Feb 28, 2020

You get in your vehicle, turn the key and put the transmission in gear. It’s one of those “automatic” things you do (even if yours is a “manual” transmission). The transmission is the thing that – quite literally – gets you in gear. Typically, it works trouble-free. But as with any piece of mechanical equipment, things can go wrong.

 

However, the experts at Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA have some helpful tips for keeping your transmission in peak shape – so that you never experience that sad feeling of having your vehicle go “wonky” when you can least afford it.

 

The first rule of a healthy transmission is to stick to the regular maintenance schedule outlined in your Toyota owner’s manual. Just like the human body, many parts “help” each other. If one thing is stressing, it puts extra pressure on another. See how that works?

 

Certain things in your engine require more frequent attention than others, say, oil changes (which, ideally, should happen every 3K miles or so). Your transmission needs more TLC based on whether it’s manual or automatic.

 

For manual transmissions, it’s smart to replace the all-important transmission fluid anywhere between 30,000 and 60,000 miles. For those using their manual transmission vehicle in a more heavy-duty way (like a work truck), a good rule of thumb is to have fluids checked and/or replaced around 15,000 miles.

 

Automatic transmissions tend to require a bit less attention. Most owner’s manuals note that the fluid generally never needs to replaced on an automatic transmission. However, it’s not a bad idea to have it looked at between 60,000 and 100,000 miles.

 

The good thing about checking your transmission is that it doesn’t need to be attended to at the same level as oil, tires or a battery. Still, it’s smart to include it in your service schedule. If you’re confused or have questions about this critical function of your vehicle, the friendly experts at Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA are always happy to answer your questions, with no pressure. Come on by!