5 Manual Transmission Maintenance Tips for Beginners
Manual transmission is the epitome of real driving experience. As they say, you really can’t enjoy cars without learning how to drive a stick!
Yes, stick shift as they call it, is an old transmission type that is slowly getting forgotten these days. More and more car manufacturers are now producing automatic transmission over manual tranny, and there are good reasons why – comfort, convenience, ease of use and many others.
So if your car still uses manual transmission, take good care of it as it is unlikely going to be available in the future.
With that in mind, here are 5 sure ways on how to maintain your manual transmission.
Flush Your Manual Transmission in a Regular Basis
Just like in automatic transmission maintenance, manual transmissions also need to be lubricated to keep its components working perfectly. So you need to regularly check and flush your transmission’s fluid.
You have to check your owner’s manual and see what type of fluid fits your tranny, the amount of fluid you need and the mileage required for each flushes.
Generally, most manufacturers recommend you to flush your old manual transmission fluid every 80,000 miles. If your car has low mileage, then you can change fluid every 3 years.
And like other components in your car, transmission’s serviceable life depends on the vehicle operating temperature and how hard you drive.
Install a Manual Transmission Cooler
If you think that manual trannies don’t need cooling, you are wrong. Manual transmission fluid also heats up especially if abused by its owners. This leads to wear and tear of its components leading to its early retirement.
So yeah, transmission coolers aren’t just for automatic trannies but also ideal for manual transmissions too.
This is important especially if you use your truck or car for towing, racing and many other motoring activities that requires your car to work for long period of hours.
The downside is that, not all car models have their own compatible transmission coolers. Unlike automatic transmissions that can be fitted by just any aftermarket transmission coolers out there. For manual trannies, that’s not the case.
A good example of manual transmission cooling products out there are from DriftMotion.com, which offer transmission coolers for Toyota Supra and other Toyota brands.
If your car is GM or Dodge, then you can use this particular brand that I found in Amazon.
Keep Your Engine’s Cooling System in Check
You might ask, we are talking about transmissions here, why do I need to check my engine’s temperature too?
Well, an overheating engine can greatly affect the transmission fluid’s temperature and will likely to overheat as well.
And if that happens, a costly transmission repair is needed to fix all components that have been damaged. And you don’t want that! So ensure that your engine’s cooling system is always in optimal condition.
Clutch Maintenance is Also a Must
A clutch is an integral part of manual transmission system that is initiated by depressing the clutch pedal, which enables the tranny to shift gears. Depressing the pedal engages and disengages the clutch.
With that said, a bad clutch can spell disaster to your manual transmission and even to your car as a whole as you can’t drive it with a malfunctioning clutch.
There are simple preventive ways that you can do to help prolong the life of your clutch. This include:
- Do not ride your clutch
- Only step on the clutch when you need to
- Do not rest your foot on the clutch
- Never downshift each time you need to slow down
- When parked, don’t leave the stick in gear but instead use your parking brake
- Flush your clutch fluid (brake fluid)
Have a Professional Inspect Your Manual Transmission Regularly
Now that you know the secret on how to keep your manual transmission in tip top shape, you probably thinking that you don’t need a mechanic to check it out for you.
Having a certified transmission expert mechanic conduct a diagnostic check of your transmission can further give you peace of mind. They know how to spot leaks, gives recommendation if they see any errors in the computer and many others. So their professional services are still very important.
So there you have it! These are just some sure ways on how you can take good care of your manual transmission so it would last a life time! Do you want to add something on this list? Comment down below!
How to Maintain Your Transmission – 5 Best Practices
Your vehicle’s transmission is one of its most important components. Without it, your car wouldn’t be able to shift gears, and you wouldn’t be able to drive anywhere. That’s why it’s so important to learn how to maintain your transmission properly. In this post, we’ll discuss some of the most important steps you can take to keep your transmission in good working order.
- 1 Check and Change the Transmission Fluid Regularly
- 2 Inspect and Replace the Transmission Filter
- 3 Keep the Transmission Cool
- 4 Use the Right Transmission Fluid
- 5 Be Gentle with Your Transmission
- 6 FAQ’s
- 6.1 1. What maintenance does a transmission need?
- 6.2 2. What is the average life of a transmission?
- 6.3 3. What kills a transmission?
- 6.4 4. How much does a full transmission service cost?
- 6.5 Conclusion
Check and Change the Transmission Fluid Regularly
Transmission fluid is essential for lubricating the moving parts inside your transmission. Over time, the fluid can become contaminated with dirt, debris, and other contaminants. If left unchecked, this can cause serious damage to your transmission. That’s why it’s important to check your transmission fluid regularly and change it when necessary.
