How To Protect Your Transmission From Winter Damage
There is no doubt that the cold winter weather can do a number on your car. From rusting the undercarriage due to excessive road salt build up, to killing the battery in extreme cold, winter is not very nice to your car. Even your engine and your transmission is susceptible to the cold weather woes in the winter time. But there are some things that you can do in order to prepare your transmission for the long winter ahead, as well as keep it in the best condition to help ensure your car runs as it should all winter long.
Inspect the Fluid
The first thing you should do is check the transmission fluid. You don't have to concern yourself with the fluid consistency during the cold months, you still have to concern yourself with the fluid becoming dirty. Your transmission won't overheat during the cold months, but your car may suffer from damage because the fluid may not lubricate as it should. Therefore, it's important to change your filter and check the fluid before the cold weather sets in.
Check the Hoses and Seals
The transmission's hoses can become cracked or brittle due to a sudden drop in temperature. Also, the rubber seals on your car's pistons can also become brittle, and if this happens, they may not seal as they should. This allows fluid and oil to seep in. If you find you do have cracked or brittle hoses or seals, take steps to have them repaired before winter sets in.
Keep the Transmission Warm
You should allow your car's motor to warm up before you put your car in gear. This is because today's transmissions rely on information sent from the engine sensors. If the engine is too cold, the computer is going to think the transmission is cold as well. The computer then modifies the transmission's performance until it senses the correct temperature for operation.
As far as storing your car, it's best if you can store it in a climate-controlled garage. You don't have to keep the garage temperature very high, but it should be warm enough for the fluid in the transmission to keep from thickening up. About 50 degrees is a reasonable temperature to store your car in. It's not the end of the world if you can't store your car in a warmer garage, but it will be helpful in protecting your transmission.
For more wintertime transmission tips, a company like S & A Transmission can be a valuable asset.