As the chilly weather starts to set in, it’s clear that the winter months are right around the corner. With these shifting weather conditions, it's important to be aware that your transmission can be affected from these changes. To help you navigate this winter season, we have compiled a list of helpful transmission maintenance tips that can make a real difference in keeping your vehicle running smoothly.

1. Change your transmission fluid frequently

While this tip may seem obvious, It cannot be stressed enough. It’s crucial to maintain regular transmission maintenance, especially fluid changes to ensure proper lubrication. When your transmission fluid exceeds its recommended service life, it loses its effectiveness, thickening and potentially leading to expensive repairs. Neglecting this maintenance can even result in a complete lack of transmission fluid, which can have disastrous consequences for your vehicle.

2. Avoid deep water and snow build up

Although this may be unavoidable during the winter months, it is a mistake that can result in excessive vehicle damage. Driving through deep water can allow liquid to enter your transmission through various vehicle entry points. If you encounter deep puddles on the road, it’s best to seek an alternate route or drive slowly to prevent water splashing underneath your vehicle.

Similarly, if you leave your car parked in the same location for an extended period and snow starts to build up, the water could leak into your vehicle when the snow melts. It’s always best to store your vehicle in a dry space or ensure you are clearing the car of any snow on a daily basis.

Vehicles that have water damaged transmissions, can quickly lead to transmission failure or costly repairs.

3. Avoid abrupt movements

Rapid acceleration or sudden stopping can lead to accelerated wear on your transmission, so it’s essential to adopt a smoother driving approach.

When accelerating, start off gently, allowing your transmission to smoothly shift into the appropriate gear. On icy roads, excessive acceleration can result in a loss of traction, potentially leading to burnouts or slipping, both of which are unsafe and detrimental to the vehicle.

We understand that winter roads can become icy, making gradual stops sometimes unavoidable. but it’s always advisable to anticipate when you will need to stop, so you can give yourself time to gradually slow down. It is recommended that you drive at least 3 times the normal following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. This provides you with sufficient time to stop in case the vehicle in front is out of control or needs to stop suddenly.

4. Allow your vehicle to warm up in the morning

Most of us have been in a hurry and guilty of driving a vehicle before it’s properly warmed up, which unintentionally puts strain on the transmission. Allowing your vehicle to heat up before hitting the road allows the transmission fluid to circulate and lubricate effectively. It is recommended to let your vehicle idle between 2-3 minutes before driving.

While it might feel like a minor inconvenience to set aside a few extra minutes in the morning, allowing your vehicle those extra minutes to warm up can translate to significant long-term savings.

5. Pre-schedule routine check ups

Life can get hectic, and it’s easy to overlook scheduling regular transmission maintenance. That’s why we suggest staying proactive by pre-booking your transmission maintenance for the year. To keep your vehicle in tip-top shape, we recommend checking the transmission fluid levels yourself every month and bringing your vehicle in for a routine checkup every three months. If you’re unsure about how to check your transmission fluid, don’t worry, our team of experts is here to help

Conclusion:

Maintaining your vehicle's peak performance during the winter months presents its unique challenges. However, by following our transmission maintenance tips, you can improve your chances of getting through winter without encountering any transmission-related issues.

For any concerns related to your vehicle's transmission or any other system, feel free to contact us at Highway 97 Transmissions. We're here to ensure your ride remains smooth and sound-free!