Truck Transmissions
Secrets to a long-lasting transmission
Transmission problems can trigger serious headaches for vehicle owners. Unnoticed problems can cause other engine parts to fail - and new transmissions are expensive. That's why it's important to stop or prevent these problems before they start. Proper transmission maintenance will keep your truck on the road (or off the road if that's your thing) and out of the shop.
How it Works
The transmission allows the changing of the gear ratio between the engine and the drive wheels as your vehicle speeds up or slows down. The gears change so that the engine will stay below the red line for optimum performance. The red line is the maximum r.p.m. (rotations per minute) value that the engine can go without exploding.
Engines have narrow r.p.m. ranges where torque and horsepower are at their maximum, which is why the transmission has different gears. It allows the speed of the car to keep increasing while keeping the engine r.p.m. low. In a manual transmission you shift through the gears yourself, while an automatic transmission does the work for you. Your vehicle can't run without a transmission, so it's important to take proper care of it.
Tips for Taking Care of Your Transmission
The following maintenance tips are crucial for a long-lasting transmission. If you can't do the maintenance yourself then a dealer or mechanic will be of assistance:
- Monitor transmission fluid - The fluid levels and condition will provide valuable clues about the state of your transmission. Odorous or discolored fluids indicate problems and the transmission should be inspected immediately.
- Change the transmission fluid and filter - Transmission fluid protects internal parts and keeps them cool. Your owner's manual will prescribe when the fluid needs to be regularly changed - typically this will be every 30,000 miles. You should also replace the fluid if it becomes dark or dirty, and be sure to use only the fluid outlined in the owner's manual. Many mechanics recommend changing the filter along with the fluid to prevent transmission damage.
- Check for leaks - It doesn't matter if the leaks are from the transmission fluid, engine oil or power steering fluid, they should be fixed before they cause more serious problems.
- Shift properly - Don't shift to park or reverse until the truck has come to a complete stop. Improper shifting can damage the transmission. Always hold the brake down while shifting out of park.
- Towing precautions - Automatic transmissions can be damaged if towed with the drive wheels on the road. If your truck is front wheel drive then tow it from the front with the rear wheels on the road.
- Servicing - If your transmission needs to be serviced, it's recommended that you take your truck to the dealership. The dealer technicians are trained on the specific make of your truck and know how to properly take care of your transmission.
| Write A Comment |
It used to be we could depend on the reputation and reliability of North American cars to meet our standards - but could it be the times are changing? Here in the U.S., overseas models are continuing to rise in popularity. Find out why!
PIMP IT
If you love your car, you’ve got treat it right – stock will never do for your hot wheels! Whether it’s for performance or just for the look, aftermarket parts can turn that car you just brought home into your own pimp ride.
