THE DO'S & DONT'S OF AVOIDING THE

"TRANSMISSION FAILURE BLUES"

Do... Check fluid frequently.  Hot weather, heavy traffic conditions, towing, or even ordinary day-to-day driving can cause extraordinary engine heat to build up, destroying or damaging the transmission fluid.  Check the color and level of the fluid.  If it is discolored or low, take the care into your Free Miles Transmission & Auto Care professional promptly.

Do... Check malfunctions immediately.  Know what the warning signals are and have them analyzed at once.  The longer you put off repairs, the greater the damage may be.

Do... Install a cooler in your transmission, particularly for towing or carrying heavy loads, or if you do most of your driving in hot weather.  Coolers are relatively inexpensive protection.  Let your Free Miles Transmission & Auto Care professional demonstrate what one can do for your transmission.

Do... Have your car tuned up on a regular basis, to head off the wear and gear problems that are associated with fast idling.

Don't... Play 'transmission technician.'  It's too intricate and too valuable for even a gifted amateur mechanic.  Trying to deal with your transmission yourself could give you big headaches -  and an even bigger bill.

Don't... Stop and start suddenly.  This can cause broken engine mounts which in turn could damage the transmission.

Don't... Spin the wheels in sand, snow, or on hills.  Dig yourself our - or get a tow.  Spinning can lead to major transmission damage.

Don't... Leave your car in Park (P) without engaging your parking brake.  Another vehicle could nudge your car, causing the parking break pawl to snap.

Don't... Shift to a lower gear at traffic lights, as a substitute for breaking.  This is a poor practice that wears down the transmission.

Don't... Tow another car with your vehicle if it can possibly be avoided.  If you must, follow this rule for the other vehicle: If it has front-wheel drive, make sure the front wheels are off the ground; vice-versa for cars with rear-wheel drive.

THE "UNLUCKY 13" WARNING SIGNS YOU SHOULD LOOK FOR:

1. Loss of transmission fluid.
2. Discoloration of fluid.
3. Fluid has a "burnt" smell.
4. Sticky dipstick, with a "varnish" buildup.
5. Leaking fluid.  Spots on the ground under the car may indicate bad seals.
6. "Morning-sickness."  Car won't shift during the first few minutes of operation.
7. Slipping.  The engine races, but the car doesn't respond.
8. Shifting too soon.
9. Shifting too late.
10. No power when you depress the gas pedal.
11. Noise when transmission shifts gears.
12. Gears won't hold firm.  Car backs up or goes forward in Park; or won't hold in Park.
13. Absence of normal braking effect of being in gear: "neutral feeling" in driving gear.

You should also be alert to the sound that may indicate a problem with the transmission:

1. Loud whine over 25 mph.
2. Low wine in all gears, including Neutral and Park.
3. Clicking, buzzing, or whistling sound.
4. A rumbling sound while in gear.
5. A 'clunking' sound when transmission is put in drive or reverse.