At one time, all vehicles came with a standard 3-speed manual transmission. This quickly changed, however, and before long it was not uncommon to see 4 speed and 5-speed manual transmissions.
In the 1940s, automatic transmissions were released, and the public really liked them. Today, it is very difficult to find vehicles with manual transmissions.
Chances are that your vehicle has an automatic transmission and while they have changed tremendously since 1940, there are a few things you should know about them In order to avoid expensive repairs or even a replacement.
Top 6 Things You Should Know About Your Auto Trans
Automatic transmissions are easier for the driver because it does most of the work for you, however, they can be a bit confusing.
Here are a few basic facts that you should know about your automatic trans.
- Automatic Transmissions are NOT Manual Transmissions Without the Stick
While it might seem obvious that auto trans and manual trans are not the same, you might be surprised by the number of people who think these are similar devices. You cannot put gear oil into your auto trans. There is no clutch cable or clutch fluid to replace and you can’t pop it into gear (not easily anyway) like a manual transmission and start your car when the battery is dead.
- Your AT uses AT Fluid
Unlike a manual transmission that uses gear oil, the transmission on your vehicle uses a certain type of automatic transmission fluid, depending on the make. It’s vital that the transmission fluid is clean and the level stays full to ensure that the transmission stays clean and well lubricated.
- The Automatic Transmission Needs Servicing
While every make and model has different requirements, most auto trans require that the fluid and filter be changed (or the screen cleaned) every 30-60,000 miles. If you do a great deal of city driving, you should consider changing the fluid every other year, or about every 24.000.
- Heat is Bad
Perhaps the worst thing that can happen to an automatic transmission is overheating. It’s estimated that 90 percent of all transmission failures are due to excessive heat levels. If you live in a very hot area and/or if you use your vehicle for towing, you should install an external transmission fluid cooler.
- Transmission Noises or Abnormal Operation Should Not Be Ignored
Like many mechanical items, ignoring strange sounds or abnormal operations is a sure-fire ticket to a more expensive repair later on. If you hear clunking, banging, or humming sounds, if the trans slips out of gear or won’t go into a certain gear, if you have sluggish acceleration, or if you see sudden changes in the RPM, you should call My Mechanic for an appointment immediately. These can be signs of a transmission problem and it won’t get better over time.
- Check Your Trans Fluid Regularly
If your vehicle is less than 5 years old, you are probably safe checking your transmission fluid once a year. After that, you should consider checking the trans fluid twice a year. If your vehicle is more than 15 years old, you should inspect the fluid level every time you change the oil (every 3 or 4 months).
These are very basic facts, but they are important ones for car owners to be aware of.
Myths about Automatic Transmissions
For those who aren’t very familiar with automatic transmissions, they can seem like a black hole filled with words and phrases that sound scary and expensive.
Let’s clear up a few myths about automatic transmissions that seem to persist.
- Myth: Modern automatic transmissions are sealed so they can’t be serviced or repaired.
Fact: No auto trans is unrepairable and nearly all benefit from servicing.
- Myth: Automatic transmissions use a lot more gas than manual transmissions
Fact: The statement above is very true when speaking about pre-2000 era vehicles however, modern vehicles made after 2010 use computers to improve their fuel efficiency. While automatic transmissions do weigh more, they aren’t the gas-guzzling monsters from the 1970s.
- Myth: Automatic transmissions can’t handle difficult driving conditions
Fact: Like gas-guzzling, this used to be a fact, however, this has been almost completely nullified due to advanced technologies both in the transmission itself and in traction control devices.
- Myth: You should put the vehicle in neutral at stoplights to prevent wear on the clutches and to use less gas
Fact: This might have been true pre-1990, but today’s transmissions use computers and sensors to help them save gas. Moving the car into neutral only wears out the linkage and it increases the RPM, so you aren’t saving any gas by doing so.
- Myth: Towing a vehicle with an automatic transmission will ruin the transmission unless the driveshaft is disconnected.
Fact: Possibly true. If the vehicle is being towed, the drive wheels (whether your vehicle is front or rear-wheel drive) should be off the ground. This way, the automatic trans is not in motion. If the transmission is not in motion, it can’t be “ruined”. The trans needs to be in neutral when it is towed as well.
While an automatic transmission is a complicated piece of machinery, they are amazing pieces of machinery at the same time and will go for many thousands, or even hundreds of thousands of miles without problem if they are kept cool, clean, and well-lubricated.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’ve got a fairly new vehicle or an old trusty reliable one, if it has an automatic transmission, you will want to have it serviced regularly.
Also, if your transmission is making noise or acting strangely, you should have it inspected ASAP.
Call the professionals at My Mechanic. Our friendly staff and mechanics will be happy to answer all of your questions, service your vehicle, and fully explain any repairs that your transmission might need.
Don’t wait for your transmission to leave you stranded somewhere! Call the experts at My Mechanic today!
