5 Ways to Extend the Life of Your Brakes

Despite that long lifespan, though, your brakes will eventually require maintenance. With that in mind, you may be wondering what you can do to extend the life of your brakes and avoid emergency repairs or maintenance.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the best ways to make your brakes last longer and keep your car safe.

Let’s dive in.

5 Ways to Extend the Life of Your Brakes

Want to make your brakes last as long as possible? Here are five maintenance tips:

1. Take it slow

When you drive fast, you cause lots of wear and tear on your brakes. Stopping a car traveling at 50 or 60 miles an hour generates a great deal of friction and heat on brake pads, which can cause them to break down rapidly.

Over time, this repeated heat can also cause the rotors to warp, leading to extensive (and expensive) damage to your braking system. Instead of driving like a lead foot, keep your speed low in heavy traffic and do your best to avoid sudden braking.

2. Use engine braking in hilly areas

Are you driving downhill? Hauling a heavy load? Use engine braking instead of your vehicle’s brakes.

In manual transmission automobiles or cars with a mode that allows you to manually shift gears, you can use engine braking (which uses the car’s transmission to down-shift and show the vehicle) to preserve your brake pads and rotors.

While engine braking is a great way to reduce brake burnout on steep hills or when hauling something heavy, it will not stop your vehicle fully, so you’ll need to supplement it with your brakes.

3. Invest in routine brake maintenance

Every time you take your car in for routine maintenance, have the auto repair shop inspect your brakes.

A good mechanic will examine your brake pads and rotors, flush and replace your brake fluid, and remove any debris that may be lodged in your brakes and causing damage.

These routine inspections are also necessary because they allow you to replace brake pads before they wear out completely. This, in turn, will save you money on brake repairs.

4. Reduce your vehicle’s weight

Whenever possible, remove additional weight from your vehicle. Sandbags, excess junk, and anything else that’s weighing down your car is also causing excessive brake wear. In addition to helping extend the life of your brakes, removing excess weight from your vehicle will also improve your gas mileage.

5. Practice defensive driving

Defensive driving involves surveying the surrounding area and anticipating potential driving hazards (like potholes) before you encounter them. It allows you to preserve your brakes by avoiding sudden stops, tailgating, and other activities that are tough on your car.

 

 

TIPS

Easy Steps to Clean Car Battery Corrosion

Many drivers will encounter situations where the car is difficult to start, car can not jump-start because of a problem of important parts, one of the most important reasons is because the positive and negative extreme mouth of the car battery is corrosion. Car battery positive and negative electrode corrosion will reduce the efficiency of the use of car batteries, car maintenance for battery maintenance can not be ignored, and learning to clean the corrosion of the car battery terminal can avoid unnecessary spending and trouble.

How to Clean Car Battery Corrosion? Follow these 6 easy steps to remove car battery corrosion:

1. Disconnect Your Battery Cables

Disconnect the battery with the negative terminal first. Use a wrench to disconnect the negative terminal and avoid letting the wrench come into contact with the positive side as it may shock you. Do the same for the positive terminal.

You can identify negative and positive cables by checking what they’re marked by: the negative sign (-), the abbreviation ‘NEG’, and/or the color black; and the positive sign (+), the abbreviation ‘POS’, and the color red.

2. Check for damage to the battery.

If you notice any cracks, dents, or warping with your battery, cleaning the corrosion may not do you any good. then that should serve as an indication that you should have them replaced straight away.

3. Cleaning Your Battery With Baking Soda & Vinegar

If you find yourself dealing with extra stubborn corrosion that doesn’t come off with just baking soda, try the baking soda and vinegar method to clean your battery terminals. Vinegar is a powerful acid that can break down corrosion pretty quickly when combined with the fizzing action of baking soda. The baking soda method, for its part, is tried and true as well as simple to perform.

To use this method, first, make sure your terminals are disconnected. Then simply sprinkle baking soda powder on your terminals liberally. Next, pour the vinegar on the terminals and baking soda and let it sit. When you pour the vinegar on the terminals you’ll see it fizz. Similar to peroxide the fizzing action breaks up and moves the dirt and grime out. After it sits for a few minutes and it’s done fizzing, rinse it clean with hot water and follow the remaining steps from below before reconnecting your cables.

4. Rinse and Dry

Completely dry the battery. Water and electricity don’t mix well, so make sure the battery and its terminals are completely dry before reassembling it. After that, you’ll want to use your toothbrush or bristled brush to scrub the corrosion off. Once you’ve scrubbed away all the corrosion, rinse the battery and cable ends completely with clean water and let it all dry.

