Maintenance Tips

Smart Driving Tips:

When you start your engine, wait until the idle speed returns to normal before shifting into drive or reverse.
Don't accelerate fast from slow speeds.
When you are stuck in heavy traffic, shift to neutral. This will help avoid overheating your vehicle. Make sure the transmission is engaged before accelerating again.
If you are caught in snow or mud, don't rock your car too much. Excessive rocking can cause your transmission to overheat.
Don't use your car to push another car.
Don't drive with one foot on the brake and the other on the accelerator pedal.

Preventative Maintenance Tips:

Read the owner's manual for your vehicle, and check the maintenance schedule recommended for your car by the manufacturer.
To keep your car running smoothly, the transmission fluid and filter should be changed at regular intervals. Since varying environmental factors, such as climate, car use, and terrain, can affect the operation of your car, Speedy recommends a transmission service every 15,000 miles, at least.
Check the level and condition of the transmission fluid regularly. Fluid should be clear red and maintained at the appropriate level. A drop in transmission fluid could be a sign of trouble.
Keep the engine well-tuned and running cool with adequate anti-freeze. Extreme temperatures or driving through heavy snow, sand or mud can cause transmission failure. Carrying heavy loads, or towing boats and trailers, can add strain to your engine and transmission.
Change your engine oil and filter every 3,000 to 4,000 miles.

Warning Signs of Trouble:

The transmission delays shifting into the next gear, or fails to shift at all.
You notice brown, red or pink puddles under your car.
The transmission doesn't shift smoothly, it thumps or lags.
When you step on the gas, the car whines.
There is a grinding noise in any gear, or the car bangs when you come to a stop.
There is a drop in transmission fluid.
The car overheats.
The car has trouble moving when it's cold.