The transmission plays an essential part in keeping your vehicle running. It is connected to the engine and is responsible for making sure that the engine and wheels are turning in sync with each other, regardless of what gear you’re in.
Transmission maintenance is crucial for preserving the integrity and performance of your vehicle. While you are in between your regular maintenance appointments, there are ways you can preserve the health and longevity of your transmission, a major one is being a good driver! Yes, the way that you drive can negatively affect your transmission.
Here are five driving habits that can damage your transmission:
Driving Up Steep Hills
If you drive up and down steep hills daily, it can put a lot of strain on the transmission (and other parts of a vehicle), causing it to wear out faster. If you can, you may want to consider taking another route, at least a few times a week. When you choose to drive on flatter routes, you can ensure that the transmission will last for the life of your vehicle.
Leaving Your Foot on the Clutch
If you drive an automatic transmission vehicle, you are off the hook here. This one is for our manual drivers.
As you know, when you drive a manual transmission there are more things to consider when it comes to your driving habits. One common habit amongst manual drivers that can harm the transmission is that you tend to leave your foot on the clutch. When you fail to remove your foot from the clutch between shifts, you can keep your clutch in nonstop engagement. This habit can result in the premature wear of the clutch and can cause it to need to be replaced much quicker.
Rapid Acceleration
If you are the kind of driver that likes to accelerate rapidly and zip through traffic, you are very likely causing damage to your vehicle’s transmission.
When you accelerate rapidly, the transmission must shift through many of its internal gears at a very quick pace. This rapid shifting can cause premature wear. To make sure your transmission lasts for as long as possible, it is best to drive at a smooth and steady pace and avoid sudden bursts of acceleration.
Engaging the Reverse Gear Before You Stop
It is also important to remember to allow your vehicle to come to a complete stop before you attempt to switch between reverse and forward gears. Transitioning too rapidly can be damaging as you are, essentially, forcing the transmission to stop your vehicle instead of the brakes, and that is not what a transmission is made for.
Revving the Engine in Neutral
Ok, we know, sometimes it is SWEET to hear that engine roar, butit is not so good for the transmission. Especially in automatic vehicles. This revving will wear out the bands of your transmission system, and they are not a cheap item to replace.
At Accurate Service, our highly qualified automotive repair specialists are happy to help you with your routine automotive maintenance needs. For over 20 years we have offered the best automotive services in Tucson, AZ, at the best price. Call us at (520) 622-7685 or schedule an appointment online.