Without your transmission, your car will not go very far. Keeping an automatic transmission in top shape means practicing the right driving habits and taking care of mechanical issues promptly. Below are a few do’s and don’ts to remember.

Do:

Use your parking brake. 

The parking brake is a critical part of your automatic transmission and should be engaged whenever you park. Without it, the whole vehicle sits on a tiny metal part called the parking pawl. Any extra force on your car and the pawl will break, which will affect your transmission.

Keep your hands off the gear stick when shifting.

Keep your hands on your steering wheel and not on your gear stick. Not only is that extra pressure too much for internal components, one slip and you can shift your car into a gear you don’t want too quickly, which adds strain to your automatic transmission.

Stop completely before reversing.

Always come to a full stop before switching to reverse. If you try to go backward while your car is still trying to move forward, you risk serious damage to your transmission. Stop completely and then switch.

Don’t:

Ignore grinding sounds.

If you notice grinding and vibrating as you shift and drive, have an auto repair expert take a look. The earlier you find the source of the transmission problem, the better off your car and your bank account will be. Any shaking or grinding noises indicate an issue that needs attention.

Shift to neutral before stopping.

Similar to switching to reverse, never shift to neutral without stopping. This can damage your automatic transmission and lead to costly repairs and replacements. It will also affect your brakes and their function as you drive.

Hit the gas hard after idling.

If your car has been idling, go slow at first. Shifting into a higher gear causes extra force and an unhealthy jerk to your automatic transmission, leading to unnecessary wear on components.

When your automatic transmission needs service, trust the team at Northgate Transmissions. Located in Cincinnati, OH, for more than 30 years, these friendly, thorough transmission experts bring innovative techniques and state-of-the-art equipment to every repair and replacement. Besides automatics, they are also well-versed in manual transmissions for domestic and foreign vehicles. To schedule an appointment for transmission service, call (513) 385-4400 or drop by their shop. Visit them online for their video gallery.