Are you someone who likes to be in control at all times and is ready to fix things whenever something goes wrong? You may feel as if this is the best way to approach life due to its uncertainty, and you're ready for whatever it can throw at you. However, when it comes to your automobile you may not be so confident due to the levels of sophistication built in to these vehicles. You may look underneath the bonnet and not know where to start, and as such, you're worried about its reliability. Still, there are certain areas where you can make a significant difference without breaking out your tools. How can you give a hand to your automatic transmission, as one example?

Why the Fluid Can't Cope

An overwhelming number of automatic transmission failures can be linked to issues with the lubricating fluid. You may wonder why this should be the case and think that the product is poorly made if it cannot provide the right level of support. However, there is only so much that engineers can do as they design this transmission fluid, as it is made to work in normal driving conditions.

Companies that market this fluid expect it to last for years of driving in these average conditions, so long as the operating temperature does not exceed a particular threshold. Unfortunately, several real-world conditions can get in the way and produce abnormal working environments for many people.

Unusual Conditions

One significant issue in Australia, of course, is the ambient temperature. If you do a lot of your driving during the summer months and tend to run around at high speeds, then you're not driving in normal conditions. You may drive on muddy tracks or loose surfaces which, once again, are not that rare in these parts. Furthermore, you may tow a heavy trailer as part of your work or live in a hilly or mountainous area that puts your vehicle under additional strain.

System Inefficiencies

You may be surprised to learn that the cooling system fitted to your vehicle can have a direct effect on the efficiency of the automatic transmission fluid. You may also be surprised to learn that the oil cooler fitted next to the radiator is not that efficient, either, and you cannot rely on it to come to the rescue of overheated fluid.

Signs of Failure

When the fluid begins to overheat, it will rapidly lose its efficiency and cause oxidation on many of the internal mechanical parts. In extreme cases, the rubber seals will harden and crack, causing leaks to appear, and sooner rather than later, the transmission will begin to fail.

Doing Your Part

So, if you really want to make a difference and help your transmission survive, then you should book the vehicle in for a comprehensive service at regular intervals. Make sure they check the performance levels of the fluid carefully and at least once per year. Contact  your local car service centre for additional advice.