Winter is upon us, and the cold weather can begin to take a toll on your vehicle’s transmission. In this month’s blog post, we look at how cooler temperatures can impact your vehicle’s transmission, and ways to keep your vehicle running smoothly during the long winter season.
Transmission Fluid Thickening
In cold weather, transmission fluid can thicken, making it less effective at lubricating the moving parts within the transmission. This can lead to increased friction and wear. Thicker fluid can also hinder the transmission’s ability to shift smoothly, causing delays or rough shifting.
Prevention Tips:
- Warm Up Your Vehicle: Allow your engine to run for a few minutes before driving. This helps the transmission fluid reach an optimal operating temperature, improving its viscosity and lubrication properties.
- Use Winter-Specific Fluids: Consider using transmission fluid designed for cold weather, which remains more fluid at lower temperatures.
Shifting Issues
Cold weather can exacerbate existing transmission problems or reveal new ones, particularly with shifting gears. You might experience delayed shifts, slipping gears, or harsh transitions between gears, especially when the vehicle is cold.
Prevention Tips:
- Regular Maintenance: Ensure your transmission is regularly serviced according to your vehicle’s maintenance schedule. This includes changing the transmission fluid and filter.
- Gentle Driving: Drive gently until the vehicle warms up. Avoid rapid acceleration or hard shifts immediately after starting your vehicle.
Potential Early Signs of Wear and Tear
Winter conditions can highlight early signs of transmission wear and tear, such as unusual noises (whining, clunking, or humming), fluid leaks, and a burning smell. Ignoring these signs can lead to more severe and costly transmission damage.
Prevention Tips:
- Check for Leaks: Regularly inspect your vehicle for any signs of fluid leaks. Transmission fluid is typically red or pink and has a slightly sweet smell.
- Monitor Fluid Levels and Condition: Check the transmission fluid level and condition regularly. If the fluid is dark or has a burnt smell, it may be time for a change.
- Listen and Smell: Pay attention to any unusual sounds or smells coming from your transmission. Early detection of issues can prevent more significant problems.
Colder weather can pose several challenges for your vehicle’s transmission, but with proactive maintenance and a few preventive measures, you can mitigate these issues. By warming up your vehicle, using winter-specific fluids, driving gently, and staying vigilant for early signs of wear and tear, you can ensure your transmission remains in good condition throughout the winter months. If you would like your transmission inspected, contact the service professionals at Best Western Transmission to schedule an appointment.