Be careful not to let the solution nor the corrosive elements fall on the other engine components to keep your car protected from the damage these could potentially cause. We advise you to take the battery out completely.

5. Take Some Corrosion-Preventative Steps

It’s never a bad idea to spray an anti-corrosion solution or apply an anti-corrosion gel to your terminals after you’re through. Doing so can help to prevent the issue from recurring! Also known as battery terminal protectors, these little guys help protect your battery posts. Use pads coated in a battery-corrosion preventative compound.

6. Reconnect Your Battery to Your Vehicle

Once you clear the corrosion (step 3), let everything dry completely (step 4), and apply some preventative substances to your battery parts (step 5), you’re ready to reconnect your battery to your vehicle.

Do this in REVERSE order to avoid injury. Start with connecting the positive battery terminal first, followed by the negative one. Car battery corrosion removal is a must-know maintenance task. Keeping your battery clean will add years to its lifespan and help maintain its performance levels.

TIPS

How to Drive Safely on Ice

Driving on ice requires extra caution! Here are some tips to stay safe behind the wheel:

  1. Slow Down: Reduce your speed significantly when driving on icy roads. It takes longer to stop or maneuver on ice.
  2. Increase Following Distance: Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. Sudden stops are riskier on icy roads.
  3. Gentle Movements: Avoid sudden acceleration, braking, or sharp turns. Make slow and deliberate movements.
  4. Winter Tires: Consider using winter tires for better traction on icy surfaces.
  5. Stay Informed: Check weather and road conditions before your trip. Plan accordingly and allow extra time for your journey.
  6. Brake Carefully: If you need to brake, do it gently. Use your brakes with steady, light pressure to avoid skidding.
  7. Stay Alert: Keep your focus on the road. Watch for icy patches, especially in shaded areas or bridges.

Remember, your safety and the safety of others are top priorities when driving in icy conditions. #DriveSafe #WinterDrivingTips 

TIPS

Items to Include in an Emergency Car Kit

Some of a driver’s worst fears are a dead battery or alternator, a blown gasket, your car running out of gas and any number of other car troubles that leave you stranded on an empty stretch of road.

For winter drivers, there’s also the possibility of sliding off an icy road into a snowbank. A quick call to a tow truck or roadside assistance service will usually get you to safety within a couple of hours, but technology can fail, and there are still parts of the country that aren’t covered by cellular service.

In such scenarios, having a car safety kit with the right components can make the difference in keeping you and your passengers safe until help arrives. 58% of people have some emergency supplies in their cars, but only 30% are confident that what they have is sufficient if bad weather strikes.

Depending on the problem, having the proper tools can also get you back on the road as quickly as possible. While some items should be found in every trunk, not every roadside emergency kit is built the same. You should tailor your kit to the type and condition of your vehicle, as well as the weather in which you’re typically driving. With the unpredictability of winter weather, even drivers in traditional warm-weather states may want to consider adding safety items for snow and ice. It’s always wise to err on the side of caution and include certain items just in case.

Here is the essential emergency car kit list:

1. Flares and lighting

The first and most important safety items to include in your auto emergency kit are flares or reflective triangles, which warn other drivers of the roadside hazard, especially in low visibility conditions. In case of a breakdown, they should be spaced out evenly along the roadside behind your vehicle. For a reusable, longer-lasting option, invest in battery-operated LED flares. A flashlight is also a necessity, especially a multi-use version that flashes.

2. Jumper cables

Jumper cables are another essential to include in the car emergency kit. Batteries can die or lose their juice at the least opportune moment, and jumper cables, with a jump start from another vehicle, can at least get you to the next service station. You should also consider carrying a separate battery pack for starting your car when no one else is around to help.

3. First aid kit

A first aid kit is a must-have item to include in any emergency road kit, indispensable for addressing smaller everyday injuries and more serious wounds from an accident. You can purchase them prepacked with all the essentials or assemble one customized to your needs. Families with small children should include medications that are age appropriate. Be sure to know what medications are needed for your passengers and pack enough to last for a reasonable time.

4. Spare tire, tire iron and car jack

A spare tire and tire-changing equipment should be included in your car emergency kit. You should familiarize yourself with how to change a tire just in case help is unavailable and you have to do it yourself. Check your kit every 6 months and make sure that your spare tire is properly inflated.

5. Mobile phone and charger

Another essential for your safety when driving is a working mobile phone and charger in case of a low or dead phone battery. It’s important that you can call for help if you’ve been seriously injured from a car accident or something is wrong with the car.

