Transmissions

Question: How can drivers help to avoid transmission trouble?

Tucker Tire & Auto Answer:

Next to your engine, your transmission is the most important component in your vehicle so you want to do all you can to avoid transmission repairs.

Drivers may have noticed a trend of engines becoming more and more powerful in recent years. At the same time, fuel economy has been improving in nearly every motor vehicle segment. More power and better economy have usually been at odds. Some of the improvement in fuel economy has been due to engine design, but most of the increases can be credited to advances in transmission technology.

Every engine has a sweet spot in which it most efficiently makes power. This is often referred to by our technicians as the power band or the the optimal engine speed. Newer automatic transmissions have between four and ten speeds. The more “speeds” your transmission has, the more time your engine can operate at top efficiency. Transmissions have definitely become more sophisticated.

Transmissions are cooled and lubricated by transmission fluid. This pressurized fluid is directed through small area to effectively change gears. When transmission fluid gets old and contaminated, the small passages can become plugged, which then affects shifting. The dirty fluid circulating in the transmission can eat away at gaskets and seals, causing internal leaks. This is why we recommend that your transmissions be serviced from time to time. The needed service varies by vehicle, so check your owner's manual or speak with Gary or Tim here at Tucker Tire & Auto about your transmission service recommendations.

During the transmission service, the old contaminated fluid is removed and replaced with new fluid. Keeping up with the manufacturer's recommended service schedule helps prevent internal damage that may result in a transmission rebuild. We are here to help you extend the life of your vehicle and prevent repairs with recommended preventive maintenance service.

Until Next Time...Charlie

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