How Stop-and-Go Traffic Affects Your Transmission

It’s no secret that there’s more traffic than ever in the Central Valley. It seems like there are more cars driving around every day here in Modesto. And, commuters traveling to and from the Bay Area, Sacramento, Stockton and Fresno definitely know what it’s like to spend a lot of time in stop-and-go traffic. While this daily grind may be frustrating, it’s also taking a toll on your vehicle’s transmission system.

The Effects of Heavy Traffic

Stop-and-go traffic is particularly hard on your transmission because of the constant shifting between gears. Every time you accelerate from a stop, your transmission must work to find the correct gear. This frequent shifting causes wear and tear on the internal components. Over time, this can lead to issues like overheating, increased friction, and ultimately, transmission failure.

Heavy Traffic + High Heat

When the summer temperatures are high throughout the Central Valley, the effects of heavy traffic are magnified even more. High temperatures already place a significant strain on your transmission by causing the fluid to break down more quickly. When combined with constant gear shifting in heavy traffic, the risk of transmission overheating increases.

Preventative Transmission Maintenance

For those commuting through Modesto and the surrounding areas, it’s essential to take steps to protect your transmission. Regular maintenance, such as checking and changing your transmission fluid, can help keep your transmission cool and reduce wear. It’s also wise to avoid aggressive driving in heavy traffic. Instead, try to maintain a steady speed whenever possible.

Ralph’s Transmission in Modesto is here to help with all your transmission care needs and make your daily commute as smooth and reliable as possible. We offer professional transmission maintenance services to help prevent problems from happening. We also provide expert transmission inspection and repair services to address any issues that may have already developed. We can keep your daily driver on the road and shifting properly.

Whether you are looking for preventative transmission maintenance or think you might have a transmission problem that requires repairs, call Ralph’s Transmission today at 209.526.1909 or schedule your service appointment online.

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