Shifty Letters PRNDL (Transmission)
September 3, 2023
You probably figured out those shifty letters. They're what you see on your automatic transmission shifter and stand for Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive and Low. Your automatic transmission is one of the great automotive inventions; here are some ways you can keep yours working well.
Maintain your transmission regularly. A technician will check your transmission fluid's level and even its appearance and smell. If it's dark or has an unusual odor, that could be a sign of trouble.
Change from one transmission direction gear into another only when your vehicle is stopped. So many drivers want to switch from Reverse to Drive quickly or the other way around. If you do that when the vehicle is moving, you can damage your automatic transmission.
Keep your vehicle's cooling system in top shape. What does the cooling system have to do with the transmission? It helps keep the transmission fluid from overheating.
Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for maintaining your transmission. Some recommend at least an annual checkup by a trained technician.
Let your powertrain warm up a little before overtaxing it. Especially in cold weather, don't step on the throttle too aggressively before all components are warmed up. That way both your engine and transmission will last longer.
Transmissions can be costly to fix. If you treat your powertrain with respect and regularly maintain it, you'll not only avoid expensive repairs, but you’re also much less likely to find yourself stranded because of a transmission problem.
Perfect Tune Auto Repair
5434 S. Old US Highway 23
Brighton, Michigan 48116
810.227.9903
https://www.perfecttuneautorepair.com
Need Service?
More articles from Perfect Tune Auto Repair
Your Vehicle's Other Power Plant (Alternator Replacement)
January 19, 2025
Your vehicle's engine is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a power plant. But it has another power source that is vital as well: the alternator. The alternator is what puts out the electricity that powers such things as your lights, power windows, sound system, and na... More
A Clean Sweep (Fuel Injector Cleaning)
January 12, 2025
Your vehicle gets its power from burning fuel, usually gasoline, and it counts on something called fuel injectors to send gas to the engine in a spray that is easy to ignite. Its a precise operation, and when its working well, you have plenty of power and an efficient engine. But after time, con... More
Plugging Away (Spark Plug Replacement)
January 5, 2025
If you drive a vehicle with a gasoline engine, thank the spark plugs for igniting the gasoline/air mixture in each cylinder that keeps your vehicle traveling smoothly down the road every day. Your spark plugs work hard, firing thousands of times in a well-choreographed order, and you usually don... More