If you would like to keep your car on the road and ready when you need it, attention must be paid to the car's transmission on a daily basis. You might think that as long as you're getting the transmission checked and making sure you have enough transmission fluid, there's nothing else you can do to protect the system. Here are some things you can do on a regular basis so that you keep your transmission working well.

Warm Up Your Car in the Winter

The transmission fluid in your vehicle works to make sure all the moving parts of your transmission are properly lubricated. Lubrication prevents parts from rubbing against each other and resulting in overheating and damage caused by friction. When the temperature drops in the winter, one thing you can do to keep the transmission in good shape is to warm up your car for a while before getting in the car and driving it around.

That's because of the fluid's inability to flow when it is cold. Think of it this way: cold pancake syrup moves more slowly if you've left the syrup in your fridge compared to how easily it runs if you've left it on the table. Starting up the vehicle will give the transmission fluid has some time to warm up and travel throughout the transmission so that it is lubricated and ready to go when you're ready to drive.

Know Early Signs of Failure

To keep your transmission functioning, it's smart to keep your eyes open for things which could indicate a problem. For instance, seeing liquid on the ground as you move your car away from a certain spot could mean that there is a leak of your transmission fluid. Other signs that there's a problem include: 

  • Gray smoke coming from under the hood or through the tailpipe
  • Clanging noises when shifting
  • Difficulty going from "Park" to "Drive" or any gear slippage 

​If you notice that your car is experiencing any of these things, it is a smart idea to have it looked at by a mechanic before the problem becomes worse.

With the suggestions laid out in this article, you can take the steps you need to ensure your car's transmission works for a long time. If you start to suspect your transmission is in trouble, head to a reputable auto repair shop in the neighborhood so you can get it taken care of right away. To learn more, speak with a business like Collins Service Center,

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