6. Water

Along with keeping warm, staying hydrated is an essential element of survival. Keep clean drinking water in smaller plastic containers, which will thaw faster with a little body heat in the winter than large gallon jugs. If driving in a remote area, you should be sure to bring plenty of water – one website recommends at least one gallon per person per day for three days if possible.

7. Nonperishable food

Packing food in your kit will help keep you fed in an emergency. Nonperishable food such as granola bars, soup, nuts, jerky, peanut butter and dried fruit are great options to pack in your kit.

8. Car fluids and tools

Flat tires are one of the most common causes of roadside trouble, but it’s not always possible to change a tire. Including a can of tire inflator and sealant in your kit can get you back on the road at least until the next stop. Other items that may help avert a roadside crisis and keep you going:

  • 1 quart or more of motor oil (make sure it’s the right formula for your car)
  • 1 gallon of coolant
  • A toolkit with screwdrivers, pliers and an adjustable wrench
  • 1 set of windshield wiper blades

Good wiper blades are also crucial to have handy, as they can clear a windshield in less than three swipes without leaving streaks. Keep a set of new blades in your vehicle so you can replace worn blades quickly and on the go.

9. Winter emergency car kit

Aside from winterizing your car, you should keep certain things in your car to prepare you for a winter emergency. If you know you’ll be driving in snowy weather, include:

  • An ice scraper
  • A spray bottle with washer fluid
  • 1 set of snow chains for your tires
  • A shovel
  • Waterproof matches

Store all your items together in a box or carrying case in the trunk, making sure it’s easily accessible in case you need it in a hurry. Blankets, a sleeping bag or a heat-retaining emergency survival blanket are critical for making it through a cold night, especially in wintry climates. Bottled water and long-lasting food items such as granola or energy bars can be rotated out over time.

TIPS

6 Signs that Your Vehicle’s Exhaust System Needs Attention

Internal combustion engines produce exhaust gases that can be dangerous if breathed in for too long. The primary purpose of the exhaust system is to keep these gases far away from you–though it also serves other purposes, including reducing engine noise and decreasing pollution. So, it’s important to keep an eye (and ear, and nose) out for signs that the exhaust system isn’t performing as it should be. Below are six possible symptoms.

6. Vibration/Shuddering

There are many things that can cause your car to vibrate, and most of them aren’t good. While vibration is often caused by non-exhaust-related problems, trouble with the exhaust system is still a possible cause. One of the hangers or brackets that hold the exhaust pipes against the underside of your vehicle may have come loose, or the pipes may have become misaligned. A failed muffler or clogged catalytic converter could also cause vibration. Another common cause is an exhaust leak. As exhaust gases escape through a small hole, they may cause the car to shudder.

5. Loud Engine Sound

The muffler that’s located near the end of the exhaust system serves to muffle the sound of the engine. If it’s damaged or not working the way it should, the engine will sound much noisier. However, leaks located before the muffler in the exhaust system can also lead to a loud engine sound, so pinpointing the exact location of your exhaust leak can be difficult without professional help.

4. Drop in Power & Fuel Efficiency

If you find you’re filling your gas tank more often than you used to, it may be due to trouble with the exhaust system. This is because the engine is working harder and using more fuel to try to compensate for the problem. In addition, you may find that getting up to speed is tougher, since exhaust leaks and other exhaust problems can keep your Subaru from performing at its peak.

3. Scraping or Rattling Sound

If it sounds like something is dragging beneath your car, scraping or rattling against the road, it’s time to pull over immediately. This is likely to be an exhaust pipe that has come loose. It’s dangerous to drive with a dragging pipe, and it can create a danger to cars behind you due to flying sparks. That danger to yourself and others only grows if the pipe snaps off completely.

2. Exhaust Smell

The smell of exhaust in your vehicle is never a good sign, and it may be due to an exhaust leak. If you notice that the exhaust has the scent of rotten eggs, it may be due to a failed catalytic converter. Exhaust gases contain a small amount of sulfur, which the catalytic converter then converts to odorless sulfur dioxide. If it’s not doing its job, the sulfur will still give off its characteristic rotten-egg smell.

1. Illuminated Check Engine Light

The oxygen sensors and the catalytic converter are important components of your vehicle’s exhaust system. The oxygen sensors read the level of oxygen in the exhaust to make sure that your car is getting the right fuel/air ratio, and the catalytic converter transforms some of the more harmful pollutants generated by combustion into less harmful compounds. Trouble with either of these components may send the signal to illuminate the check engine light.

