Summertime is a Good Time for a Transmission Service

This has been an unusual year, with the past few months, weeks and days all blending together. If Memorial Day Weekend taught us anything, it’s that people are eager to get out and enjoy some “normal” social and outdoor activities, even if things are going to be a little different everywhere this summer. There probably won’t be quite as much travel during the summer months of 2020 compared to most years, but we are definitely going to see a lot more drivers on the road than those eerily quiet months we were on lockdown.

Preventative Maintenance

As we come out of this forced hibernation and into the summer season, it’s a good reminder to take care of our vehicles with necessary preventative maintenance services. Oil changes, tire rotations, brake services—these are all important steps to take in order to keep your car, truck or SUV running right. You may also be due for a transmission service, and that’s where Ralph’s Transmission comes in. If you live in the Central Valley or just happening to be traveling through the Modesto area, our team is here to help you with all of your transmission repair and maintenance needs.

Not only are most people driving more—and driving longer distances—in the summer, but the warm weather around here also puts additional strain on your vehicle’s key parts and systems. As things heat up, your vehicle has to work a little harder and this can lead to problems if you are not maintaining it properly. It’s called “preventative maintenance” for a reason. It is done to help prevent significant automotive issues before they happen.

How Often Do I Need My Transmission Serviced?

How often you need to have a standard transmission service performed may depend on the age, mileage and model of your vehicle. In most cases, a transmission service is needed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, but some newer vehicles may only need it every 100,000 miles or so. Others may require it more often. It may also depend on your own driving habits and how hard you push the vehicle. For example, you may have a work truck that you use everyday to haul heavy loads or tow a trailer. Its transmission is going to take a lot more punishment than a regular compact car that’s driven only a few times a week. Other factors that can come into play are driving on a lot of steep hills or sitting in stop-and-go traffic if you commute to the Bay Area or Sacramento often.

What is Involved in a Transmission Service?

You want to make sure your transmission is in good shape heading into the hot summer months. This means replacing the transmission fluid, changing out the transmission filter, professionally cleaning the transmission pan and replacing the transmission pan gasket to make sure there is a good seal. The technicians at Ralph’s Transmission will also perform a free external transmission inspection and run standard diagnostic tests to see if there are any other more concerns with your transmission system.

If you notice any transmission fluid leaks, if your vehicle feels a bit sluggish or if you hear or feel anything unusual when the vehicle shifts between gears, you may be overdue for a transmission service or there could be something else wrong. Let Ralph’s Transmission look it over and make sure everything is working the way it should.

Are you due for a transmission service or other transmission repairs this summer? Call Ralph’s Transmission today at 209.526.1909 or schedule your service appointment online.

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