SUMMER TRANSMISSION CARE TIPS

Summertime is just around the corner. You may already have a big family vacation or some small road trips planned. Therefore, it is important that you take care of your vehicle’s transmission. There’s nothing worse than breaking down on the road, especially when you are out of town.

Here are some helpful tips that will keep your transmission running as smooth as possible heading into the summer months:

1. Regular Maintenance

Standard transmission service, along with factory recommended transmission fluid and filter replacement is vital to the overall performance of your transmission. Make sure you follow the necessary maintenance schedule for your vehicle and that will help your transmission last longer and perform better.

2. Dealing with Larger Loads

Vacation driving usually puts more strain on your vehicle. You may be towing a trailer or just have extra luggage and supplies packed in the car—not to mention the whole family or a big group of friends! The extra weight will put additional strain on your transmission. Check the fluid regularly and avoid pushing your vehicle beyond its towing, cargo and passenger weight limits.

3. Drive Easy

Sure you want to get to your final destination quickly, but take time to enjoy the journey and your transmission will thank you. Drive at moderate speeds, avoid fast stops or aggressive accelerations and do what you can to reduce the stress put on your engine and transmission. Even just commuting around town or dealing with stop-and-go traffic in hot weather will put more strain on your car, so be mindful of that.

4. Let Your Engine Warm Up

Just because it’s hot outside, it doesn’t mean that your engine warms up that much quicker. Let it get warm before you do any hard driving.

Summer usually brings with it a lot of distance driving compared to normal daily commutes that your car is used to. Just remember to have your transmission serviced regularly, to check your transmission fluid levels before, after and sometimes during any long road trips, and to bring it to a professional if anything seems wrong.

If you are having transmission problems or just need regular scheduled transmission maintenance, you can count on Ralph’s Transmission in Modesto for all your transmission repair needs. Call us today at 209.526.1909 or schedule a service appointment online.