TIPS TO HEALTHY & WEALTHY TRANSMISSIONS

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2. APPLY THE THINGS THAT YOU SHOULD NEVER DO

1. Don't ignore the Check Engine Light”. Referred to in some cars as the Service Engine Soon Light”, it only illuminates if the vehicle's on-board computer has detected an abnormal condition which requires attention. Even though you may not feel an immediate difference in the vehicle's performance, something is wrong that could be causing long term damaging effects to major components such as the engine or transmission. Have the problem diagnosed by a professional immediately, while it may not be too costly to repair.

2. Don't ignore other dashboard lights and gauges. An overheated engine or one that runs low on motor oil can be seriously damaged. If the hot light or low oil pressure indicator comes on, pull over immediately and turn off the engine. Do not start it again until the condition has been remedied.

3. When it's below 40 degrees out - Don't start your car and immediately place it in gear and take off. You have to give the engine, the transmission, and the power steering oil pumps at least a couple of minutes to circulate oil to pressurize their systems and provide adequate lubrication to moving parts.

4. Don't make 'Jack Rabbit' starts and stops. They will cause excessive wear to engines, transmissions, drive shafts and axles, along with brakes and tires. Take off gradually and leave enough room in front of you to avoid panic stops.

5. Don't rock your car in sand, mud, or snow. Dig it out or have it towed. Both are less expensive than the damage you may cause by quick shifting between Reverse (R) and Drive (D) over and over again. The excessive heat that is caused by such action can burn out a transmission in a very short period of time.

6. Don't let anyone tow your vehicle with the drive wheels on the ground. Rear wheel drive vehicles must be towed with the rear wheels off the ground. Front wheel drive with the front wheels in the air. All wheel or full time four-wheel drive vehicles should be flat towed (all four wheels off the ground) Not sure? Check your owner's manual. Improper towing can cause serious damage!

7. Don't drive any car without taking a quick peek underneath. A major fluid leak of any kind can cause a serious problem. Look for a big puddle. It could be brake, power steering or transmission fluid. It could be engine or differential oil, or engine coolant. If a couple of drops of any of these is found you may be able to drive to get service, but if it's a big puddle you'd be safer to call for a tow.

8. Don't forget to check tire pressure and fluid levels regularly. Service stations used to do this for you when you bought gasoline. Now most stations are self service and there is no one to check anything. The main cause of premature tire wear is under inflation from not checking regularly and the major cause of transmission failure is undetected small leaks that, over time, cause the fluid level to become too low to properly pressurize or lubricate the transmission.

9. Don't self install electrical devices such as radios or alarm systems. Let a professional do the installation. More damage is done to the car's computer and electrical systems by 'Do it yourself installers' than by any other means.

10. Don't buy and add over the counter additives without the advice of a qualified technician. Known in the auto service industry as the $3.00 cure, many have no useful effects and others can actually do harm to operating rubber parts like transmission and brake system seals, sometimes causing severe damage.

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