Keeping Your Vehicle's Transmission Running Smoothly

The way that you handle your vehicle can have a direct impact on the way it runs. The transmission is something that can start to deteriorate rather quickly if you do not take steps in driving your vehicle properly. Winter weather can cause your transmission to have even more problems than normal if you do not watch how you are handling your vehicle.

Here are some of the things that you should try to avoid when driving your vehicle this winter in order to keep the transmission running properly:

Warming Your Vehicle

In winter weather, many people like to get inside a vehicle that has been warmed to a comfortable temperature. This, however, can be bad for your transmission. When your vehicle has not been used for several hours the transmission will not have fluid in the area of the engine. It will not start to pump through the vehicle until it drives.

If you start your vehicle and allow it sit in idle without allowing the fluids to penetrate the mechanisms of the engine, you can be putting your transmission at risk. While it is nice to get inside a warm vehicle, it is nicer to not have to pay for a new transmission.

When you start driving a cold vehicle, keep the speed in which you drive at a slower pace. This should be done for a few minutes so that the transmission fluid will have a chance to make its way to your engine, giving it lubrication. Starting at a fast speed will put stress on the engine if it does not have fluid to have it run properly.

Handling Snow And Ice

In the winter, it is easy to have your vehicle end up on a patch of ice or snow, leaving your vehicle trapped in one area. Many people try dislodging their vehicle by putting it in and out of gear in hope that it will grab onto the ground and start to dislodge from the slippery area. This can cause a lot of damage to your transmission.

Instead, carry cat litter and cardboard pieces in the trunk of your vehicle to be used if you get stuck. You can place the cardboard underneath the front tires if there is an area of ice that you are trapped upon. Cat litter will work when your tires are trapped in an area of snow. Keeping a small shovel in your vehicle can also be a help.

To learn more, contact a company like American Transmission Center with any questions you have.

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