Most transmission problems are products of overheating.Under heavy load like towing a heavy trailer, rocking the vehicle from the snow, racing, recurrent stopping, getting trapped in traffic under hot weather, etc. the transmission can normally overheat.
The transmission fluid burns at higher temperatures, losing its lubricating qualities. It also gets oxidized, leaving deposits all over the transmission. When exposed to the heat, the rubber seals and gaskets inside the transmission are hardened and will eventually cause leaks. Metal parts warp and lose their strength as well. These will sooner or later result to transmission failure. How will you prevent this?
Regular check up of your parking space for leaks is one of the best tips. Once leak of engine oil, power steering fluid or transmission fluid are discovered, be sure to get it fixed before something serious happens. Once in a while, check the transmission fluid level and condition.
Not all cars have the automatic transmission dipstick. In some cars, the transmission fluid can only be checked by the dealer. In this case, consult with your owner's manual for details.
Low transmission fluid level can signify a leak. This has to be fixed at the soonest possible time.
Change the fluid as required in your owner's manual or when it becomes too dark (rather brown than red) or dirty. An automatic transmission can not be drained completely so there is always some transmission fluid left inside the transmission (the torque converter, in the valve body and others). This means that you can change about 60% of the fluid at once.
Use only the same type of the transmission fluid, which is usually specified in your transmission manual. Some vehicles are very sensitive to fluid type.
When driving, never shift to the reverse or parking until the car is finally stopped. Also, do not shift if parking mode when engine rpm is higher than normal idle. Always hold the brake down when shifting from Parking.
When towing, the automatic transmission can be damaged if not properly handled. Always use a dolly or place powered wheels on the towing platform (for FWD).
For perfect treating of transmission problems, it is best to have the original parts. Have your car brought to your trusted shop to know exactly what type of fluid is needed. Even if you go to the independent garage, always ask to use original parts since most after-market parts are not of as good quality as the original.
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