Your vehicle’s transmission is a sophisticated collection of moving parts. The assembly’s purpose is to allow your engine to operate within its optimal range of RPMs. From planetary gear sets and clutches to seals, gaskets, and a torque converter, these and other components work together to transfer power to your car’s drive wheels.

But like all components with moving parts, the individual pieces wear down over time. They begin to fail, and eventually cause the assembly to seize. When this happens, your choices are limited to replacing the tranny, or retiring your vehicle. Both options are expensive.

In this article, we’ll discuss the factors that influence the life of your vehicle’s transmission. Because replacing it can cost thousands of dollars, prolonging its useful life should be considered a priority. With this in mind, we’ll also offer a few helpful suggestions for maintaining the assembly and identifying warning signs when they appear.

Transmission Fluid: The Lifeblood Of The Assembly

Your vehicle’s engine needs oil. The fluid lubricates the moving parts and helps keep the temperature surrounding the engine under control. Your transmission also needs fluid to operate properly. In this case, the fluid provides a measure of “slip,” so the gears can engage in a way that optimizes the performance of your engine. The fluid also helps to control the heat surrounding the tranny.

Some technicians warn against changing the type of fluid in your automatic transmission. They claim switching the type would change the way in which your tranny shifts and finds gears. This, in turn, can cause the individual pieces of the assembly to wear down more quickly. Whether this is a significant risk is unclear. That said, there is rarely a need to change the fluid type unless your mechanic suggests doing so.

The Effect Of High Temperatures

Here too, your transmission is similar to your engine. Heat is generated by friction between the moving parts. It is also generated by the torque converter and the clutch plates. The problem is that high temperatures will cause the assembly to seize (again, like your engine).

During normal operation, the temperature of the fluid within your tranny climbs to approximately 175 degrees Fahrenheit. It should remain at that temperature as long as your vehicle is on the road. If it does, your transmission can potentially last over 100,000 miles.

When the temperature of the fluid climbs higher, it loses some of its lubrication qualities. This leads to varnish appearing on the internal parts of the assembly, which impairs the performance of the tranny. Meanwhile, the heat continues to climb and eventually, the seals begin to deteriorate. Leaks form, the clutches burn, and the assembly starts to slip and die.

How To Maintain The Assembly

Given the high cost of replacing or overhauling the transmission, it’s worth spending time upfront to make sure it remains in good condition. This mostly involves the fluid; it should be changed periodically. Most mechanics suggest changing it every 30,000 miles, though your owner’s manual represents the last word on the subject.

Identifying Possible Signs Of Trouble

Most problems with the transmission start small and worsen with time – often, quickly. The most common issues are leaks and shifting problems. Leaks are generally easy to spot by inspecting the ground directly underneath the assembly. The fluid will have a reddish tint. Keep in mind, leaks will not resolve themselves. They must be addressed by a mechanic.

Shifting problems that are not fluid-related are usually due to inaccurate data being sent by your car’s computer. This can occur if a sensor is failing, and thus sending bad data to the computer. It can also occur due to a faulty connection somewhere in the assembly.

If you notice leaks from your transmission, have your mechanic inspect the seals and gaskets. If you notice shifting problems, have him run a diagnostic test. While it costs money to do so, it’s an investment in prolonging the life of the assembly.

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Category: Automotive
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