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An overheated transmission can damage internal moving components and cause clutch burnout. These issues can shorten the life of your car or make it undriveable. To minimize the costly auto repair problems that accompany transmission overheating, below are some common causes and how to avoid them. 

What Are the Common Causes of an Overheating Transmission?

1. Old, Dirty, or Low Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid lubricates the gears and other moving parts to prevent friction and to dissipate heat. It cannot do that well if there is not enough of it in the system or if the oil is broken down or clogged with dirt and moisture. 

Have your auto repair shop check levels and oil quality every three months. Fill as necessary and replace in accordance with your car manufacturer's recommendations. This is usually every 50,000 to 100,000 miles or when the oil has turned dark or sticky.

2. An Overloaded Vehicle

auto repair in Kalispell, MT

Automotive transmissions are designed to handle maximum weight burdens. If you tow or carry more than the recommended amount, you put too much stress on the transmission, which can overheat and melt or misshape the internal components. If you must tow another vehicle or a utility or recreational trailer, make sure you follow your manufacturer's recommended guidelines. These can be found in the owner’s manual. 

3. A Hot or Grueling Environment

Extremely hot weather and difficult driving conditions can significantly raise the temperature of your transmission fluid, which prevents effective heat dissipation. For instance, stop-and-go traffic and steep hills require frequent gear changes, and this puts stress on the gears, linkages, and other internal components and raises internal temps. 

Under such circumstances, take frequent driving breaks to allow the car to cool off. Also, downshift into a lower gear—or into D1 or D2 for an automatic transmission—when climbing an incline.

 

If you're experiencing transmission overheating and need reliable service, contact the experts at Kalispell Alignment & Auto Repair in Kalispell, MT. They have served clients throughout the Flathead Valley for more than 25 years. As a NAPA auto care center, they offer 24-month or 24,000-mile warranties on all auto parts. Learn more about them on their website or call (406) 755-0234 to make an auto repair appointment.

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