TIPS

4 Basic Maintenance Tips for Your Pickup Truck

Pickup trucks offer reliability, safety, and longevity for many drivers. A quality truck can haul thousands of pounds in towing power and provide a safe means of transportation for you and your family.

Over time, if you ignore its maintenance needs, a pickup truck can run into permanent problems. Adhere to these four basic maintenance tips for your pickup truck so that your vehicle runs smoothly. Before you know it, your car can outlast its life expectancy and provide years of dependability.

Check Your Vehicle Fluids

For a pickup truck to run correctly, it needs the necessary fluids. First and foremost, engine oil needs to remain clean and free of dirt, dust, and debris. Additionally, other fluids such as engine coolant, windshield washer fluid, and other liquids must stay specific to your make and model.

Checking your owner’s manual will provide the correct fluids you need so you don’t accidentally pick up the wrong one. For engine oil, pickup trucks older than 2007 need oil changes every 5,000 miles, while newer vehicles require replacement every 7,500 miles. It’s one of the basic maintenance tips for your pickup truck you need to know.

Rotate Your Tires Routinely

Over time, tires start to wear down and lose their tread on the road. The less tread your tires have, the worse the grip is on the road. Uneven or worn tread can quickly result in hydroplaning during a rainstorm or sliding along icy roads.

Getting your tires professionally rotated will help prevent this issue. It helps maintain an even amount of treadwear on your truck’s tires. Additionally, it helps prolong the life of your tires and vehicle suspension while improving gas mileage.

Keep the Exterior Clean

Whether you live in consistent 75-degree and sunny weather all year-round or somewhere where you experience all four seasons, your pickup truck endures a lot. Rainstorms, road salt, hail, and other loose debris can kick up into your vehicle’s paint and create a layer of grime.

Maintaining a consistent cleaning schedule will keep your vehicle’s exterior looking beautiful and shiny. Regularly cleaning your car will also keep your car’s paint from fading and even reduce rust growth. Lastly, don’t forget to clean your undercarriage.

Keep an Eye on Wheel Alignment

When you get your oil, it’s also essential to check your wheel alignment. Wheel misalignment can occur by driving through roads at high speeds and aggressive driving. It can easily throw your wheel alignment off and subsequently increase wear on your tires, worsen gas mileage, and affect hauling abilities. Make sure you maintain your wheel alignment through evenly inflated tires. Loading evenly into your truck bed to prevent vehicle pulling can also maintain the alignment.

Having a pickup truck brings plenty of benefits to your daily routine. Maintaining and caring for your truck is a regular investment of your time and energy, but it’s worthwhile.

TIPS

10 Tips To Help Keep The Interior Of Your Car Clean

Keeping your Car’s interior clean is important for keeping its appearance, hygiene, and overall well-being. Here are some tips to help you keep the interior of your car looking spotless:

1) Your Car isn’t a Trash Can

Make it a habit to remove trash from your car daily. Try to avoid throwing trash and saying you’ll clean it up later because this will become a bad habit. To help with this, use a small trash bag or container to dispose of the garbage to make it easier to clean up.

2) Vacuum Regularly

Crumbs and dirt can be a tough thing to get out of your car. That dust can also seep into your seat covers and cracks in the car. It’s important to regularly vacuum the Car’s interior to keep it clean. Pay attention to the carpets, seats/seat covers, floor mats, and difficult to reach places.

3) Wipe Surfaces Frequently

While vacuuming is a helpful tool, wipes can be even more helpful when it comes to smaller areas or areas that need more detailed cleaning. This includes the dashboard, steering wheel, and door handles. You can use a damp cloth or a cleaning solution to wipe these spots down.

4) Not All Seat Covers Are Ugly

Seat covers can help protect your car’s seats from spills and stains. Not every seat cover is ugly, you can find pretty, affordable ones right on amazon. This is a great way to maintain your vehicle from wear and tear. Make sure to clean these covers regularly as well or else you’re just creating more of a dirty mess.

5) Clean Upholstery and Carpets

Whenever you find stains on the upholstery or carpets, treat them with a suitable cleaner or stain remover as soon as possible. Follow the instructions on the product and use a clean brush or tool to scrub the dirty area.

6) Pay Attention to Glass and Mirrors

Clean the interior glass and mirrors regularly to guarantee good visibility. Use a glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth to remove smudges and fingerprints. Also keep the glass above your console and radio clean to help with visibility.

