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
Ken 非常专业,推荐!
David Shih
Ken 非常专业,推荐!
Date: April 30, 2025
Website: Google
The front person and mechanic...
Cynthia Saunders
The front person and mechanic were awesome. Checked oil level, added and identified the problem quickly. Was very impressed with the service received. Do recommend checking them out if having issues with your transmission
Date: April 30, 2025
Website: Google
I am fearful of transmission...
Paul Legeny
I am fearful of transmission problems as they are usually very costly. I took my Jeep Cherokee to Luke's shop on Kennedy Road South. He took it for a test drive, ran diagnostics and checked the transmission fluid. He agreed that there was a hesitation when shifting out of first and second gears but noted that it gets better when it warms up. Diagnostics revealed an error code which was out of his scope as it was not a transmission issue. The fluid was good and he suggested that I take it to another shop to address the error code and bring the car back and he will have another look at it. When I asked how much for his services, no cost at all to me. Thank you Luke...I really appreciate your honesty and you truly are an ambassador for Mr. Transmission!
Date: April 30, 2025
Website: Google
I went in for a...
Toby Collins
I went in for a tire changeover, and they always look over my car making sure it’s in tip top shape. I needed a few other things this time, as they were definitely due. Very pleased how they take care of me and my car. Highly recommend! I’ve been going here for years.
Date: April 30, 2025
Website: Google
Nice people to deal with....
Laura Tory
Nice people to deal with. Good service.
Date: April 30, 2025
Website: Google
I had a fantastic experience...
Team Cloutier
I had a fantastic experience with Mister Transmission. They called me back right away and were able to schedule a diagnostic appointment very quickly. The whole process was clear, professional, and left me feeling genuinely well taken care of. You can tell they really care about their customers. Chris, the owner, was amazing—knowledgeable, friendly, and truly went above and beyond. Highly recommend!
Date: April 29, 2025
Website: Google
You got love Ken, very...
Abu Manal
You got love Ken, very nice guy
Date: April 29, 2025
Website: Google
The service here at Mister...
Lyle Acorn
The service here at Mister Transmission was excellent. I have had problems in the past with mechanics shops, and I am so glad to have found such a trustworthy and fair shop that I can put my faith in. Highly recommend , if a 6th star was available I'd definitely give it to Jamie and his talented crew
Date: April 29, 2025
Website: Google
Great company. price was awesome....
James Stuart
Great company. price was awesome. Work was done right. But they really went above and beyond when a part in the transmission went sour. After the rebuild was done. They had it in replaced and back to me in one day. Exceptional service from start to finish. Highly recommend them
Date: April 29, 2025
Website: Google
Gus was friendly and helpful....
Matthew
Gus was friendly and helpful. He laid out my options clearly. When the repair was complete, they even updated my car’s computer software for free! Next-level service; would recommend!
Date: April 28, 2025
Website: Google
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