The transmission is one of the most important and complex parts of a vehicle, as it ensures that the right amount of engine power goes to the wheels so you can drive faster or slower. Without a transmission, your vehicle would not be able to transfer any power to the wheels, meaning it would still run, but it wouldn’t go anywhere. 

Because your vehicle’s transmission is a major part of its functionality, it’s one of the most expensive repairs to make if it's neglected. Here are five things everyone should know about their transmission to ensure it stays in good shape and you can avoid a costly bill. 

1. Types of Transmissions

There are three types of transmissions, each with their own benefits. Your vehicle’s engine will be composed of one of these transmissions.

Manual Transmission

This was the first type of transmission to be made; it requires a clutch pedal and stick shifter  in order to transfer the torque from the engine to the transmission. You may also know it as a ‘standard transmission’. Although these vehicles are harder to learn and require perfectly timed manual shifting between the gear stick and clutch pedal, this transmission design has been shown to last longer than the others and tends to have less issues. 

Automatic transmission

Automatic transmissions are extremely common and the easiest to learn because the computer technology automatically changes the gears for you depending on the vehicle speed changes. This design is significantly more complex than the manual transmission and usually requires more upkeep. Due to more maintenance requirements, it can be quite expensive to repair.

One of the biggest benefits aside from how simple it is to drive these types of vehicles is the fact that they typically have between 5-10 varying gears. Essentially, the more gears your car has, the more optimal its performance, allowing for a more efficient fuel economy. 

CVT Transmission (continuous variable transmission)

Unlike the manual and automatic transmissions, the CVT transmission operates on a pulley system to transfer the power from the engine to the wheels — this system does not use gears. This design allows you to have great control over your vehicle, and since there are no gears, this transmission will respond quickly to pedal changes, making for a smooth ride. 

2. Protecting your transmission in the summer

As summer approaches and the weather gets warmer, it’s important to be mindful of the severe impact heat has on your transmission. Knowing the warning signs is essential to preserving the longevity of your transmission and is the difference between a quick fix and a costly repair. 

Heat breaks down transmission fluid quickly which reduces its lubricating and cooling properties. The lack of fluid can cause the friction on the moving parts to increase, which can cause potential transmission failure. Additionally, the hot weather causes transmission seals and gaskets to warp or crack, potentially causing leaks and a loss of pressure. 

Although heat breaks down the organic compounds in regular transmission fluid, synthetic fluid is designed to withstand the harsh temperatures. It is made with antioxidants, making it a natural heat repellent. Synthetic fluid is a desirable choice for those who live in hot environments, tow heavy loads and frequently drive in the city. 

3. The lifespan of a transmission

The lifespan of a transmission will heavily depend on the care and maintenance you do. According to a report by the Transmission Repair Cost Guide, the average lifespan of an automatic transmission is anywhere from 241,000 to 322,000 kilometers. Driving habits and maintenance contribute to the transmission mileage longevity. 

Like most things, transmissions require regular maintenance such as fluid changes and filter replacements. Conducting frequent and preventive care will increase your transmission from a lifespan of 100,000 kilometers to 300,000 kilometers. If compared to the average annual mileage driven by Canadians which is 15,466 kilometers, this would amount to a transmission lifespan of 15+ years.

4. Correct your driving behaviour

It’s important to be mindful of the driving habits that may be significantly reducing the lifespan of your transmission so you can get the most use out of your vehicle. Some of the most common driving mistakes that contribute to issues and repairs in the transmission include:

Aggressive driving 

Behaviour such as quick acceleration and deceleration will increase the heat in the transmission and damage the drivetrains, which have an impact on the transmission.

Shifting before coming to a complete stop

It’s easy to get impatient and change gears before coming to a complete stop, but it is damaging to your transmission. It’s worth taking that extra few seconds to ensure you come to a complete stop. 

Resting your hand on the gearstick

This may seem like a silly mistake, but the weight of your hand puts pressure on the dog clutch which can cause wear and tear to your transmission, decreasing its longevity. 

5. How to check your transmission fluid levels

Similar to an oil dipstick, transmissions also have a dipstick to allow you to check the levels of the transmission fluid. In order to prolong the life of your transmission, it's important to check this regularly. There are a few key steps to take to ensure an accurate reading. 

1. Park your car on a flat surface before lifting the hood.
2. Leave your car running for 3-4 minutes to allow the fluid to expand, which will give you an accurate reading of the levels. Checking the fluid when the vehicle is turned off will cause inaccurate results and may end up overfilling the transmission which will lead to bigger problems. 
3. Find the dipstick. If you have a rear wheel drive, this will likely be on the passenger side of the car closest to the back of the engine. If you have a front wheel drive, this will likely be on the drivers side and could be located at the back or front.
4. After you locate the dipstick, you want to use a dirty rag to wipe it clean. Re-insert the dipstick and leave it for 5 seconds before removing it. Be aware that the fluid may be hot. Compare the fluid level to the indicators on the stick, they should say either “full” or “low”.
5. If the fluid level is on “low” or below it, you will need to add more. Although you can add fluid yourself, it’s always best to take it to a transmission shop. They will be able to ensure everything is working properly and there are no apparent problems or leaks. 

Ensuring your transmission is healthy will certainly prevent future damage and maximize the lifespan. Regular maintenance and care will most likely save you thousands of dollars in unforeseen repairs and damages, or a vehicle replacement if the damage is severe. 

If you notice your vehicle is struggling to change gears, a burning smell, odd noises coming from the engine when it’s in neutral or leaking fluid, it likely is a transmission problem. It’s always best practice to contact your local and trusted transmission shop to investigate these issues, especially if you’re unsure of the problem.

Highway 97 Transmissions is one of the Okanagan's most trusted transmission shops. With years of experience, your transmission is in capable and caring hands. 

Please contact us today at (250) 860-3871 for your vehicle needs.