Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a cross-country adventure, there’s nothing worse than encountering car troubles during your journey. One of the automotive elements to prioritize before leaving is the transmission. Use these four transmission prep tips to get your vehicle road trip ready!
Pay Attention to Your Vehicle’s Performance Before the Trip
You should always be conscious of your transmission’s performance. If you hear any grinding sounds, have difficulty shifting gears, or notice the engine is overheating, these are warning signs that something’s wrong.
Keep a close eye on your vehicle in the weeks leading up to the trip. This will dictate your next steps, whether you need to conduct an extensive repair or tune up the transmission.
Take Your Car to a Mechanic for an Inspection
A general inspection is always a beneficial action to conduct before embarking on hundreds of miles on the road. Mechanics will examine the transmission for any cracks, leaks, full transmission filters, and transmission fluid contamination. These simple analyses will make an immense difference in the quality and safety of your drive.
Top-Off Transmission Fluid Levels
Many car owners will top off their transmission fluid at home without the need for a mechanic’s assistance. This component is invaluable to your transmission’s operation.
To check these levels, locate the transmission dipstick under your car’s hood. Clean it off with a rag, reinsert it, then pull it back out to get an accurate reading. If the fluid level is below the ‘Full’ mark or looks dark and dirty, you need to top it off or replace it.
Add a Transfer Case for Towing
Frequent road trippers know that towing is incredibly convenient. It’s ideal for extra storage or hauling a recreational vehicle.
However, towing can take a toll on the transmission. It must generate exceptional torque to rotate the wheels. As a result, the transmission is more likely to overheat when enduring steep hills and high speeds.
Transfer cases operate in AWD and 4WD vehicles by thoroughly regulating the transmission’s temperature. Having this cooler in place will also increase the longevity of your transmission and avoid costly repairs down the road.
Road trips are most enjoyable when you have a reliable vehicle and a prepped transmission that’s ready to go! Keep these helpful tips in mind before packing up the car for a long excursion.
