New year, new you, right? As 2023 comes to an end, it’s a great time to reflect on how you have treated your transmission in the last year. How often did you get it checked? Did you flush the transmission fluid? Is your engine light on? All of these small habits that you neglect (or not) may lead to bigger issues in the long run. With the new year around the corner, it’s the perfect opportunity to take on new habits that could lead to potential transmission repair savings - not to mention, you will feel much better knowing you’re taking good care of your car. After all, the vehicle that faithfully transports you to your desired destinations deserves gratitude, and that appreciation is best expressed through regular maintenance and attention to its well-being!

1. Pre-book regular maintenance

We’ve said it once, and we will continue to scream it from the rooftops: Your transmission needs regular maintenance to prevent accelerated damage! Don’t underestimate the significance of scheduling quarterly maintenance check-ups, especially if your car has racked up some kilometers over the years. Taking this proactive approach ensures your transmission stays in top-notch condition. Plus, you’re likely to spend less money on check-ups than you would be if you had to repair, or even worse, replace your transmission.

2. Use the correct transmission fluid

Your transmission is unique; therefore not all transmission fluids are the same. If you drive an automatic vehicle, the transmission fluid needed is usually thinner than in a manual, which is typically thicker. You may have noticed that the colors also vary from red to green. The first reason for the color is so you can spot a leak easily, the second reason for the difference in colors is so you can differentiate between the types of transmission fluid. You might be wondering what would happen to your transmission if you used the wrong fluid – great question! It could lead to lack of lubrication, overheating, and, worst-case scenario, transmission failure. If you’re unsure about which fluid you should be using, don’t guess; just refer to your user’s manual or look it up online.

3. Improve towing and overloading practices

If you tow trailers or other vehicles, there are some safe towing and overloading practices you should be following. Your vehicle is designed to tow a certain amount of load, and when you exceed that recommended maximum, you will put additional strain on your transmission, which can lead to damage or failure. The weight of the extra load can cause your transmission to overheat, resulting in unfavorable consequences. In addition to weight, it's equally important to ensure the load is distributed evenly. Besides the risk of damage to the frame, axel and tires, there is also risk of overheating the transmission from friction and strain. This imbalance may lead to excessive wear on gears and clutches, additional stress on the torque converter, and potential issues with transmission mounts.

4. Improve driving practices

One of the easiest ways to prolong the longevity of your transmission is to ensure you are driving your vehicle in the intended way. This means waiting for your car to warm up before you put it into drive, allowing the car to come to a complete stop before you put the car in park or reverse, avoiding riding the clutch, controlling your acceleration and avoiding abrupt stopping.

These are just a few ways to improve your driving habits and maintain the health of your transmission. For more tips on proper driving practices, read here.

5. Get your transmission treated by an expert

The difference between a general car repair shop and a transmission shop is night and day. Transmissions are complex components of your vehicle, and not everyone is specialized to treat them. You wouldn’t go to a podiatrist for heart surgery, so why would your car be any different? It requires years of experience and proper training to assess a transmission properly, which is why it is always recommended to take your vehicle to a shop or mechanic that specializes in transmission maintenance and repairs. By going to a skilled transmission mechanic, they will be able to identify possible problems early on, rather than when the issue is already present. Do yourself and your vehicle a favor by scheduling your appointments with a transmission expert.

Maintain your transmission condition with 97 Transmissions

Committing to new years resolutions can be challenging, but doing so may result in potential savings and the avoidance of transmission problems in 2024. Your vehicle and wallet will thank you later for onboarding these proactive habits!

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.

Start your new year's resolutions early and contact us today at (250) 860-3871.