How to avoid transmission overheating

A transmission is an engine component that transfers the car’s power to the driveshaft and wheels, allowing the car to move. It controls the gear ratios, enabling the vehicle to accelerate and slow as needed.

A car transmission is an engine component that transfers a vehicle’s power to the driveshaft and wheels, enabling it to move. It controls the gear ratios, allowing the vehicle to accelerate and slow as needed.

Needless to say, transmissions are vital parts of engines, and if overworked (or not maintained), the transmission is overheating, which can lead to severe damage. While regular transmission servicing should always be left to professionals, you can take steps to prevent transmission overheating.

Below is everything you need to know about transmission overheating problems, diagnosis, and how we at Automatic Transmissions R Us can help.

What Is Transmission Overheating?

Transmission overheating occurs when the engine’s cooler cannot maintain the transmission temperature at a low enough degree. As the fluid ages, it loses its effectiveness, which can lead to overheating and other transmission issues. The inability to keep the engine cool causes the transmission to become damaged and, if not repaired, fail.

What Causes Transmission Overheating?

It is normal for the transmission to become hot while driving due to the amount of work the transmission does. However, if the cooler cannot control the temperature, there is either an issue with the engine or how the vehicle is being driven.

Transmission Fluid Problems

Low fluid levels or old transmission fluid, as the fluid ages, causes friction between the parts and leads to overheating. Fluid problems are the most common reason for transmissions overheating.

Driving in Hot Weather

Transmission problems can be caused by driving in a hot climate, as when the fluid temperature rises and stays elevated for prolonged periods, there’s a greater risk of overheating.

Towing Heavy Loads

A hot transmission can be caused by heavy towing as the extra weight makes transmissions work harder, and the additional stress generates more heat.

Driving in Heavy Traffic

Stop-start traffic conditions, such as busy town driving during rush hour, can cause transmission problems as it forces the transmission to work harder, increasing stress.

Transmission Overheating Symptoms

A transmission specialist or mechanic can spot symptoms of an overheated transmission before it becomes noticeable to the driver and causes too much issue.

However, if you suspect the transmission is overheating or notice these symptoms, it is best to take your car to a transmission mechanic.

Transmission Slipping

This is especially a problem in automatic transmission failures. A high RPM, acceleration delays, unusual gear noises, and difficulty shifting gears will indicate a slipping transmission.

Low Transmission Fluid Level

Transmission fluid lubricates the mechanisms, preventing oxidation, rust, and more. Your transmission fluid needs to be at a sufficient level to operate, otherwise, it is susceptible to overheating.

Burnt Transmission Fluid

If the transmission fluid seems ineffective or burnt out, it might give out a burning smell. You should change the fluid immediately if you experience this scent to avoid further damage.

Solenoid Malfunction

The solenoid determines how much fluid passes into the transmission. If it’s defective or misfiring, it can damage the transmission and cause overheating.

Transmission Fluid and Its Role

Transmission fluid plays a crucial role in the functioning of a vehicle’s transmission system. It is responsible for lubricating the moving parts, cooling the transmission, and providing the necessary pressure to change gears. Without transmission fluid, the transmission would overheat, leading to premature wear and tear, and eventually, transmission failure. Ensuring that your transmission fluid is in good condition and at the proper level is essential for the longevity and performance of your car’s automatic transmission.

Importance of Transmission Fluid in Preventing Overheating

Transmission fluid is the lifeblood of the transmission, and its importance cannot be overstated. It helps to prevent overheating by absorbing heat generated by the moving parts and carrying it away from the transmission. This helps to maintain a stable fluid temperature, which is essential for the proper functioning of the transmission. If the transmission fluid is low, dirty, or burnt, it can lead to overheating, which can cause serious damage to the transmission. Regularly checking and replacing your transmission fluid can help prevent these issues and keep your transmission running smoothly.

Transmission Fluid Level

The transmission fluid level is a critical factor in preventing overheating. If the fluid level is low, it can cause the transmission to overheat, leading to premature wear and tear. It is essential to check the transmission fluid level regularly to ensure that it is at the recommended level. The transmission dipstick is usually located under the hood, and the owner’s manual will provide instructions on how to check the fluid level. Keeping an eye on your transmission fluid levels can help you catch potential problems early and avoid costly transmission repairs.

How to Avoid Your Transmission Overheating

The good news is that there are a few simple steps you can take to prevent your transmission from overheating.

Maintain Your Car’s Cooling System

The vehicle’s radiator reduces the transmission temperature by passing coolant through metal fins, allowing the heat to flow to the air outside your vehicle. If you tow heavy loads, consider adding an extra cooler.

Check the Fluid Levels

Check transmission fluid levels with the transmission dipstick every few weeks to ensure there is enough fluid to continue lubricating the transmission parts. If there is less fluid than expected, this could be a sign of an issue.

Change the Transmission Fluid Regularly

We recommend that you change the transmission fluid every 50,000 to 100,000 km, and more often if you drive long-haul routes, operate your vehicle in hot climates, or tow heavy loads.

Fresh transmission fluid reduces transmission wear, which reduces the risks of overheating.

Transmission Cooler

A transmission cooler is a preventative measure that can help to prevent overheating. It is a device that is installed in the transmission system to provide additional cooling power. A transmission cooler can help to reduce the fluid temperature, which can help to prevent overheating. It is especially useful for vehicles that are used to tow heavy loads or driving in hot climates. By installing a transmission cooler, you can add an extra layer of protection to your transmission, ensuring it stays cool and operates efficiently even under demanding conditions.

Avoid Transmission Failure With Auto Trans

Ultimately, the best way to avoid having your transmission overheat is to service your car regularly through a licensed professional who can check the transmission components and minimise any risks.

We are Perth’s leading transmission repair and rebuild specialists at Automatic Transmissions R Us. Contact us today by sending an online enquiry, emailing info@autotrans.com.au, or calling (08) 9240 5449!