Maintaining Your Chevy’s Transmission: Tips and Best Practices

Most transmission problems in your Chevy can be resolved affordably if you address them early on. The real trouble begins when you overlook or delay fixing a small issue until it escalates into something severe. Pay close attention to the warning signs of trouble, and get preventative Chevy transmission maintenance to avoid trouble down the line.

The Importance of Chevy Transmission Maintenance

Routine maintenance is the best defense against transmission problems, and most Chevy owner’s manuals recommend a transmission service every 30,000 to 60,000 miles (though this varies by model and usage). 

During these services, we’ll inspect the fluid, check for leaks, and assess the system’s overall condition. If needed, we’ll perform a fluid exchange or flush to remove contaminants.

Trouble Signs to Watch Out For

The check engine light or transmission-specific indicator will light up if you’ve got fluid issues, overheating, or mechanical faults. If any warning light appears, it’s wise to have it checked promptly by a technician at your Chevy dealership to pinpoint the cause. Another clear indicator that something’s wrong is difficulty in shifting gears. If your Chevy hesitates, jerks, or refuses to switch gears smoothly, it’s time to get things checked out. The problem could be low fluid, worn components, or internal damage, but if you ignore the issue, you risk further strain on the system.

Unusual noises are also a red flag for transmission problems. You’re likely familiar with how your Chevy sounds under normal conditions, so if you hear grinding, whining, or clunking, especially when shifting gears, come see us. These noises might indicate worn gears, a failing clutch in manual models, or fluid contamination.

Driving Habits That Protect Your Transmission

Always come to a complete stop before shifting between reverse and drive in an automatic transmission. Rapid shifts without that pause put a strain on the gears and can lead to damage over time. Towing heavy loads beyond your vehicle’s capacity puts excessive pressure on the transmission, so be sure to check your owner’s manual for towing limits and always stick to them.

Warming up your Chevy in cold weather is another simple way to protect the transmission. Letting the engine idle for a minute or two allows the fluid to circulate and lubricate the system properly.

If ​it’s been a while since your last service or you’re noticing signs of a problem, come see us at Jennings Chevrolet in Glenview, IL right away.

Posted in Glenview Chevrolet Dealer, Jennings Chevrolet, Jennings Chevrolet Service | No Comments »