Ten Things You Should Not Do:

Don't Leave Shift In Park (P) Without Brake On.
Another car, making a little more room for itself, might push your car. Even a small push could snap your parking paw (the part that keeps your car from moving in Park).

Don't Downshift to "Brake" at Traffic Lights.
It's a bad habit that wears transmissions.

Don't Idle Too Fast.
Cars which idle faster than manufacturer's guidelines may develop harsh band and clutch engagement. This can create wear, snap shafts, and even break planetary gears.

Don't Play Drag Racer.
You power brake. You hold it in Drive with brake on. You gun the engine. You quick release the brake. Hot Dog, you're a Hot Car Drag Racer!

Don't Use Your Shift Instead of Your Brake.
You back out of your driveway in Reverse. You spot oncoming traffic. Still rolling backwards, you slam into Drive, using your gears to sharply reverse car direction. The traffic trouble you avoid may be less than the transmission trouble you cause.

Don't Rock Your Car In Sand or Snow.
Dig out. Or get a tow. Both are cheaper and safer than quick shifting between Reverse (R) and Drive (D) over and over again. You may get out, but your transmission may never fully recover from the shock.

Don't Drive with the Engine Cold.
To perform properly, your transmission fluid must be warm. Give it a few minutes to get your car going, and it will keep going longer.

Don't Tow Car with Drive Wheels on Ground.
If your car has a rear wheel drive, always have it towed backward, with rear wheels off ground. Front wheel drive? Tow forward, with front wheels off ground. Or make sure the drive shaft is disconnected before car is towed.

Don't Stop on a "Dime"!
I it May Cost You. Sudden Stops. like sudden starts, may break motor mounts. Broken motor mounts can cause transmission damage. After any sudden emergency stop, it would be wise to have your motor mounts checked.

Don't Play Transmission "Doctor".
"Doctoring" your transmission without professional help is virtually mal-practice. For example, chemicals which swell worn seals or remove varnish may also interfere with the functioning of operating rubber parts and lead to further damage.

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