Let’s talk about transmission service. It can be easy for St. Peter auto owners to forget about getting their transmission serviced because it doesn’t need it very often. It’s easier for MN drivers to remember to change the engine oil – you know, every 3,000 miles or 5,000 kilometers. But proper transmission servicing keeps your minivan running smoothly and helps us drivers avoid costly repairs down the road.
The transmission undergoes a lot of stress. The grit St. Peter drivers see in used transmission fluid is actually bits of metal that wear off the gears in the transmission. In addition to that, the transmission operates at very high temperatures. Usually it’s 100 to 150 degrees higher than engine temperatures. Those high temperatures eventually cause the transmission fluid to start to break down and lose efficiency.
As the fluid gets older, it gets gritty and doesn’t lubricate and cool the minivan transmission as well – leading to even more wear. The fluid can actually get sludgy and plug up the maze of fluid passages inside the transmission. At best, your transmission won’t operate smoothly. At worse, it could lead to expensive damage.
When your transmission is running properly, it transfers more power from your engine to the drive wheels, and improves fuel economy. That’s why auto makers recommend changing your transmission fluid at regular intervals. Your owner’s manual has a schedule for transmission service and, of course, your knowledgeable Autotronics of ST Peter service specialist can tell you what your car maker recommends.
Hot and dusty St. Peter area conditions; towing, hauling, stop and go driving and jackrabbit starts all increase the load on the transmission and its internal temperature. That means St. Peter car owners with these types of transmission requirements need to change the fluid more often. A good rule of thumb is every 35,000 miles, 55,000 kilometers or two years. If your auto manufacturer suggests more frequent intervals or if you’re driving under severe service conditions around Cleveland, you will need to change it more often.
Most St. Peter auto service centers (including Autotronics of ST Peter) have the ability to perform a transmission service while you wait and the cost is quite reasonable. It’s downright cheap when you think about how much a major transmission repair can cost! Your knowledgeable Autotronics of ST Peter service advisor will know the right type of transmission fluid to use. If it’s getting to be time to have your transmission serviced, do your minivan a favor and have it done. If not this time, then on your next service stop.