicle may be shorter or longer.

Of course, if you give your transmission a real workout, you’re going to have to change the fluid more often than the car maker recommends. If you drive in hot, dusty California conditions, if you tow a trailer around Poway, if you haul heavy loads or if you do a lot of stop-and-go Poway driving, then you need to change transmission fluid more often. Also, if you demand frequent bursts of speed from your engine — especially shooting away from stops — your transmission is working harder and will need more frequent care. Check your owner’s manual for the “severe conditions” service interval.

Transmission fluids vary from vehicle to vehicle, so you’ll also need to check your owner’s manual to know what kind your Vehicle needs, or talk to your Friendly Poway Auto Repair tech.

At Poway Auto Repair in Poway, transmission fluid can usually be changed while you wait and is simple and not particularly pricey. Compared to the cost of costly transmission repairs or a new transmission, it’s downright cheap! So take some good auto advice from the team at Poway Auto Repair and take care of your transmission. It will pay you back in improved fuel efficiency and a longer, smoother ride.