To check the fluid level, start by locating the dipstick under the hood. This is usually labeled “transmission.” With the engine running and the transmission in “park,” pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean with a rag. Then reinsert it and pull it out again. The fluid level should be between the two marks on the dipstick. If it’s low, add more fluid, but be careful not to overfill it.
The color of the fluid can also give you an indication of its condition. Transmission fluid should be a bright red color. If it’s brown or black, that’s a sign that it’s contaminated and needs to be changed.
The frequency with which you should change your transmission fluid can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. As a general rule, however, it’s a good idea to change the fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. You can find the manufacturer’s recommended interval in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
If you’re comfortable doing it yourself, changing the transmission fluid is a relatively easy process. Simply remove the drain plug on the transmission pan and let the fluid drain out. Then, replace the drain plug and refill the transmission with fresh fluid. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, take your car to a trusted mechanic to have it done.
Inspect and Replace the Transmission Filter
The transmission filter is another important component that should be inspected and replaced periodically. The filter is responsible for removing contaminants from the fluid before it enters the transmission. Over time, the filter can become clogged with dirt and debris, which can cause the transmission to overheat and fail.
To replace the filter, start by locating it on the transmission. The location can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, but it’s usually found on the underside of the transmission. Once you’ve located it, remove the bolts that hold it in place and carefully lift it out.
Next, install a new filter and gasket. Make sure that the gasket is properly aligned and that the bolts are tightened to the manufacturer’s specifications. Finally, refill the transmission with fresh fluid.
Keep the Transmission Cool
Overheating is one of the most common causes of transmission failure. When the transmission overheats, the fluid breaks down and loses its ability to lubricate the moving parts inside. This can cause the transmission to slip, shift poorly, or fail altogether.
To keep your transmission cool, start by checking the coolant level in your engine. The transmission cooler is usually located inside the radiator, so if your engine is low on coolant, it can cause the transmission to overheat as well. If you notice that your engine is running hot or that your coolant level is low, take your car to a mechanic to have it checked.
Another way to keep your transmission cool is to avoid towing heavy loads or driving in extreme heat. If you do need to tow something, make sure that you do not overwork your transmission.
Use the Right Transmission Fluid
Using the correct type of transmission fluid is essential to the proper functioning of your transmission. Different types of transmissions require different types of fluid, so it’s important to consult your owner’s manual to determine which type of fluid is recommended for your vehicle. Using the wrong type of fluid can cause serious damage to your transmission and lead to costly repairs.
If you accidentally use the wrong type of fluid, don’t panic. Drain the transmission fluid and replace it with the correct type as soon as possible. Continuing to use the wrong type of fluid can cause significant damage to your transmission.
Be Gentle with Your Transmission
Finally, it’s important to be gentle with your transmission. Avoid rough shifting, excessive idling, and other habits that can put unnecessary strain on your transmission. When shifting gears, be sure to come to a complete stop before changing from reverse to drive, or vice versa. This will prevent undue stress on the transmission.
Also, avoid accelerating too quickly from a standing start, as this can cause the transmission to shift roughly. If you’re driving a manual transmission, be sure to fully depress the clutch pedal before shifting gears. Failure to do so can cause the transmission to grind and wear out prematurely.
FAQ’s
1. What maintenance does a transmission need?
A transmission service is essential to keep your car running smoothly. In addition to replacing old and dirty transmission fluid, it includes inspecting the sump pump or pan for any wear-and-tear, swapping out a clogged filter with a brand new one, as well as cleaning up and securely reattaching the pan along with an all-important fresh gasket.
2. What is the average life of a transmission?
With consistent TLC, it’s possible to coax your car’s transmission all the way up to 300,000 miles. Regular checkups and regularly replacing fluid can help keep things running smoothly – but if you neglect maintenance duties for too long, you may find yourself with difficulties at just 100K.
3. What kills a transmission?
- Overheat your vehicle as often as possible
- Maintain improper fluid levels
- Never change the fluid
- Use the incorrect fluid type
- Drag race from light to light
- Always stop abruptly
- Leave the shift lever in park without the parking brake on
- Downshift to “brake” at traffic lights
4. How much does a full transmission service cost?
Replacing a transmission in your vehicle can be an expensive and labor-intensive job – costing anywhere from $1,800 to $3,400 for brand-new parts plus at least another few hundred dollars for the associated installation costs. But it’s critical that you do not neglect this essential component as it plays a vital role in keeping your car running reliably.
Conclusion
Maintaining your transmission may seem like a daunting task, but it’s essential to the long-term health of your vehicle. By following the tips outlined in this post, you can help ensure that your transmission stays in good working order for years to come.
Remember to check and change the fluid regularly, inspect and replace the filter, keep the transmission cool, use the right fluid, and be gentle with your transmission. With a little bit of effort and attention, you can keep your transmission running smoothly and avoid costly repairs down the road.
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