Overheating is the most common cause of transmission damage and total transmission failure in a vehicle. Because the transmission is one of the most important, complex, and expensive components of any vehicle, finding ways to keep it cool should be a priority for anyone who wants to protect their wallet. That said, you can find some of the most effective ways to prevent your transmission from overheating below.
Check and Replace Your Transmission Fluid
One of the most common causes of an overheated transmission is old, contaminated, or low transmission fluid. A vehicle’s transmission fluid lubricates the various moving parts of the transmission, which helps prevent excess friction from forming and producing heat. If the transmission fluid gets contaminated or if there is not enough, however, it won’t be able to flow freely throughout the transmission and accomplish its important job. In either case, it is only a matter of time before your transmission overheats.
As such, it is essential to check your transmission fluid regularly to ensure it is in good shape. If you notice that the fluid appears discolored, low, has particles floating in it, or smells burnt, you should get it changed as soon as possible.
Change Your Transmission Filter Regularly
Another effective way to prevent your transmission from overheating is by changing your transmission filter regularly. The purpose of a transmission filter is to trap any contaminants, such as dirt or debris, that find their way into your vehicle’s transmission fluid and prevent them from entering the transmission. As previously stated, contaminated transmission fluid can’t flow through the transmission smoothly, and excess friction and heat may form as a result. To avoid this fate, make sure to change your transmission filter in accordance with the schedule laid out in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Avoid Overloading Your Vehicle
Every vehicle has a maximum towing capacity specified in its owner’s manual. Exceeding the maximum amount of weight that your vehicle can carry can cause serious harm to several of its internal components, including the transmission. Overloading your vehicle places your transmission under a considerable amount of strain, which may ultimately cause it to overheat. As such, you should avoid pushing your vehicle’s load-bearing limits, especially on hot days or while driving up hills.
Susie Young Baxter, CEO, has published PanoramaNOW Magazine for 31 years. Her hobbies are Camping, Boating, Hiking, Nature, Gardening and Outdoor Activities. She is an Artist, Graphic Designer, an Avid Seamstress, Dabbles in Homemade Crafts and Landscaping. Since her Father was a Health Teacher, she also likes homeopathic Health Solutions. Since blogging started over 10 years ago, PanoramaNow has been added to Newsbreak – a national news affiliate.
