How To Take Care Of Your Transmission In Winter

February 24, 2021 | By Mister Transmission

How To Take Care Of Your Transmission In Winter

Canadians know that winter driving is different. We all know about basic service and winter care: winter tires, antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, etc. But what about transmissions? What is proper transmission service winter care?

Proper Transmission Service Means Checking Your Transmission Fluid In Any Weather.

First, let’s start with your transmission fluid. Automatic and continuously variable transmissions use automatic transmission fluid. Manual transmissions can also use automatic transmission fluid, or they can use something called transmission oil, or just standard motor oil. Whatever you drive, you should check your transmission fluid regularly. If you tell somebody that you check it every month, they might look at you and say, “Really? Every month?”. A lot of people don’t check it that often, but they should. Monthly checks give you the best chance at noticing small problems before they become big problems. This is good practice regardless of the season, but winter puts more stress on your vehicle than other seasons, so transmission fluid checks are an important part of transmission service winter care.

Winter Conditions Can Wreak Havoc With Your Transmission.

At lower temperatures, transmission fluid becomes more viscous, reducing its ability to lubricate. It’s good practice to drive slowly for the first few kilometres in winter. If you live in a particularly cold place, consider investing in an engine heater. It’s essentially a space heater for your engine; you simply plug it into an outlet in your garage and let it warm up your engine before you begin to drive.

What Else Should You Know About Transmission Service, Winter Care, And Transmission-Friendly Driving?

Idling your engine is bad. It’s bad for your fuel consumption, bad for the environment, Furthermore, if you find yourself stuck in the snow, do not spin your wheels excessively. Apart from not getting you free, you have a good chance of overheating the transmission and possibly damaging internal components.

Mister Transmission

At Mister Transmission, we can provide all the transmission service, winter care, and any other transmission work you need. To learn more about transmission service and winter care, please contact us. You can search for a location near you or call our customer service line at 1-800-373-8432.

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Honest. Fair prices. The only...
Scott Millson
Honest. Fair prices. The only place I’ve trusted for car repairs in the past 10 years
Date: July 7, 2025
Website: Google
On June 30th 2025 I...
Audie D
On June 30th 2025 I was having such a horrible day. My boyfriend changed my transmission oil a few days prior. When I would reverse my car everything would shut off. 10 minutes to get out of a driveway is insane. The 30th of June i called Mister Transmission and Rob picked up and said I could drop my car off and he’d look into it. Rob and the man working with him were truly amazing. From the moment I walked into the building I was greeted. He didn’t try to con me as I am a female. Rob has a pure heart of gold. When my car was there it didn’t do any of the shutting off and they did every diagnosis test. I was beyond anxious and having a bad day Rob really calmed down and lightened the mood. Thank you Rob
Date: July 7, 2025
Website: Google
I would first like to...
S Williams
I would first like to say the customer service and Mister Transmission is none like I have ever experienced. I had the pleasure of speaking with Denise who was so professional, patient and indescribably kind. Not only did she take the time to detail what my car needed and how long it would take, they took the time to provide alternate cost efficient options. For those looking for transmission repairs , I promise you you will find no better!!!
Date: July 7, 2025
Website: Google
Great reliable friendly service
Joe Macdonald
Great reliable friendly service
Date: July 7, 2025
Website: Google
Thses guys are pros after...
Nathan Chartrand
Thses guys are pros after dealing with another transmission shop not checking endplay in the crankshaft my engine is destroyed a standard practice any reputable shop should be doing
Date: July 6, 2025
Website: Google
Hi I had my 1966...
Craig
Hi I had my 1966 Chevelle Malibu SS in at Mister Transmission Sarnia to have the transmission worked on last year. Mike in the back shop worked on my car (pride and joy). He did the repairs that was needed done and a few extra things done without request. The car ran like a dream when I got it back. The cost was lower then they said it would be. I'm very fussy on who works on my car. The owner (manager) was awesome to deal with. Then this week 04 July 2025 I needed a shift cable repaired as I was headed out with my car . I went to the shop and they were over loaded with work. Mike made time to get my car fixed so I could use it on the weekend. They went the extra mile to get my car fixed and again I could not complain about the cost to repair the cable. I fully recommend them and the people that work there are outstanding. A special thanks to Mike who worked on my baby(my car) thanks so much guys. They are my go to shop with my Classic car and all my vehicles.
Date: July 5, 2025
Website: Google
I had a fantastic experience...
Xavier Montenegro
I had a fantastic experience with the whole Mr. Transmission team. Jordan and Jason are fantastic at their jobs, and they are truly willing to be honest and completely transparent with you. I took my 2018 Sierra to them for some transmission work (shocker), and they were quick, and the transmission now works fantastically. There were some small hiccups, the transmission initially acted a little weird, but they were quick to correct that. I had my spark plugs and a few coils swapped over here. One of the coils they got from GM blew up and took a couple of fuses with it. They comped the tow and had it fixed quickly, and were incredibly apologetic about the whole thing. Overall, if you are looking for quality service from a tried and true team, this is the place you want to go.
Date: July 5, 2025
Website: Google
Hi I had my 1966...
Craig
Hi I had my 1966 Chevelle Malibu SS in at Mister Transmission Sarnia to have the transmission worked on last year. Mike in the back shop worked on my car (pride and joy). He did the repairs that was needed done and a few extra things done without request. The car ran like a dream when I got it back. The cost was lower then they said it would be. I'm very fussy on who works on my car. The owner (manager) was awesome to deal with. Then this week 04 July 2025 I needed a shift cable repaired as I was headed out with my car . I went to the shop and they were over loaded with work. Mike made time to get my car fixed so I could use it on the weekend. They went the extra mile to get my car fixed and again I could not complain about the cost to repair the cable. I fully recommend them and the people that work there are outstanding. A special thanks to Mike who worked on my baby(my car) thanks so much guys. They are my go to shop with my Classic car and all my vehicles.
Date: July 5, 2025
Website: Google
These guys do good work....
Hunter Frederick
These guys do good work. And a fair price. 👍👍
Date: July 3, 2025
Website: Google
Mandy was extremely helpful in...
Don Brindle
Mandy was extremely helpful in getting out 2009 VW beetle back on the road, we are from out of town and he was very compassionate to our situation and helped at every level, if you are in Cambridge and need help, Mandy is your man!
Date: July 3, 2025
Website: Google
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