What You Need to Know About Houston Heat and Your Transmission

If you've spent a summer in Houston, you know the heat can be relentless and borderline unbearable. But while you're blasting the AC to stay cool, your transmission could be under serious stress. Houston’s high and extreme temperatures can do more than just make you sweat. They can wreak havoc on your vehicle if you're not paying attention to tell signs that can lead to overheating.

Why Texas Heat Can Be Costly on Your Transmission

Your transmission is responsible for shifting gears up and down while maintaining your car moving smoothly. A lack of any of fluids, especially during the hotter months, can cost you hundreds if not addressed in a timely manner. Your vehicle has three vital fluids, two of which we recommend you can check and monitor yourself for noticeable leaks. All three of these fluids keep your vehicles metal components lubricated and vital for keeping your vehicle from excessive heat exposure.

First your engine oil which is most commonly known for routine maintenance. This is based on your vehicle manufacture service recommendation intervals and driving habits. Typically, you would change engine oil about every 3,000 to 5,000 miles for conventional oil and 5,000 to 8,000 miles for synthetic oil.

Another important fluid system that is essential to your vehicles longevity in the Texas heat is what many call the antifreeze or coolant. This can be checked by locating your coolant reservoir and making sure it has the appropriate level for your specific vehicle. Checking this readily can give notice if you have a leak in the cooling system.

Warning! Disclaimer: Be sure to check this after your car has time to cool since this system is typically pressurized and if opened when still hot, it can cause serious injury and burns due to rapid expansion and burst from pressure cap/top. Refer to your owner's manual for more information and warnings

Lastly but most important being your transmission fluid, which typically is not easily accessible or has specific procedures to check. We strongly recommend you have a certified automotive professional check the condition and diagnose this fluid system since it can give you important insight to your vehicles most important and complex mechanism.

When outside temperatures soar, so does the temperature inside your transmission which is why you always need to be aware of your vehicles fluids and its condition. In Houston’s triple-digit heat, transmission fluid can break down faster, losing its ability to cool and protect the internal parts. This can lead to increased friction, overheating, and eventually, serious damage.

Common Heat-Related Transmission Problems

Overheating is the biggest and most prominent concern. When fluid gets too hot, it can’t do its job properly in allowing proper flow of fluid and pressure. Common symptoms to look out for might include slipping gears, delayed shifting, a burning smell, or fluid leaks. In cases of excessive heat, your transmission may go into “limp mode” to protect itself, causing your computer to forcibley limit your speed until it cools down.

What You Can Do About It

Make sure your transmission fluid is at the right level and in good condition. Check it regularly, especially during the summer. If the fluid looks dark or smells burnt, it’s time to change it regardless of intervals and is a sign to get your vehicle checked asap. Installing an auxiliary transmission cooler can also help keep temperatures down, particularly if you drive in traffic often or tow heavy loads.

Transmission Repair in Houston

We specialize in maintaining all vehicles whether automatic or manual transmissions. We provide all essential services to keep your car, truck, or SUV shifting smoothly, including scheduled services such as fluid flushes and complex transmission rebuilding or replacement. You can count on our ASE-certified technicians at A1 to get the job done right and promptly. If you experience any signs of transmission trouble, such as grinding gears, delayed response, or notice a transmission fluid leak, contact A1 American Transmission and Auto Pros.

Call us at 713-665-4009 to schedule an appointment and request an estimate for your auto repair in Houston!

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