7) Organize Storage Compartments

Use organizers or storage bins to keep your belongings neatly in order. Find a good spot in the trunk or even the back seat where these bins can be stored. This will prevent messes and make it easier to keep your car clean.

8) Avoid Eating in the Car

Don’t eat or drink in your car, although this is a hard challenge for everyone, it will help in the long run. Eating in the car can lead to spills and crumbs, which can be challenging to clean.

9) Be Cautious With Liquids

When transporting liquids in your car, make sure they are secure and sealed to avoid spills. If a spill does occur, immediately clean it up to prevent stains or odors.

10) Regularly Maintain the Air Conditioning System

Clean or replace the cabin air filter as much as your Car’s manufacturer recommends. This will keep your car’s air fresh and reduce dust messes.

Remember that prevention and consistency is key to maintaining a clean car interior. By establishing good habits and planning out in advance, you can keep your car looking and smelling fresh for a very long time.

TIPS

6 TIPS TO MAKE YOUR CAR TRAVEL READY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Here are a few easy ways you can prepare your car for a road trip:

  1. Check Tire Pressure – This step is essential because you can get better gas mileage when you drive on properly aired tires. Not only will you be able to save some money in doing this, but you’ll decrease your risk of a dangerous blowout as well.

  2. Have Any Warning Lights Diagnosed – If you have some warning lights on your dashboard that you’ve been ignoring up until now, you’ll want to have them diagnosed before a long-distance trip. .

  3. Look at Your Fluids – The fluids in your engine enable it to run correctly, so you don’t want to be without them! You’ll want to check your oil, antifreeze, power steering fluid, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washing fluid.

  4. Replace Old Windshield Wipers – Putting up with inefficient windshield wipers gets old after a while. Replace old ones before a trip, so you don’t end up frustrated, or unable to see, in the rain.

  5. Notice Unusual Brake Noises – If your brakes have been making a whining or grinding noise recently, it’s probably time to take your car in for brake service.

  6. Check Your Lights – If your headlights aren’t working, visibility while driving at night can be an issue. If your brake lights or turn lights are burnt out, you pose a danger to both yourself and other drivers. Have a spotter assist you in checking your headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn lights.

TIPS

8 Signs of Auto Transmission Failure

While an auto transmission failure isn’t a death sentence for your car, it can definitely be a major repair. It usually means a lot of downtime and a huge bill. Your transmission is an amazing work or art. Ok, you might not want to mount it over your fireplace, but you have to admit that it is rather fascinating how all these gears and bearings and interestingly shaped parts are put together to create a system that actually propels your vehicle from Point A to Point B. Some people say that the transmission is the second most important part of the car, next to the engine. But, I respectfully disagree. It’s really a team effort – you can’t have one without the other. While, I guess you can, but they are rather useless independently. They are like the heart and the brain of your car. They work together. So, a problem with your transmission can affect the operation of the engine. And if you don’t fix it, you could have even bigger issues to deal with.

But, contrary to popular belief, an auto transmission failure doesn’t always have to be scary (are you breathing a sigh of relief now?) While it can be a costly adventure, in a lot of cases, the problem is actually quite minor. And, as with anything mechanical, if you catch the problem early enough, you may be able to avoid more serious issues. But, you can’t always count on mechanics to offer you the easy way out. After all, they are in the business to make money. So, when they see a woman walk through their doors, they get dollar signs in their eyes.

Transmissions are complex and complicated systems so fixing them usually requires a professional. But, that doesn’t mean that you have to accept whatever diagnosis you are handed. If in doubt, get a second opinion. Or, better yet, learn how to recognize the most common signs of auto transmission failure and how to rule out simple fixes before you authorize an expensive auto transmission repair. Replacing or rebuilding may be necessary, but it is important to check out other possibilities first. You never know, some basic knowledge could save you thousands of dollars.

