October 01st, 2024 0 Comments

Fall Transmission Maintenance Tips for Colorado Springs Vehicle Owners

Fall is a critical time for vehicle maintenance. During summer, your transmission may have experienced stress from heat, long trips, or towing heavy loads. The transition to fall weather creates all new challenges for your transmission. By maintaining your transmission early and often, you can avoid problems in the winter months.
Regular fall transmission maintenance helps ensure that your vehicle operates smoothly and efficiently. By implementing these easy steps this fall, you can keep your transmission in excellent condition and avoid the hassle of unexpected and costly repairs later.

Check and Replace Transmission Fluid

One of the most important things you can do to maintain your transmission in the fall is to check your transmission fluid. Transmission fluid lubricates, cools, and cleans your transmission, helping to prevent wear and tear. Over time, transmission fluid can or degrade, especially after a hot summer.
To keep your transmission running smoothly, regularly check the fluid levels and color. Low fluid levels or fluid that looks dark or smells burnt may indicate a problem. If your transmission fluid is dark, dirty or low, it's time for a change. Fall is the perfect time to flush and replace the fluid, ensuring your transmission is properly lubricated and ready for the cooler months ahead.

Inspect Transmission Seals for Leaks

Cold weather can cause transmission seals to harden and crack, leading to fluid leaks. Fall is the ideal time to inspect your transmission seals for any signs of wear or damage. If you notice fluid under your vehicle or experience shifting problems, a leak could be the culprit.
Repairing leaks now can save you from more significant issues later on. When transmission fluid leaks, your transmission may not have enough lubrication, leading to overheating and potential damage to the internal components. Be proactive and have any leaks repaired before they turn into more significant problems during the winter months.

Schedule a Professional Fall Transmission Maintenance Inspection

Even if your transmission is running fine, it's a good idea to schedule a professional inspection in the fall. A transmission specialist can identify any underlying issues that might not be visible to you. These could include worn-out components, potential fluid leaks, or early signs of damage that could worsen with colder temperatures.
During a professional maintenance inspection, the technician will check the condition of your transmission fluid, look for leaks, inspect your transmission pan for debris, and test your transmission's performance. Catching problems early will keep your vehicle running smoothly throughout the unpredictable Colorado Springs fall and winter.

Test Your Vehicle's Shifting Performance

Autumn is a great time to pay attention to how your vehicle shifts. If you notice hard shifts or unusual noises when shifting gears, these could be signs of a transmission issue. Cold weather can exacerbate existing transmission problems, so you have to address these issues before winter sets in.
If your vehicle isn't shifting smoothly, have it checked by a transmission specialist at Best Western Transmission. They are equipped to diagnose the problem and recommend repairs or adjustments to improve your vehicle's shifting performance. Don't ignore the early warning signs, as they could be indicators of a more severe problem.

Protect Your Transmission from Cold Weather

While fall weather in Colorado Springs is relatively mild, colder temperatures are just around the corner. Preparing your transmission for the winter months is essential to avoid problems down the road. Colorado's unpredictable cold snaps can cause transmission fluid to thicken, which makes it harder for your transmission to shift gears. It can also make the seals and gaskets more prone to damage.
Protect your hard-working transmission by ensuring your vehicle is maintained correctly in the fall. Maintenance includes:

• Buying the correct type of transmission fluid for colder temperatures.
  
• Keeping the fluid levels in check.
  
• Addressing any leaks or worn components now before the cold sets in.
  

Maintain Proper Tire Pressure

Tire pressure plays a significant role in transmission performance. When tires are underinflated, the transmission must work harder to move the vehicle, which puts additional strain on its components. As temperatures drop in the fall, tire pressure can decrease, leading to underinflation.
Check your tire pressure regularly throughout the fall and make sure it's at the manufacturer's recommended level. By keeping your tires properly inflated, you reduce the strain on your transmission and help extend its life.

Be Aware of Warning Lights

Your vehicle's warning lights are there for a reason, so don't ignore them. When your transmission warning light comes on, stop by Best Western Transmission to get your vehicle inspected as soon as possible. Your vehicle's warning lights can indicate a variety of issues, some of which could be related to your transmission.
In many cases, addressing a problem when the warning light first appears can prevent further damage and save you from costly repairs. Don't wait for a minor issue to turn into a significant problem. If you see a warning light, schedule a service appointment with a professional transmission technician right away.

Check for Transmission Slippage

Transmission slippage occurs when your vehicle unexpectedly changes gears or fails to stay in gear. This failure can happen if your transmission fluid is low, the fluid is old and contaminated, or there is an internal issue with the transmission.
Fall is an excellent time to look for signs of transmission slippage, especially after the heat of summer, which can degrade transmission fluid and lead to performance problems. If you notice your car slipping out of gear while accelerating, it's time to have your transmission inspected and serviced.

Keep Your Transmission Cool

Heat is one of the leading causes of transmission failure. After a long, hot summer, your transmission may have been exposed to higher-than-normal operating temperatures, which can accelerate wear and tear. In the fall, it's crucial to ensure your transmission stays cool as you prepare for the colder months.
One way to keep your transmission cool is to ensure your cooling system is in good working order. Checking your cooling system includes checking the radiator and ensuring there are no clogs or leaks that could affect your transmission's cooling capacity. If your vehicle has a transmission cooler, have it inspected to ensure it's functioning correctly.

Avoid Overloading Your Vehicle

If you've been towing trailers or carrying heavy loads throughout the summer, your transmission has likely worked overtime. Autumn is a good time to ease up on the heavy loads and give your transmission a break. Overloading your vehicle can cause your transmission to overheat and wear out prematurely. 
When you're carrying heavy loads, your transmission must work harder to shift gears and maintain speed. This extra strain can lead to overheating, which can damage internal components and shorten the life of your transmission. Be mindful of the weight you're carrying, especially in the fall when temperatures can fluctuate.
Fall transmission maintenance can prevent this damage and prolong the life of your vehicle. From checking for weaknesses in the transmission itself to repairing or replacing leaking seals, scheduling seasonal maintenance on your vehicle is always a good idea.

Schedule a Transmission Tune-Up

One of the best things you can do for your vehicle's transmission this fall is to schedule a comprehensive tune-up at Best Western Transmission in Colorado Springs. A transmission tune-up typically includes:

• Checking fluid levels.
  
• Inspecting seals and gaskets.
  
• Cleaning or replacing the filter.
  
• Ensuring all components are in good working order.
  

A tune-up will help your transmission perform at its best, improve fuel efficiency, and extend the life of your vehicle. If you haven't had your transmission serviced in a while, fall is the perfect time to schedule your tune-up!

Final Thoughts

Taking care of your vehicle's transmission is essential for keeping it running smoothly and avoiding costly repairs. Fall is the perfect time to focus on transmission maintenance, especially as you prepare for the colder months ahead in Colorado Springs.
By following these fall transmission maintenance tips, you can protect your vehicle from the challenges of changing temperatures and ensure that it's ready to handle whatever winter throws your way. Don't wait for problems to arise—be proactive and schedule your transmission maintenance today.

Keep Your Transmission Smooth This Fall—Schedule Your Service Today!

Need reliable fall transmission maintenance? Best Western Transmission in Colorado Springs is here to help! Whether it's a fluid change, leak repair, or a full inspection, we've got you covered. Call us now at 719-596-0187 or contact us to book your appointment.