Taking Care Of Your Transmission System In Cold Winter Weather

Are You Ready For Winter?

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How Does Winter Affect My Transmission?

Some transmission issues are unique to winter, while others get worse than they normally would any other time of the year. You’ll be surprised to discover a few of the following:

Viscosity Changes

The viscosity of your vehicle’s transmission fluid changes and gets thicker when the conditions get cold. The ideal temperature for your transmission fluid is 175 degrees, plus or minus 25 degrees, however, when your transmission gets below zero degrees, it gets too thick. In this condition, it won’t be able to properly lubricate the internal parts, wearing the transmissions internal parts. This condition is fixable with synthetic fluid which is less viscous in cold weather.

Contraction

Just like most solid objects, your transmission parts contract when they get cold, leading to the loosening of components, leaks developing, and parts wearing faster.

Winter driving on the highway

Shifting Problems

When temperatures get cold, your transmission shifts harder, and shift points delay leading yet again to hard shifts. These hard shifts create increased pressure on numerous parts, increasing the risk of failure at a later point.

Water

When water gets into your transmission, it’s never a good thing. It’s often the cause of a huge repair bill when water gets into your transmission system during winter. Water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, and when it does, it expands, causing damage to the transmission case as well as the valve body by forming cracks. In case the cracks are formed, it’s as good as getting a replacement transmission.

Delayed Overdrive

In most cases, when it’s cold, your transmissions computer will delay using overdrive until the transmission gets to proper operating temperatures. This delay not only affects the drive comfort experience but hastens the use and pressure on other forward gears that are relied on since OD is not available per OEM specifications.

Jeep driving on a snowy road

Winter Transmission Care Tips

The following are recommendations by transmission professions about winter maintenance for your transmission during cold weather.

Let Your Vehicle Warm Up Before Driving

Driving when your engine is cold puts extra strain on the engine as well as the transmission. When it gets too cold, it’s advisable to let your engine warm up a little longer than usual before hitting the road.

Check and Replace Your Fluids

Winter is a great time to have your transmission fluid checked and, if required, replaced. When the weather gets cold, temperatures in your system can cause the transmission fluid to be thicker than usual. You want to make sure your fluids are lubricating properly during winter.

Check Your Seals

Cold weather takes a toll on certain parts of your transmission, leading to leaks. Also, extra grease, grit, and moisture can get access to your undercarriage when the road is wet from rain or ice; leading to more wear on the transmission joints, seals, and gaskets.

Slow Down

When temperatures drop, most parts and components that make up your transmission system work slower than usual. To be on the safe side, avoid causing damage by easing up on your accelerator and giving your transmission system extra time to change gears on its own.

Car drifting in snow

Park Your Vehicle Inside

Together with letting your vehicle heat up a little longer, park your vehicle in the garage if possible. Your garage is much warmer than outside, and it will help protect your car from freezing temperatures outside, allowing you to get out on the road whenever you need to without worrying about loose seals or leaks.

image of mechanic maintaining a vehicle under the hood

Keep Your Transmission Winter Ready

Following these easy maintenance tips will help protect your vehicle from the elements this season. In case you are having problems with your vehicle’s transmission this season, or your gut tells you, it could be faulty, check-in at your local AAMCO Colorado for a transmission Vehicle Courtesy Check. This service will help tell us if your vehicle’s transmission is faulty or not.

Related: What Type of Drivetrain is Best for Winter?

Related: Winter Driving Tips

Related: How To Get Your Car Out Of Deep Snow

Head Into Winter Confident with AAMCO Colorado Car Repair Services

AAMCO Colorado is a reputable auto repair service specializing in transmission repair in Colorado. We also deal in Winter Car Care, Radiator and Cooling Systems Service, Suspension Service and Repair, Factory Recommended Service, Auto Tune-up Service, Battery Repair Maintenance and Replacement and many more.

Get in touch with your nearest AAMCO Colorado location for a free winter car care service quote. Your vehicle’s health is our obligation.

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