Maintain Your Automatic Transmission with These 4 Basic Tips

April 18, 2023 | By Mister Transmission

An automatic transmission is vital to modern vehicles, providing a seamless driving experience by automatically shifting gears. However, like other parts of your car, this component requires proper maintenance to function effectively and avoid costly repairs. Here are four basic tips to help you maintain your automatic transmission.

Regularly Check and Replace the Fluid

This fluid is the lifeblood of your automatic transmission and must be in good condition to ensure smooth gear changes. In the long run, it can become dirty and contaminated, which can cause damage to the part. To prevent this, you should regularly check the fluid level and quality, as specified in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

If you notice that the fluid is dark, has a burnt smell, or contains debris, it’s time to replace it. Changing the fluid is simple and inexpensive, saving you from costly repairs.

Use the Correct Type of Fluid

Using the incorrect type of fluid can cause serious damage to your automatic transmission. Different types of fluids are designed to work with specific parts. Using the wrong one can cause problems such as slippage, overheating, and even complete part failure.

Use the correct fluid type for your car to avoid these issues. If your car’s a manual, use manual fluid. If it’s an automatic, use automatic. Never mix and match. You can find this information by reading the owner’s manual or by consulting a professional mechanic.

Avoid Excessive Heat

Excessive heat is a common cause of automatic transmission failure. High temperatures can result in the fluid breaking down, leading to increased friction and wear on the components.

To avoid excessive heat, ensure your vehicle’s cooling system works correctly. You should also avoid towing heavy loads or driving in stop-and-go traffic for extended periods, as these activities can cause your transmission to overheat.

Drive Responsibly

The way you drive can also have a significant impact on the health of your automatic transmission. Aggressive driving, like sudden acceleration and hard braking, can put unnecessary stress on the component and cause it to wear out faster, costing more in the long run.

To maintain your automatic transmission, you should drive responsibly and consistently. Avoid sudden stops and starts, and maintain a consistent speed when driving on the highway. This will help reduce the wear and tear on your part and extend its lifespan.

In Closing

Maintaining your automatic transmission is essential for the longevity and performance of your vehicle. These four basic tips can help ensure your transmission stays in good condition and avoid costly repairs. Regularly checking and replacing transmission fluid, using the correct fluid type, avoiding excessive heat, and driving responsibly are all simple steps to keep your automatic transmission running smoothly.

Take Care of This Car Part with Mister Transmission

Similar to how your car’s other parts are serviced, your vehicle’s transmission also requires maintenance to ensure a long lifespan and prevent transmission issues. Our service includes a comprehensive multi-check examination of your transmission’s performance and overall function.

Further diagnostic analysis may be necessary for certain situations, such as removing, disassembling, and inspecting the transmission, which goes beyond our free multi-check inspection. The center manager will provide you with an estimation for any necessary work that exceeds the free multi-check inspection. 

Call us at (800) 373-8432 or email us at customerservice@mistertransmission.com for Alberta transmission solutions today. We’re ready to give quality repairs, professional maintenance, expert service, and Canada’s Best Warranty!

image-reviews image-reviews
Customer Reviews
We got a flat tire...
Ziming Jia
We got a flat tire during a heavy rain, and luckily found this shop nearby. A kind and generous gentleman helped us check the tire and filled it up with air — completely free of charge. We’re so grateful for his help and kindness. Thank you so much!
Date: May 18, 2025
Website: Google
Very honest. I went in...
Areielle Martin
Very honest. I went in thinking I needed a couple fluids changed and they checked it and told me it was not necessary. Saved me money so thank you for your honesty. Much appreciated! Exeter road location.
Date: May 18, 2025
Website: Google
Great people to work with....
Louis Liadis
Great people to work with. Fantastic.
Date: May 17, 2025
Website: Google
The owner is incredibly kind!...
Jiaxue LI
The owner is incredibly kind! 🥹🥹 He fixed our flat tire at no charge! We got a low tire warning while driving on the highway in heavy rain, and we were really anxious. We pulled off the highway and found this transmission store, which happened to be closed on a Saturday. Despite that, the owner still helped us check all four tires and made sure they were properly inflated. He even wiped off all the water inside the car seat. To top it off, he didn’t charge us a thing. He truly went above and beyond and we are so grateful. Highly recommend, 5 stars🌟!
Date: May 17, 2025
Website: Google
Excellent work done. Within estimate....
Charlene Narine
Excellent work done. Within estimate. Great service
Date: May 16, 2025
Website: Google
Franck and his team are...
Suzie Villeneuve
Franck and his team are simply amazing, with excellent customer service and a friendly atmosphere. Nothing but good things to say about this place.
Date: May 15, 2025
Website: Google
Had my 1982 Pontiac trans...
Nelson B.
Had my 1982 Pontiac trans am transmission re-built at their former Langley city location. Still running perfect after 26 years.
Date: May 15, 2025
Website: Yelp
Very comfortable experience!!! From asking...
Betty Ann
Very comfortable experience!!! From asking questions to having a service done on my transmission, the staff were so very helpful and friendly!!! Highly recommended this business!!!
Date: May 15, 2025
Website: Google
Parking brake works fine now.
Greig Larsen
Parking brake works fine now.
Date: May 14, 2025
Website: Google
Quick & easy.Friendly and professional...
Vikas Sukhija
Quick & easy.Friendly and professional staff.
Date: May 14, 2025
Website: Google
Featured Services
Transmission Repair

The evolution of transmissions has made these machines and systems increasingly complex. When transmission repairs are required, determining the cause and cure for what ails can be tricky.

Read More
Transmission Technology

At Mister Transmission we have access to leading-edge diagnostic equipment, enabling us to offer you the fastest and most accurate findings about what’s going on inside your vehicle’s transmission.

Read More
Transmission Maintenance & Service

Just as you have other parts of your car serviced, your transmission needs maintenance to ensure a long life and avoid transmission problems.

Read More
Mister Transmission Blogs
Recent Blogs
Used Transmission Vs. Rebuilt Transmissi...
Choosing between a used transmission and a rebuilt transmission is an important
Read More
May 7, 2025
Preventative Transmission Maintenance: 5...
A vehicle's transmission is one of its most critical components, responsible for
Read More
April 30, 2025
Transmission Rebuild Vs. Replacement: Wh...
When a vehicle's transmission begins to fail, owners often face a crucial decision:
Read More
April 23, 2025
Transmission Overheating Causes: How To ...
Transmission overheating occurs when the system becomes too hot to function properly.
Read More
April 16, 2025
Signs Of A Failing Transmission Filter A...
The transmission filter plays a crucial role in keeping the transmission system clean
Read More
April 7, 2025
Manual Vs. Automatic Transmission Mainte...
Your vehicle’s transmission plays a crucial role in keeping your car running
Read More
March 31, 2025
Honda Transmission Replacement Price: Wh...
The cost of replacing a Honda transmission varies depending on the model, year, and
Read More
March 28, 2025
How Much Does A New Transmission Cost? A...
A vehicle’s transmission is one of its most crucial components, responsible for
Read More
March 24, 2025
Cheap Transmission Repair Services: Wher...
Transmission repair costs can be high due to the complexity of the system. Unlike
Read More
March 7, 2025
How To Find The Best Transmission Repair...
A vehicle's transmission is one of its most crucial components, ensuring smooth gear
Read More
February 28, 2025