Extend Your Transmission’s Life

When it comes to your vehicle, your transmission is one of the most critical components, right alongside the engine. At Lamb’s Tire & Automotive, we deal with transmission repairs daily, and we’ve seen firsthand how many issues could have been avoided with proper maintenance. Many drivers don’t realize that transmission problems often stem from neglect rather than inherent mechanical faults. Simple changes in driving habits and regular upkeep can go a long way in preventing costly repairs down the road.

We’re not just here to fix your transmission when it breaks down. At Lamb’s Tire & Automotive, we’re committed to offering practical advice and tips to help you maintain your vehicle’s transmission. Don’t wait until you face a breakdown—schedule a service appointment today and let our skilled technicians ensure your transmission is running smoothly. For additional insights, take a look at our Transmission Shop Guide, which provides valuable tips for keeping your transmission in top shape.

The Importance of Transmission Maintenance

Your transmission is the heart of your vehicle’s drivetrain, responsible for transferring engine power to your wheels. Whether you own a compact car with an automatic transmission, a sporty manual-transmission car, or a heavy-duty truck, your transmission plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth and efficient operation. Regular maintenance keeps your transmission properly lubricated and cooled, which is especially important during demanding conditions like towing or aggressive driving.

Overlooking transmission maintenance can lead to serious issues. As your transmission fluid ages, it becomes contaminated and loses its ability to lubricate and cool the internal components. Over time, this can result in overheating and eventual failure of key parts within the transmission.

Maximizing Transmission Performance and Efficiency

Perform a Transmission Fluid Exchange

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to maintain your transmission is through regular fluid exchanges. We recommend doing this every 30,000 to 60,000 miles to ensure optimal performance throughout your vehicle’s lifespan. It’s important to understand that a transmission fluid exchange differs from a flush. Many people confuse these two terms, but they serve distinct purposes.

Transmission Fluid Exchange

In a fluid exchange, the old fluid is drained using the drain plug, allowing fresh fluid to replace it. While this method is straightforward, it only replaces around 40% of the old fluid due to the complex design of transmissions. Additionally, mixing old and new fluid can create complications. A flush, on the other hand, uses specialized equipment to remove all old fluid and replace it entirely with fresh fluid, ensuring a cleaner system overall.

Be Mindful of Heavy Loads

If you frequently tow or haul heavy loads, your transmission works harder than usual. Regular servicing becomes even more critical in such cases. Driving with overheated or oxidized transmission fluid can significantly increase the risk of failure. To avoid this, consider increasing the frequency of your transmission service.

Shift Gears Wisely

Even with modern automatic transmissions, there are simple strategies to optimize performance. When towing or carrying significant weight, use the tow/haul mode if available. This feature helps prevent excessive wear by managing shifts effectively. Similarly, when climbing steep inclines, manually downshifting can help stabilize your vehicle and reduce strain on the transmission.

Align Your Wheels

Did you know that wheel alignment affects your transmission? Misaligned wheels increase rolling resistance, forcing the transmission to work harder. Regular alignment checks every two to three years are advisable. However, certain events—such as hitting a pothole, racing, or being involved in an accident—may necessitate immediate alignment.

Book a Transmission Service Today

At Lamb’s Tire & Automotive, we specialize in comprehensive transmission care. Our ASE-certified mechanics handle all makes and models, providing both routine maintenance and expert repairs. We also offer attractive service deals to help keep costs manageable. Contact us today to ensure your transmission remains reliable and efficient.