Your vehicle’s transmission is a complex system that works hard to keep your car running smoothly. But just like an engine, a transmission can overheat, leading to severe damage and costly repairs. If you’ve ever noticed a burning smell, sluggish shifting, or warning lights on your dashboard, your transmission might be overheating.
In this blog, we’ll explore what causes this problem and how to prevent it from happening.
Common Causes of Transmission Overheating
1. Low or Contaminated Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid keeps everything inside your transmission cool and lubricated. If the fluid is low, dirty, or old, it loses its ability to reduce friction and regulate temperature. Over time, sludge and debris can build up, making overheating more likely.
2. Heavy Towing or Hauling
If you frequently tow trailers, boats, or heavy loads, your transmission is working extra hard. Excessive weight increases the strain on your transmission, causing higher temperatures and putting it at risk of overheating.
3. Stop-and-Go Traffic & Extreme Weather
Frequent stop-and-go driving, especially in hot weather, can cause your transmission to overheat. Since heat builds up faster when your car isn’t moving steadily, city driving in extreme temperatures can put extra stress on your transmission.
4. Faulty Transmission Cooler
Your transmission has a built-in cooling system that helps regulate temperature. If the cooler or cooling lines are damaged or clogged, the heat can’t escape properly, leading to an overheating transmission.
5. Riding the Brakes or Hard Acceleration
Aggressive driving habits like sudden acceleration, braking hard, or improperly shifting gears can strain your transmission unnecessarily, making it run hotter than it should.
6. Defective or Failing Internal Components
Over time, worn-out clutch plates, solenoids, or gears can create extra friction inside the transmission. This added resistance generates heat, increasing the likelihood of overheating.
How to Prevent Transmission Overheating
1. Check & Change Transmission Fluid Regularly
One of the easiest ways to prevent an overheated transmission is to maintain proper fluid levels and keep the fluid clean. Follow your manufacturer’s recommended transmission fluid change schedule and check for leaks or burnt-smelling fluid.
2. Install an Auxiliary Transmission Cooler
If you frequently tow or drive in extreme heat, installing an external transmission cooler can help lower temperatures and extend the lifespan of your transmission.
3. Avoid Excessive Towing or Overloading
Know your vehicle’s towing capacity and avoid exceeding it. If you haul heavy loads regularly, ensure your transmission is built for the job, and consider upgrading to a heavy-duty transmission cooler.
4. Drive Smoothly & Avoid Aggressive Driving
Practice gentle acceleration and braking to minimize unnecessary stress on your transmission. Avoid sudden gear shifts and let your vehicle warm up properly before driving in extreme weather conditions.
5. Get Regular Transmission Inspections
A professional transmission check-up can identify minor issues before they become bigger (and more expensive) problems. Schedule routine maintenance with an auto repair shop to keep your transmission in top condition.
Get Your Overheating Transmission Fixed at Kersey Transmission & Exhaust
If you’re experiencing signs of transmission overheating, don’t ignore them! At Kersey Transmission Shop, our Warner Robins auto repair experts specialize in diagnosing and repairing transmission issues to keep your vehicle running at its best. Get in touch today to schedule an inspection and prevent costly repairs later.
