The 3 Best Truck Transmission Tips
Around here in Escalon, we love our trucks. We have farms, orchards and hard-working people throughout the community who know what truck life is all about. We also have country roads, diverse weather conditions and foothill highways that aren’t as easy to drive.
Maintaining the transmission of a heavy duty truck, utility vehicle or other large vehicle can sometimes be more difficult than a regular automobile. Truck transmissions are generally pushed harder with the weight of the vehicle. Carrying or towing heavy loads or driving in more extreme conditions can also put added stress on the transmission. It’s true that truck transmissions are designed and built to stand up to more punishment. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t need proper care and maintenance.
Here are some of the best truck transmission tips according to the local transmission care experts of Escalon Transmission:
1. Check Your Transmission Fluid Regularly
The last thing you want is for you truck to break down because of a transmission problem. Low transmission fluid is one of the most common causes of transmission failure. If there’s not enough clean fluid running through the system, it won’t work well and significant internal damage can occur. Check your transmission fluid level periodically and also look at the quality of the fluid. If it smells burnt or looks dark, that could be a sign of a problem—or at least a notice that you are overdue for a transmission service and fluid exchange.
2. Understand Your Driving Habits
How you drive your truck and what you use it for can directly affect your transmission. Regularly driving up or down steep grades can increase wear and tear. So can stop-and-go city traffic, driving at higher speeds, towing trailers and carrying heavy loads in your truck beds. Manual transmission truck drivers need to be mindful of how and when they shift gears. The same goes for automatic drivers who use low gears, 4x4 and other special settings in various situations. Other issues like not using the parking brake, engine braking, not letting the vehicle warm up when cold, or accelerating too quickly can also impact a truck’s transmission system and lead to major transmission repairs. If you find that your transmission needs maintenance more often than expected or damage is occurring, you may need to look in the mirror and alter some of your driving habits.
3. Periodic Transmission Inspections and Maintenance
Yes, there are plenty of steps you can take on your own. You can check the transmission fluid or look for fluid leaks. You can pay attention to the check engine light and transmission temperature gauge. You may have experience with transmission repairs and can handle some minor issues on your own. Still, it never hurts to get the opinion of a truck transmission specialist. Follow your truck’s recommended maintenance schedule and get your transmission inspected professionally at least once a year. A good transmission expert will be able to help you determine the best spacing for standard transmission maintenance (changing the fluid, filter and pan gasket)—whether it’s every 30,000 miles, 60,000 miles or another recommended interval based on the age, make, model and usage of your truck.
These are three of the best ways you can keep your truck’s transmission running right for many years to come. Take care of your truck and it will certainly take care of you every day. The same sentiment is true whether it’s your primary work vehicle or a daily driver for your family.
For all your truck’s transmission care needs in Escalon, turn to the transmission specialists at Escalon Transmission. We are as passionate about trucks as you are. Call us today at (209) 838-0113 or schedule your next service appointment online.
