1. Do not heat up
As temperatures slip toward freezing in autumn, warming up becomes essential not only for the engine but also for the gearbox. The vehicle needs more time to reach optimal temperature because friction in gears and couplings generates heat. Pushing the car hard from the first meters can damage seals and gaskets. The normal working fluid temperature in a transmission sits between 50 and 90 degrees Celsius. Drivers often overlook dashboard indicators that show gearbox heating, so it is wise to begin movement smoothly in all conditions. There is a way to warm the gearbox without moving: shift to drive, then to reverse, and let the engine run for a minute or two in these gears. In winter, many people still warm the engine but question the need to heat the gearbox.
2. Start with two pedals
A quick, aggressive start in drive by flooring both pedals and then lifting the left foot sharply is a classic way to ruin an automatic transmission. It may look dramatic, but the liquid inside the box heats up quickly, reducing performance and accelerating wear on components. Repeatedly launching from a standstill in this manner can shorten the gearbox’s life by tens of thousands of kilometers. The same risk appears in mud or snow, where slipping increases heat and wears out friction clutches. Rolling starts hit the transmission hard and can shorten its lifespan.
3. Wrong drag
Years ago, a rule named the “50 to 50” guided how to tow an automatic from another car: drive no faster than 50 km/h and stay within 50 meters of the towed vehicle. If lubrication suffers due to oil pump failure, surface wear can occur on rubbing surfaces. Today, many manufacturers advise gentler limits or even prohibit towing a faulty car entirely, recommending tow trucks instead. When towing other vehicles, it is best to match the load to the vehicle’s capability. A large SUV can move a small car, but the reverse can overheat the transmission. The same caution applies to heavy trailers: always follow the vehicle’s manual for towing limits.
4. Switch to parking (often!)
Some drivers habitually shift the selector to park at every red light. You can tell them by the occasional flash of reversing lights as the gear lever passes through neutral. This habit adds wear to friction clutches and makes starting from a stop harder, as the engine begins with a more constrained roll. The practice is more reasonable only for long stops, such as at a railway crossing. Keeping a hand on the gear selector during every stop is unnecessary and can be unsafe.
5. Do not apply the parking brake!
Parking on a slope can be tricky because the car presses on the latch at the park position. Always engage the parking brake when on an incline and release it only after the transmission is secured in park. Never shift into park while the vehicle is still moving, as this can damage the park mechanism. The brake acts as a safety lock that protects the gearbox when parked on hills.
6. Do not change liquid
The transmission fluid should be serviced according to the manufacturer’s schedule. Each brand has its own guidance. For example, one brand may recommend changing the automatic transmission fluid and the transfer case oil every 60,000 kilometers or every three years. Other brands specify 90,000 kilometers for changing fluid, while some models require checking and replacing at different intervals. Observing the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule helps prevent slipping, overheating, and premature wear. Regular checks ensure the transmission remains properly lubricated and cooled.
- [Photo credits: depositphotos; unsplash; Behind the Wheel]