Winter is taking a toll on your car, so it's best to inspect its fluid levels monthly to prevent major mishaps. D&M Marketing, LLC in Covington shares how to improve transmission care in the winter in the post below.
Visit D&M Marketing, LLC in Covington, or call (770) 312-7542 to take your vehicle's upkeep to the next level. Their AMSOIL representatives can help you determine the best formulas for your car. Contact them for purchases or visit the AMSOIL website to browse their catalog.
Meet the Automatic Transmission Fluid
This oil derivative is more commonly known as ATF. If you didn't know, this product is a must for cars with automatic transmissions. Yet, this fluid tends to be green or red to differentiate it from other oils and liquids used in the vehicle.
This is why you must check the levels of the car's fluids at least once a month. For instance, when the automatic transmission's oil level is low, it's time to change the oil or top it off. It's best if you do this without exceeding the dose recommended by the manufacturer.
How to Check Your Transmission Fluid
The first step in improving transmission care in the winter is to check fluid levels. Old transmission systems have an extra stick in the motor's second chamber. If your car has this feature, you should know that one stick is meant to measure the oil levels, while the second corresponds to the gearbox.
Normally, the gearbox fluid is foreseen to run about 18 miles to obtain the ideal temperature. Subsequently, you might need to stop the car on an entirely uniform surface. After that, run the gearbox through all possible positions. Yet, you mustn't switch off the engine while you're at it. This time around, try remaining about five seconds in each one. However, you'll need to use the parking brake to stop the car with your foot.
Let the Engine Rest
After these shifts, rest the engine for three to five minutes. Then, with the motor working, proceed to check the level. Withdraw the dipstick and hold a towel or cloth to wipe it up. Then, reintroduce the leveling bar and remove it to check on the status again.
Oil changes are essential to keep the car running strong. AMSOIL products are premium formulas to fulfill this task. Contact D&M Marketing, LLC in Covington by dialing (770) 312-7542. You'll get tips and advice from their AMSOIL dealers in no time!
Don't be Shocked by some Distinctions
You must know in advance that gearboxes don't have a filler cap. This information will surprise you if you expect them to be like engines. With that in mind, you must pour the transmission oil within the duct of the measuring stick. Don't forget to be careful with it!
Transmission Oil Changes
This tip is one of the key points to guarantee the best transmission care in the winter. The manufacturer will specify some critical metrics for the gearbox's smooth operation. Such as the ones below:
Practical terms to replace the gearbox.
The exact mileage to change the automatic transmission fluid.
Negatively speaking, any change concerning transmission can take long spans. Yet, the good side is that these can be shortened. In the end, it will all depend on the use you give to the car. For instance, if your vehicle has to operate on rough roads or if you need it for heavy towing in your daily life.
At This Point, Turn off the Engine
You must remember that transmission oil must be hot when you change it. Once that's done, separate the crankcase from the gearbox, or use a drain plug to speed up the process. Be prudent, mainly because of the oil's temperature and the possible spillage.
Don’t Change Filters Just Yet
Focus on draining the gearbox appropriately. After that, move on to removing the old filter to install the new one. You may still find a few differences along the way, so don't get distracted! Now, take off the crankcase to exchange the filter.
At this point, there's no question that you'll need to replace the crankcase. Furthermore, the case needs to be tightened to prevent any possible leaks of ATF. Then, pour enough amount of ATF directly into the dipstick line.
Once again, do suitable level checks before inspecting the crankcase. You must look for any metal bits, residues, or tiny magnets. This step will determine, in the worst-case scenario, if you have gearbox problems. Why? Well, if you find any of those residues, it's a sign of extensive wear in the best case.