Ten Things You Should Not Do:

The automatic transmission should be serviced at regular intervals, if maximum operational economy is to be realized.

Industry authorities recommend that the fluid and the filter (if it's a "disposable type") should be changed every year or 12,000 miles- whichever comes first.

During the service- and FREE OF ADDITIONAL CHARGE- a road check should be made, accompanied by an under-hood and under-car inspection to determine the condition of all driveline components and transmission accessories.

Automatic transmission fluid should be checked every 1,000 miles, and its level, color, and smell noted.

Low fluid will literally always indicate a leak or a malfunction in the transmission, or its other related components.

LEAKING FLUID is often-times "your transmissions way of 'yelling for help'."

If LEAKS ARE DETECTED, then you should consult with an CERTIFIED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CENTER, right away.

BE AWARE OF CHANGES IN DRIVING CHARACTERISTICS OF YOUR CAR - Late or early shifting, slipping- or noise of any kind, should be diagnosed, immediately; both from the standpoint of ECONOMY, AND SAFETY!

Virtually always, the "quiet vehicle which "operates properly" is a safe vehicle. It costs you little or nothing to have a competent mechanic check your car, from time to time, to determine whether defects exist or the vehicle is roadworthy and safe.

EXCESSIVE HEAT is a major cause or premature transmission failure.

The vehicle's cooling system should be checked regularly, and repair made without delay, if necessary.

Rocking a vehicle back and forth when stuck in SNOW OR SAND, will often have the transmission operating in excess of 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Should this occur, you are most certainly in for an immediate transmission failure or problem.

HEAVY LOADS will cause overheating, and reduce transmission life, tremendously.

Care should be taken NOT TO EXCEED THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER'S recommendations for weight limits-loading-or trailering.

PROPER ENGINE TUNE-UP is extremely important to the life of the automatic transmission.

Some transmissions use engine vacuum to control shift quality and hydraulic pressure, and with the types which do - "engine tune" becomes even more critical.

EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR - are without a doubt your "best bet" when searching for minimized vehicle operating costs. Left unattended, small malfunctions can, and usually will, lead to serious, major repairs.

Back to FAQ