Even decade-long drivers have some mistakes they make when it comes to their car and driving habits. If any of these sound familiar or you’ve caught yourself doing them over the years, don’t feel bad – but they could be impacting your car’s transmission. All of your car’s essential systems require regular maintenance, have symptoms to look out for if they’re wearing out, and can take a beating from certain driving habits. We recommend taking note of these common mistakes or bad habits that could be impacting your car’s transmission.
Skipping or Putting Off Transmission Maintenance Services
Regular maintenance services help keep your car driving smoothly. Each system in your car requires some amount of maintenance to keep parts moving as they should and to catch problems before they grow into major repairs. Your car’s transmission is no exception, though you may want to avoid adding another maintenance service to your to-do list.
Modern Transmissions Need Regular Transmission Fluid Replacement
No matter what type of transmission your car has, it requires fresh transmission fluid to operate smoothly. Automatic transmissions can go longer between transmission fluid replacement services but should still have this done every 60,000-100,000 miles, but always check your car manual for your specific vehicle needs. On the other hand, manual transmissions may need this maintenance service every 30,000-60,000 miles. No matter what you drive, consult your owner’s manual for recommended maintenance intervals and stick to that as best you can.
Ignoring Transmission Problems When They First Show Up
When it comes to preventing the most serious transmission repairs, a key step is to pay attention to changes in how your car drives. There are several symptoms you may notice that can indicate a problem with your car’s transmission. While it can be tempting to put off scheduling an appointment with your mechanic, that only puts you at greater risk of spending more money – and causing more problems with your car.
Trouble When Shifting Gears
While this is most apparent with manual transmission cars, you may also notice it while driving an automatic vehicle. If it becomes difficult or impossible to shift gears – whether it impacts just one gear or several – it’s a clear sign that there’s transmission trouble brewing. This may start with Reverse or lower gears, though it can impact any gear, and can be caused by low transmission fluid, a worn clutch, or a number of other transmission problems.
Strange Sounds When Shifting Gears
Similarly, you may notice sounds like grinding when shifting gears. It’s possible this is caused by low transmission fluid and would be a simple fix when handled right away. However, low transmission fluid can easily cause more serious problems with your car’s transmission. Having a mechanic inspect your car’s transmission right away will ensure the problem is fixed before it becomes more serious.
Hesitation or Sudden Revving While Driving
If you notice a feeling like your car suddenly loses some power or your engine suddenly starts to rev, it can indicate a necessary transmission repair. Often, these symptoms are a sign of transmission slipping, which can be a simple fix when caught early. However, putting off a transmission repair appointment can allow the problem to escalate into more costly transmission repairs.
Using Bad Driving Habits that Harm Your Transmission
Believe it or not, your driving habits play a big role in the health of your car’s transmission, as well as other essential systems. Because these problems can come on gradually over time, it’s easy to excuse your driving habits as no big deal, but staying mindful about how you drive your car can make a big difference in the health and life of your transmission.
Aggressive Acceleration & Braking
If you’ve ever been accused of having a lead foot or waiting until the last second to brake, you may be causing extra wear on your car’s transmission. The more you rev, the more you wear on parts in the engine and transmission – and if you drive a manual transmission car, the clutch, too. Instead, take it easy while driving and the parts in your transmission may last longer.
Shifting In & Out of Reverse While in Motion
A lesser-known bad habit is shifting in and out of Reverse while your car is still in motion. When backing out of a parking spot, if you’re used to shifting into Drive or first gear before allowing your car to completely stop, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, you’re putting pressure on the transmission to stop the motion of your car and then completely reverse it, whereas it should fall on the brakes to bring your car to a stop. Instead, make sure your car stops fully before shifting.
The Best Transmission Repair is at Your Local AAMCO
Whether you have questions about your transmission or are due for a transmission repair service, the transmission experts at your local AAMCO can help. Give us a call to discuss any symptoms you’re noticing and how we might be able to help.