How to Keep Your Car's Transmission in Good Repair This Winter

Keeping your vehicle’s transmission in good condition during the winter months requires a few extra steps as winter weather can take its toll. At Custom Complete Automotive, we want to make sure that you know what tasks are necessary when taking on winter maintenance. Check out these common winter transmission problems and how to properly care for your transmission and vehicle during this winter season.

Winter Transmission Problems

As temperatures drop, transmission problems can occur as the transmission fluid’s viscosity increases, leading to the inability of a smooth flow in the vehicle’s system. The problems that can arise include:

Slipping

Transmission slipping occurs when your vehicle is parked and unprotected in freezing temperatures for and extended amount of time, causing the system to freeze and contract. This results in a leaking fuel line and the lowering of line pressure. Slipping can also take place when the system gets too hot. Stable transmission systems require careful regulation of the pressure levels and fluid levels during weather extremes.

Shifting Problems

Freezing weather can cause the transmission to resist shifting, and shift points may become delayed. These delays can lead to even more difficulty in changing gears. The hard shifts may create increased pressure on many of the vehicle's parts and increase the risk of failure down the line.

Water

Water in the transmission can result in expensive repairs. The water absorbs into the clutch and dissolves the glue that attaches the clutch plates' material. Moreover, when the water freezes, it expands, causing damage to the valve body and the case in the transmission. Cracks can then occur, which can make it difficult for technicians to return the transmission to its original working condition.

Winter Transmission Care Tips

In order to keep your transmission system and car in excellent condition, check out the following transmission care tips.

• Keep up with your regular maintenance, such as adjusting or inspecting the clutch pedal on manual transmission vehicles.
• Top off or exchange the transmission fluid for automatic and manual transmission vehicles.
• Technicians recommend checking your transmission fluid level at least twice a year.
• Have your transmission inspected by a professional as soon as a problem occurs.

Custom Complete Automotive

Our company has been in business for more than 40 years. Our entire team is ASE and CCA certified and has extensive experience and training for working on all makes and models of vehicles. For more information on how to properly care for your transmission this winter, or to learn more about our auto services, contact us today!