10 Ways to Care for Your Automatic Transmission

By Mister Transmission

Avoid costly transmission repairs. Read Mister Transmission’s 10 tips for keeping a car with an automatic transmission in good condition

Depending on the type of vehicle you drive and its age, transmission repairs can be costly. Sometimes it’s impossible to avoid having a transmission repair specialist service your vehicle particularly if you’re subjected to a total breakdown.

But there are things you can do to extend the life of your automatic transmission and prevent transmission failure. Read our checklist of top 10 transmission maintenance tips:

1. Check your transmission fluid periodically. On many cars, light trucks, and SUVs, checking the transmission fluid is as easy as checking the oil: with the engine idling, pull out the dipstick, wipe it off, insert it again, wait, then pull it out to get an accurate reading. If the fluid level is low, you may have a leak. The fluid itself should be a bright red colour, clear, and it should smell sweet. If it’s murky, dark coloured, or smells like rotting fish take it to a transmission repair specialist to look things over.

2. Use the right type of transmission fluid. Always consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine what type of transmission fluid you should use. If after doing so you’re still not sure, pop in to a Mister Transmission and ask a professional.

3. Have your engine’s cooling system serviced. Your vehicle’s cooling system helps prevent the engine from overheating. But did you know it also ensures the transmission fluid pumping through the gearbox is cooled too? It’s more likely you’ll need a transmission repair before your engine completely overheats. Make sure your cooling system is in optimal condition.

4. Get your transmission flushed regularly. Changing the transmission fluid in your car is best left to a professional. Consult your car’s owner’s manual, but in general, get your vehicle’s transmission flushed once a year. How long the transmission fluid in your car will last depends on the vehicle’s operating temperature and how much driving you do.

5. Don’t change gears while your car is moving. Bring your vehicle to a complete stop before changing gears from ‘drive’ to ‘reverse’ or vice-versa. Failing to do so simply puts strain on your transmission and after awhile it can lead to a serious problem.

6. Let your car warm up before you drive. Who among us has hopped into the driver’s seat, started the engine, put the car in drive and motored away? (Full disclosure: I’m as guilty as you are) Always allow your engine a few minutes to warm up before you begin to drive, especially during the winter months.

7. Don’t drive on a spare tire for an extended period of time. Mismatched tire sizes, or driving with a small spare tire over a long period of time is a no-no. Not only will it do damage to other parts of your vehicle such as ruin the wheel alignment, after a while it puts unnecessary strain on the transmission.

8. Regularly change the transmission filter. That’s right: your car’s automatic transmission may have a filter, and it needs to be changed from time to time. Whether or not you’re driving a car that has a transmission filter depends entirely on the make and model. Most newer vehicles don’t have a transmission filter but those that do should be changed each time you get your transmission flushed.

9. Avoid using your vehicle for towing. Using your car to tow heavy loads, particularly in hot temperatures, can cause the transmission fluid to oxidize or burn, and in turn, do a lot of damage to the transmission.

10. Have your transmission inspected annually. Having a certified transmission repair specialist conduct a diagnostic check of your transmission for leaks and other abnormalities at least once a year, as well as checking the transmission fluid’s level, colour, and smell periodically is smart preventative maintenance.

If you are in the Weston neighbourhood in northeast Toronto near the Humber River, or driving on Black Creek Drive south of Highway 401 and are experiencing transmission troubles or suspect you are, call us now at 416-249-1300, or visit us at 1677 Jane Street in North York. Stranded roadside because of a breakdown? Our tow truck is standing by. Our certified transmission repair specialists will get your car back on the road again quickly.

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Customer Reviews
Honestly and professionalism. Took my...
Zhang P
Honestly and professionalism. Took my truck in they did free diagnostics and booked me in 2 days later. Now the truck drives like new
Date: February 1, 2025
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Team provided good service and...
Melanie Maxwell
Team provided good service and was very friendly
Date: February 1, 2025
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Very friendly staff , great...
Sean Wilson
Very friendly staff , great straightforward service, highly recommend 👍
Date: January 31, 2025
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Spoke with Frank over phone,...
Parsa Namsehchi
Spoke with Frank over phone, always ready to help, and give quotes over the phone with a great warranty period afterwards
Date: January 31, 2025
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Very honest and trustworthy!!!! I...
Ryan Jorgenson
Very honest and trustworthy!!!! I brought my truck in after getting a error code. The dealership and 1 other shop told me that I need a new transmission at the cost of 8-11k I found this to be strange so I took it to mr. Transmission. They where unable to find anything wrong with my transmission. So they opened it up drained the oil and inspected for any metal shavings. When they found none they put new oil in and sent me on my way for only $400. I have been towing large equipment and plowing snow for months since with no issue. I highly reccomend Mr. Transmission!!!
Date: January 31, 2025
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Great service and super professional
Canadian Rooster
Great service and super professional
Date: January 30, 2025
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Good place to deal with...
Ahmad Amine
Good place to deal with they're really care for their customer I recommend people to deal with that please thanks for them they have an honesty customer service.
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ALWAYS GREAT SERVICE.
Binbrook Auto
ALWAYS GREAT SERVICE.
Date: January 30, 2025
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Great service, no issues.
Randy Nystrom
Great service, no issues.
Date: January 29, 2025
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DEFINITELY RECOMMEND THIS PLACE, Brought...
Zack Brydges
DEFINITELY RECOMMEND THIS PLACE, Brought vechile in for transfer case and had it back the next day good service good price and very friendly people will definitely go here more often
Date: January 29, 2025
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