1. Check the Fluid Level on a regular basis.The fluid in an automatic transmission operates the clutches, provides cooling and lubrication, and even drives the vehicle. It is extremely important than proper fluid operating level to keep the transmission working. Most automatic transmissions have a dipstick for checking the fluid level. If you're not sure where yours is or how to check the transmission fluid level, refer to your owners manual, or go to your local ATRA-member repair center: They'll be happy to show you. 2. Check all Transmission Problems immediately. Most transmission problems start out minor but, get worse over time. Very often, you can eliminate major repairs by taking care of the problem right away. Whether it's a warning light on the dash, a few drops of fluid on the garage floor, or a change in the way the transmission operates, your best bet is to take your car in to your local ATRA member repair center for service right away. In many cases you'll be able to avoid major repairs by catching your problem early on. 3. Service Your Transmission on a Regular basis. Transmission fluids have a some unique properties that can wear out over time. When they wear out, that usually means the transmission itself won't be far behind. We have found one of the best ways to keep your transmission in good working condition is to make sure you have it serviced annually. A complete fluid and filter change every year can add years to your transmission's life, and can save you money as an end result. 4. Add a Friction Modifier to your transmission Fluid. New fluid can help your transmission last longer But, there are also a number of over the counter additives on the market that have demonstrated the ability to increase transmission life and reliability significantly, even beyond the extra miles you could expect from regular service. In most cases, you won't be able to find worthwhile additives in your supermarket or do-it-yourself parts store: The really effective additives are only available to the professional transmission centers. Ask your local ATRA member service repair center for their personal recommendations. 5. Have an Auxiliary Cooler installed The #1 reason for transmission failure is heat. Transmission temperatures can quickly exceed 300 degrees F: At that temperature, the seals in the tranmission begin to harden, clutches begin to burn, and the fluid itself breaks down. To help eliminate excess heat from the automatic transmission fluid, is to have an auxiliary cooler installed. This is particularly important on vehicles that tow trailers, carry heavy loads or travel over rough or mountainous terrain. 6. Have a Cooler Line Filter installed All automatic transmissions have some sort of filter inside them. These filters vary in effectiveness. Meanwhile, loose dirt and metal particles can quickly erode your transmissions thrust washer and bushing surfaces, clog up passages, and reduce the overall life of your transmission. One of the best ways to avoid these contaminants is to add an in-line filter to the transmission cooler lines. These filters are fairly inexpensive and highly effective in removing damaging particles from the transmission fluid. 7. Service the Cooling System regularl. You may not realize it, but your car's cooling system does more than keep the engine running cool: It also cools the transmission fluid, through a heat exchanger built into the radiator tank. A cooling system problem cannot only damage your engine; it can reduce transmission life as well. Transmission damage may occur long before your engine even begins to overheat. To avoid both engine and transmission problems, keep your car's cooling system clean and in excellent condition. 8. Keep your engine tuned. The engines and transmissions in the newer vehicles are linked far more closely than in the past. A problem with engine performance can more strain on the transmission than one that's running properly. That's another reason why it's important to keep your car's engine in good running order. A good running engine can reduce the stress on your transmission, so that the transmission can last longer without requiring major repairs. 9. Manually help the Transmission Shift. Most all transmission wear takes place during the shifts; almost none occurs in between the shifts. One of the ways you can reduce transmission wear is to reduce the load during the shift. Learn the speed when your transmission shifts normally. Then, just before the normal shift speed, learn to back off the gas just a bit. Easing off the gas will force the shift, while reducing the load on the clutches: Another way to help improve your transmissions life. 10. Take Your vehicle to an ATRA Member Center One of the best ways to get more life out of your transmission is to have it serviced regularly at an ATRA member repair center. ATRA members receive access to the latest technical information and training, and must meet a rigid set of requirements to display the ATRA name. The ATRA logo is your assurance that the shop you've selected provides quality sservice at a reasonable price. Don't trust your transmission work to just anyone. Try to find a shop that displays the ATRA logo when choosing a transmission repair center.
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