10 Ways to Care for Your Automatic Gearbox

Depending on the type of vehicle you drive and its age, gearbox repairs can be costly. Sometimes it’s impossible to avoid having a gearbox repair specialist service your vehicle particularly if you’re subjected to a total breakdown.

But there are things you can do to extend the life of your automatic gearbox and prevent gearbox failure. Read our checklist of top 10 gearbox maintenance tips:

  1. Check your transmission fluid periodically.
    On many cars, light trucks, and SUVs, checking the transmission fluid is as easy as checking the oil: with the engine idling, pull out the dipstick, wipe it off, insert it again, wait, then pull it out to get an accurate reading. If the fluid level is low, you may have a leak. The fluid itself should be a bright red colour, clear, and it should smell sweet. If it’s murky, dark coloured, or smells like rotting fish take it to a gearbox repair specialist to look things over.
  2. Use the right type of transmission fluid.
    Always consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine what type of transmission fluid you should use. If after doing so you’re still not sure, pop into Gearbox Select and ask a professional.
  3. Have your engine’s cooling system serviced.
    Your vehicle’s cooling system helps prevent the engine from overheating. But did you know it also ensures the transmission fluid pumping through the gearbox is cooled too? It’s more likely you’ll need a gearbox repair before your engine completely overheats. Make sure your cooling system is in optimal condition.
  4. Get your transmission flushed regularly.
    Changing the transmission fluid in your car is best left to a professional. Consult your car’s owner’s manual, but in general, get your vehicle’s transmission flushed once a year. How long the transmission fluid in your car will last depends on the vehicle’s operating temperature and how much driving you do.
  5. Don’t change gears while your car is moving.
    Bring your vehicle to a complete stop before changing gears from ‘drive’ to ‘reverse’ or vice-versa. Failing to do so simply puts strain on your gearbox and after a while it can lead to a serious problem.
  6. Let your car warm up before you drive.
    Who among us has hopped into the driver’s seat, started the engine, put the car in drive and motored away? (Full disclosure: I’m as guilty as you are) Always allow your engine a few minutes to warm up before you begin to drive, especially during the winter months.
  7. Don’t drive on a spare tire for an extended period of time.
    Mismatched tire sizes, or driving with a small spare tire over a long period of time is a no-no. Not only will it do damage to other parts of your vehicle such as ruin the wheel alignment, after a while, it puts unnecessary strain on the gearbox.
  8. Regularly change the transmission filter.
    That’s right: your car’s automatic gearbox may have a filter, and it needs to be changed from time to time. Whether or not you’re driving a car that has a transmission filter depends entirely on the make and model. Most newer vehicles don’t have a transmission filter but those that do should be changed each time you get your transmission flushed.
  9. Avoid using your vehicle for towing.
    Using your car to tow heavy loads, particularly in hot temperatures, can cause the transmission fluid to oxidize or burn, and in turn, do a lot of damage to the gearbox.
  10. Have your gearbox inspected annually.
    Having a certified gearbox repair specialist conduct a diagnostic check of your transmission for leaks and other abnormalities at least once a year, as well as checking the transmission fluid’s level, colour, and smell periodically is smart preventative maintenance.