RECOMMENDED DRIVETRAIN MAINTENANCE
FOR DIFFERENT SYSTEMS
Automatic Transmissions
Just like the oil in your car’s engine, the transmission oil (usually referred to as
fluid) is subject to degradation from dirt, friction, and heat. Breakdown of the
fluid can cause premature failure of the transmission. Close to nine out of ten
transmission failures are due to fluid contamination and overheating, according
to the Automatic Transmission Rebuilder’s Association. Automatic
transmissions require regular maintenance. The rule of thumb? Replace the fluid
and filter every 30,000 miles or every 12 months, whichever comes first. A
complete transmission transfusion (or flush) is recommended because this
procedure exchanges all the old fluid for new. There is one caveat here. On
vehicles with a poor transmission service history you should seek the advice of a
professional before doing a complete fluid exchange. A “poor transmission
service history” refers to a transmission with burnt fluid (evidence of
overheating) or a transmission with fluid that’s been in the unit more than 80,000
miles.
DIFFERENTIAL
Differentials are gearboxes just like transfer cases and manual transmissions, and they require regular