Signs Of Auto Transmission Failure

  • Slippage. This is when your motor is revving but your car isn’t responding. It’s similar to the way your vehicle would react if your tires were slipping on ice or stuck in the snow. You are pushing the gas pedal and you can hear the engine roaring, but you don’t seem to be getting anywhere. Slippage affects your transmission’s ability to propel the car forward and if it gets really bad, eventually you may not move at all.
  • Leaks. Check under your car on a regular basis to make sure there aren’t any leaks. In most automatic transmissions the fluid is red, so if you notice a colored puddle on the ground, you should probably have your car checked out. In fact, if you notice any puddle at all (except for the ones made from your AC) you should investigate further.
  • Smells. If your fluid level is low, your transmission can overheat. When your transmission or transmission fluid gets too hot, you may notice a burning odor. Check your fluid level and add if necessary. You may also want to find out why the level was low in the first place.
  • Sounds. Knocking, whining, humming, buzzing, clunking, and grating can all be signs of transmission problems. These sounds can be a result of wear and tear, but they also can mean a low fluid level.
  • Delayed Engagement/Lack of Response. Sometimes your transmission doesn’t want to do what you ask when you ask. Just like your kids, right? But, unlike your children, there are times when motherly negotiations (aka bribing) will not convince your vehicle to behave properly. There are varying degrees of delayed engagement, and sometimes we are in danger of letting things for too long.
  • Rough Shifting. Again, your car should transition between gears smoothly. If you notice shaking, jarring, bumping, clunking, or abrupt/hard shifting, this may be a sign of transmission problems.
  • Fluid Color. Transmission fluid is red, clear, and has a slightly sweet odor. Look at a sample of new, clean fluid so you know the correct color and smell. If the fluid in your vehicle is murky, dark, or dirty, this could be an indication of problems. Sometimes changing the oil or doing a transmission flush will fix the issue. In some cases, more serious repairs may be necessary.
  • Check Engine Light. Sensors in your car can pick up small vibrations or other problems even before you notice them. The check engine light could be a warning of transmission problems, especially if you are also experiencing any of the above signs.
TIPS

10 Ways to Care for Your Automatic Transmission

Avoid costly transmission repairs. Here are 10 tips for keeping a car with an automatic transmission in good condition

Depending on the type of vehicle you drive and its age, transmission repairs can be costly. Sometimes it’s impossible to avoid having a transmission repair specialist service your vehicle particularly if you’re subjected to a total breakdown.

But there are things you can do to extend the life of your automatic transmission and prevent transmission failure. Read our checklist of top 10 transmission maintenance tips:

1. Check your transmission fluid periodically. On many cars, light trucks, and SUVs, checking the transmission fluid is as easy as checking the oil: with the engine idling, pull out the dipstick, wipe it off, insert it again, wait, then pull it out to get an accurate reading. If the fluid level is low, you may have a leak. The fluid itself should be a bright red color, clear, and it should smell sweet. If it’s murky, dark coloured, or smells like rotting fish take it to a transmission repair specialist to look things over.

2. Use the right type of transmission fluid. Always consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine what type of transmission fluid you should use. If after doing so you’re still not sure, pop in to a Mister Transmission and ask a professional.

3. Have your engine’s cooling system serviced. Your vehicle’s cooling system helps prevent the engine from overheating. But did you know it also ensures the transmission fluid pumping through the gearbox is cooled too? It’s more likely you’ll need a transmission repair before your engine completely overheats. Make sure your cooling system is in optimal condition.

4. Get your transmission flushed regularly. Changing the transmission fluid in your car is best left to a professional. Consult your car’s owner’s manual, but in general, get your vehicle’s transmission flushed once a year. How long the transmission fluid in your car will last depends on the vehicle’s operating temperature and how much driving you do.

5. Don’t change gears while your car is moving. Bring your vehicle to a complete stop before changing gears from ‘drive’ to ‘reverse’ or vice-versa. Failing to do so simply puts strain on your transmission and after awhile it can lead to a serious problem.

6. Let your car warm up before you drive. Who among us has hopped into the driver’s seat, started the engine, put the car in drive and motored away? (Full disclosure: I’m as guilty as you are) Always allow your engine a few minutes to warm up before you begin to drive, especially during the winter months.

7. Don’t drive on a spare tire for an extended period of time. Mismatched tire sizes, or driving with a small spare tire over a long period of time is a no-no. Not only will it do damage to other parts of your vehicle such as ruin the wheel alignment, after a while it puts unnecessary strain on the transmission.

8. Regularly change the transmission filter. That’s right: your car’s automatic transmission may have a filter, and it needs to be changed from time to time. Whether or not you’re driving a car that has a transmission filter depends entirely on the make and model. Most newer vehicles don’t have a transmission filter but those that do should be changed each time you get your transmission flushed.

9. Avoid using your vehicle for towing. Using your car to tow heavy loads, particularly in hot temperatures, can cause the transmission fluid to oxidize or burn, and in turn, do a lot of damage to the transmission.

10. Have your transmission inspected annually. Having a certified transmission repair specialist conduct a diagnostic check of your transmission for leaks and other abnormalities at least once a year, as well as checking the transmission fluid’s level, color, and smell periodically is smart preventative maintenance.

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