Your Transmission & Uphill Driving

A healthy transmission and engine can help you climb those steep Colorado grades and uphill inclines. Transmission and engine maintenance is essential for your car to run properly and have enough power to propel you through the mountains. Additionally, it’s important to prevent your car from overworking itself or overheating by properly shifting your transmission when needed on uphill slopes.

AAMCO Colorado has the expert transmission knowledge to help address any issues with your transmission and maintain your car’s engine for the long haul. Check out our tips on how your transmission can help you drive uphill more efficiently.

Manual Vs Automatic Transmission

Automatic Car Transmission Shifter. AAMCO CO.

Automatic Transmission Going Uphill

Typically, automatic transmissions can handle uphill driving better than manual transmission. They automatically sense a drop in acceleration and change gears to a higher RPM (Rotations Per Minute). However, there are a few things you can do to help your car out if you notice it losing speed on a hill.

Most automatic vehicles still allow for some manual shifting.

Most automatic shifters still have d1, d2, and maybe even d3 shift gears available. Depending on your vehicle and your current speed, you can drop into second or third gear to increase the RPMs of your engine. This means that more power will go into your engine that allows the car to power up the hill.

A healthy transmission assists you in smoothly shifting your car into lower gear while uphill driving. It’s important to check your transmission fluid and any leaks that may be occurring. A healthy car transmission helps your car accelerate and prevent as gears from sticking. AAMCO Colorado can assist with your transmission needs so you’re ready for any uphill driving.

Manual Transmission Going Uphill

Unlike an automatic transmission, you shift a manual into lower gear for higher RPMs and more power to your engine. It can be a bit more encompassing to shift properly to give your car enough power to climb a steep incline.

Initially, you want to gain some speed while approaching a steep incline. Extra speed will help push your car up the hill and make it easier for it to maintain acceleration. During the approach, it’s ideal to maintain your car in fourth or fifth gear.

You may notice that your car is losing acceleration on the uphill climb, don’t hesitate to drop into a lower gear. A lower gear will help your transmission by increasing the RPM and pushing more power to the engine to help your car accelerate. If you find that you’re still not getting enough power to climb the hill, try an even lower gear till you find the car is gaining speed and pushing enough power to the engine.

Manual transmission needs proper maintenance and care so you can climb inclines and cruise downhill smoothly. If you find you’re having problems with the clutch or that your transmission is making an odd noise, don’t hesitate to reach out to AAMCO Colorado.

Additional Tips To Maintain your Transmission

It can additionally be helpful to both your transmission and brakes if you shift into a lower gear while also going downhill.

The engine and transmission will slow down your vehicle instead of you having to hold down the brakes the whole way down. If you find yourself braking and smell a burning odor, stop immediately and let your brakes cool down.

It may be time for a brake check at AAMCO Colorado. We will ensure that you drive and brake safely going through any mountain passes and steep hills.

Additionally, if you find that your car has sufficient power to make it uphill after shifting into lower gear, shift it back into a higher gear to help your fuel economy. If your car can shift back to a higher gear without losing speed, it helps your car gas mileage and you don’t burn through as much fuel.

If you encounter any sharp turns while going uphill, shifting into a lower gear will help your car maintain your speed and momentum as you drive through a turn.

AAMCO Colorado Is The Transmission Expert

If you notice your transmission is acting oddly by slipping or that your check engine light is on, it may be time to bring your car in for inspection. A properly working transmission is vital to driving the mountainous landscape of Colorado.

AAMCO Colorado is here for all your transmission needs. Our team of experts have all the essential knowledge and equipment to diagnose and address any issues with your vehicle. We’ll get you back on the road in no time. Schedule an appointment today.

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How Your Transmission Can Help You Drive Uphill

Your Transmission & Uphill Driving

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