Simple Factors that Result in Damaging Your Transmission Transmissions are always regarded as one of the complex systems, which with time are getting more sophisticated. And in case of automatic transmission, it is known as the brain of your car. It helps to transfer the engine's power to the wheels while regulating the engine speed. It's an important module of the vehicle as it allows your car to cruise at highway speed without blowing up the engine. It multiplies the torque of the engine to aid in propelling the weight of your car. It makes driving in traffic less stressful as it eliminates the use of the clutch and shifts itself according to the speed of the car. Cars with automatic transmission, in particular, are susceptible to damage due to some uncommon factors that may look silly. So, let's have a look into some of these simple yet important factors.
Neglecting the servicing of the transmission Especially, an automatic transmission needs periodic tuning on a regular basis. When you fail to service your transmission, chances are dirt and contaminants will build up inside, causing your transmission to run sluggishly and develop over time. When you neglect for a long time, then you end up with a transmission that has failed due to lack of maintenance. That's why it is always advised to service the transmission system of the car in the specified interval by the company to save it from premature failure. Not only at the servicing time, but also whenever you find any symptoms of a bad transmission, do a complete inspection.
Low transmission fluid level When the transmission runs out of fluid or is operating at a low fluid level, then be sure to have a transmission breakdown. The fluid helps to keep the transmission's internal components cool and lubricated. But when this fluid runs low, the internal parts begin to grind and overheat which leads to failure. Optimal fluid levels mean your transmission will be working just as it should and any less than that means it's working overtime to compensate for the fluid deficit. Without enough transmission fluid to lubricate, provide fluid pressure and cool the transmission parts, it is more likely to hike up its running temperature, leading to excessive heat which is very harmful to automatic transmissions.
Use of incorrect fluid type There are many people who think that all transmission fluids are essentially the same, but that it is absolutely false and never holds true under any circumstances. Specific transmissions require specific ATF in order to perform optimally and it's your responsibility to make sure your transmission is getting the right fluid as per the specified requirement. The reason behind this is different types of transmission fluids have varying levels of viscosity as well as additives added to the mix. The manual and the automatic transmissions use different fluids and adding the wrong type of fluid will result in erratic hydraulic pressure and not the right cooling or lubricating properties.
Allow transmission to overheat Most of the transmissions are designed to operate at a certain maximum temperature and when you allow going above this limit, there is a risk of cutting the expected lifespan of the transmission. Heat causes the majority of damage to the transmission system and can be caused by old transmission fluid, excessive braking and accelerating in hot weather and damage to the other parts of your car. Regular fluid and filter change will help prevent fluid oxidation, the main reason behind the hardening of the rubber seals and gaskets. Even too low temperature will make your organic oil-based transmission fluid to varnish, leaving it unable to properly
lubricate the moving parts inside your transmission.
Delay in problem fixing If you experience any unusual signs like grinding, shaking, slipping or stalling with your transmission, then it is a matter of concern and requires immediate attention. As normal transmission does not come up with any of these signs and when they do, it only means that something is very serious. However, when a fault does begin to develop, there is still an element of problem prevention. Catching transmission problems early can prevent them from worsening and prevent further trouble from developing. This can potentially mean a simple repair instead of a major one. Following these simple practices can help keep your transmission well cared-for.