Transmission Repair Houston

The transmission is responsible for transferring torque power, produced in the engine from the crankshaft through to the drive train, allowing it to be used to propel the vehicle along our busy Houston, TX, regional highways and rural byways. As it transmits this power, the transmission uses a gear ratio to widen the range of speed possible, increasing significantly the very limited range produced by the engine, making the vehicle practical for everyday use in city traffic.

Not only is the transmission essential to movement, it is also among the hardest working parts of any vehicle, especially in those that are frequently driven in heavy, stop and go city traffic. Adding the heat of the Houston, TX, summer season to the mix means even more stress on the transmission, making regular service crucial to the continued good performance of your vehicle.

A transmission works hardest during the slow creep of city traffic, shifting gears to travel speed, just to slow again at the next traffic light, a pattern that is repeated over and over again, with the transmission seldom gaining enough speed to reach its optimal performance. For this reason, Houston, TX, residents that drive daily in heavy traffic should be vigilant about regular transmission maintenance to compensate for the excess wear that these conditions can cause, most especially during the summer when the extreme heat compounds the stress and wear.

Slow speeds and stop and go traffic build excessive heat in the transmission, which will break down the transmission fluid it contains over time. This fluid is responsible for, among other things, keeping the many moving parts and seals inside the transmission well lubricated as they perform their functions. As heat begins to damage the fluid, thinning it, it becomes much less efficient, allowing more friction between these moving parts, raising the temperature at which it operates and increasing the potential for damage.

To properly care for this hard working and essential vehicle component, maintenance should be done at least every 24,000 miles. Regular transmission service should include a complete draining of the transmission fluid, a flush of the system, a thorough examination for leaks, the filter replaced or the screen cleaned, and then the system should be filled with a fresh supply of fluid.

The heat and traffic of the Houston, TX, are conditions that can be quite hostile to the typical transmission. However, regular attention to essential preventative maintenance tasks can extend the life of the transmission substantially, helping your vehicle thrive under these rough driving conditions and postponing the appearance of more expensive mechanical problems.