Extend Your Transmission’s Lifespan

Next to your engine, your transmission is one of the costliest parts of your vehicle. At Lamb’s Tire & Automotive, we handle transmission servicing and repairs daily, and we see many cases where transmission failures could have been prevented with proper care and attention. Many drivers whose vehicles suffered from damaged or faulty transmissions didn’t realize that transmission issues could have been avoided with just a few minor adjustments and changes in their driving habits.

At Lamb’s Tire & Automotive, we don’t just offer excellent transmission repair services; we also share valuable tips to help reduce the chances of unexpected breakdowns. Make sure to book an appointment with us so our experts can perform comprehensive transmission maintenance on your vehicle and minimize the risk of transmission failure. For more useful advice on keeping your transmission in top shape, check out our Transmission Shop Guide.

Why Transmission Maintenance Matters

Your transmission plays a crucial role in transferring the engine's torque to the driving wheels. Whether you’re driving an economy car with an automatic transmission, a sports car with a manual transmission, or a heavy-duty truck, this component is vital for your vehicle’s operation.

While some drivers diligently follow schedules for oil changes and engine maintenance, others often overlook the importance of transmission servicing. Regular transmission maintenance ensures that your transmission stays well-lubricated and cooled as it handles your driving needs, especially during demanding situations like towing or aggressive driving.

Ignoring transmission maintenance can lead to dirty and degraded transmission fluid, which is meant to cool and lubricate the gears. Over time, this can cause internal components to overheat and fail.

Maximizing Transmission Performance and Efficiency

Perform a Transmission Fluid Exchange

Since transmission fluid can become contaminated and oxidized, it’s essential to perform regular transmission fluid exchanges as part of your maintenance routine. We suggest doing this every 30,000 to 60,000 miles to keep your transmission protected throughout your vehicle’s lifespan.

It’s worth noting that a transmission fluid exchange differs from a transmission fluid flush. Although these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they refer to distinct services.

Transmission Fluid Exchange

In a transmission fluid exchange, the drain plug of your transmission is opened, allowing the fluid to flow out naturally into a collection pan. Fresh transmission fluid is then poured in, completing the process. However, this method may only replace around 40% of the old fluid, leaving behind hidden contaminants. Mixing new fluid with old can also create additional problems.

Transmission Fluid Flush

A transmission fluid flush involves connecting your vehicle to a fluid exchange machine that simultaneously removes old fluid and replaces it with fresh fluid. This method ensures that nearly all the old, dirty fluid is removed, including any loosened debris that could otherwise cause trouble. For more information about what a transmission flush entails and why it’s crucial for your vehicle’s health, read our detailed guide on “What Is a Transmission Flush?”

Be Cautious When Towing, Racing, or Off-Roading

No matter how often you tow, your transmission works harder each time you pull extra weight. If you tow frequently, consider increasing the frequency of your transmission services. While this might seem excessive, towing, hauling, and off-roading can significantly heat up your transmission. Oxidized or overheated transmission fluid loses its cooling and lubricating capabilities, and continuing to drive with such fluid can accelerate transmission failure.

Use the Right Gears

Even though most modern cars come with automatic transmissions, there are still steps you can take to enhance your transmission’s performance and longevity.

When Towing

If you’re towing or hauling a heavy load, make sure to activate the tow/haul mode on your transmission. This setting automatically downshifts to maintain power and protect your transmission. Excessive torque on high gears can lead to slipping and harsh shifts.

When Climbing Mountains

When navigating mountain roads, you may notice your vehicle constantly shifting gears as it struggles to climb. This indicates that your transmission is having difficulty progressing up the slope. If your vehicle has a manual shift mode, consider using it to downshift one or two gears until you reach a more level section of road.

Ensure Proper Wheel Alignment

You might wonder how wheel alignment relates to transmission care. Surprisingly, wheel alignment plays a significant role. Misaligned wheels increase rolling resistance, forcing your transmission to work harder to propel the vehicle forward.

We recommend getting a wheel alignment done every two to three years as part of your regular maintenance routine. However, there are circumstances that may necessitate a wheel alignment sooner than expected:

• After hitting a pothole or curb
• After off-roading
• After a collision
• After an emergency maneuver
• After racing

Schedule Transmission Service at Lamb’s Tire & Automotive Today

At Lamb’s Tire & Automotive, we offer all the transmission repair and maintenance services your vehicle requires. Our service center is staffed with ASE-certified mechanics who handle maintenance and repairs for all makes and models.

Our transmission shop also aims to save you money by providing fantastic service specials. Book an appointment with Lamb’s Tire & Automotive to ensure your transmission performs at its best.