Shifty Letters PRNDL (Transmission)
June 11, 2023
You probably figured out those shifty letters. They're what you see on your automatic transmission shifter and stand for Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive and Low. Your automatic transmission is one of the great automotive inventions; here are some ways you can keep yours working well.
Maintain your transmission regularly. A technician will check your transmission fluid's level and even its appearance and smell. If it's dark or has an unusual odor, that could be a sign of trouble.
Change from one transmission direction gear into another only when your vehicle is stopped. So many drivers want to switch from Reverse to Drive quickly or the other way around. If you do that when the vehicle is moving, you can damage your automatic transmission.
Keep your vehicle's cooling system in top shape. What does the cooling system have to do with the transmission? It helps keep the transmission fluid from overheating.
Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for maintaining your transmission. Some recommend at least an annual checkup by a trained technician.
Let your powertrain warm up a little before overtaxing it. Especially in cold weather, don't step on the throttle too aggressively before all components are warmed up. That way both your engine and transmission will last longer.
Transmissions can be costly to fix. If you treat your powertrain with respect and regularly maintain it, you'll not only avoid expensive repairs, but you’re also much less likely to find yourself stranded because of a transmission problem.
Sterling Tire & Auto
34701 Van Dyke Rd
Sterling Heights, Michigan 48312
586-264-7775
Need Service?
More articles from Sterling Tire & Auto
Steering You Right (Power Steering Fluid Service)
April 20, 2025
Its important for safe driving that two of the most important systems in your vehicle work right. One is the brakes. The other is the steering. Nearly all vehicles on the road have some sort of power steering that allows you to direct a very heavy machine with little effort. There are two ty... More
Your Vehicle is Talking to YOU (Service Warning Signs)
April 13, 2025
Your vehicle may be like that famous battery bunny, the one that just keeps going and going. But while it may seem sometimes like you never need to take your vehicle in to be worked on, there are some things you should keep your eyes, ears and nose out for. They are warning you about something t... More
Why did my vehicle fail its emissions test?
April 6, 2025
We all want to breathe clean air and keep our planet green. One of the ways to do that is by requiring all vehicles with internal combustion engines to pass an emissions test. Thats because these vehicles can be big polluters. Everyone wants their car to pass the test so they can continue the... More