The Ultimate Guide to Maintaining Your Chevrolet’s Transmission for Smooth Driving

Modern automatic transmissions are remarkably sophisticated pieces of machinery containing hundreds of moving parts. Given this complexity, serious transmission faults can be expensive to repair. For the sake of your wallet and driving pleasure, it’s wise to keep your transmission in tip-top condition for as long as possible. To do so, follow the guidance below, and don’t hesitate to have transmission service at your local Chevy dealership whenever it’s required. 

Keep Your Transmission Fluid Fresh

Transmission fluid is the lifeblood of your vehicle’s gearbox. The fluid keeps the bearings, gears, and other moving components lubricated. It also maintains hydraulic pressure and helps control the temperature. If this fluid is ever allowed to degrade, it starts to lose its various properties, which accelerates wear and tear inside the transmission. 

It’s therefore essential to frequently check the level and condition of your transmission fluid, which you can do by using the dipstick. While fresh, transmission fluid will be reddish, transparent, and sweet smelling. If your transmission fluid looks dark and grimy, you might need to have it flushed at once. And if the fluid is low, have it topped up. 

Keep an Eye Out for Leaks

Low transmission fluid might indicate a leak. Unless a leak is promptly fixed and the fluid topped up, the transmission will start to suffer. In the case of a leak, you might notice reddish-brown fluid puddling on the garage floor, driveway, or road when you pull away from parking. 

Change the Transmission Filter Frequently

In many vehicles, a filter inside the transmission collects contaminants from the fluid. The filter gradually fills up with debris and can become clogged. So if your transmission has a filter, have it replaced every time you have the fluid flushed. 

Keep Your Tires and Wheels Aligned

Uneven tires and misaligned wheels can put unusual pressure on both the suspension and transmission. Over time, this pressure causes undue wear and tear, so it’s important to keep both wheels and tires properly aligned at all times. 

Come to a Halt Before Shifting Into Drive

A common driving mistake is to shift into either drive or reverse gear while the car is still moving. This puts a great deal of strain on the transmission. Always come to a complete halt before changing gears into drive or reverse. 

Avoid Towing Heavy Loads

Towing can put an enormous strain on the transmission, especially if you’re towing above the recommended tow weight for your vehicle. Always consider the longevity of your gearbox before deciding to tow a trailer. 

Visit Your Chevy Dealer Often for Transmission Service

Transmission fluid should generally be flushed every 60,000 to 100,000 miles for automatic transmissions and every 30,000 to 60,000 miles for manual transmissions. Consider flushing your transmission fluid more frequently if you often tow heavy trailers, commute in stop-and-go traffic, or use particularly dusty roads. 

Have your car’s transmission inspected and serviced today at Walker Chevrolet in Nitro, WV. We’re a local full-service dealership providing a one-stop shop for all the automotive needs of drivers in Nitro, Charleston, Saint Albans, and nearby. 

Posted in Nitro Chevrolet Service | No Comments »