At Westerville Automotive in Westerville, OH, transmissions are our specialty. That means knowing how they work, how they wear out, what wears them out, and how to fix it. In this article, we’ll explore the way stop and go traffic affects your transmission.
If you’ve spent any time driving during rush hour, or waiting endlessly for a traffic jam to clear, you might have wondered what effect this constant stop and go is having on your car. While there isn’t generally much you can do about it, it never hurts to have a little information.
Firstly, constant stopping and starting affects manual and automatic transmissions differently. While they both achieve the same goal, they operate in very separate ways.
If you drive a manual, you probably already know the biggest downside to stop and go situations; using your clutch. Constant braking and acceleration mean you have to let the clutch pedal out every time it’s your turn to move forward. This isn’t only tedious, it’s not great for your clutch either. As long as you practice good clutch techniques, your car is equipped to handle it, but there’s no doubt that a car that spends an excessive amount of time in traffic will need a clutch replacement sooner rather than later.
For automatics, there isn’t as much concern. Yes, your transmission is shifting up and down more than usual, but typically you aren’t driving aggressively on an overcrowded road. The main concern here is overheating...your transmission relies on fluid moving through the radiator to keep it cool, and if you aren’t moving much your car isn’t cooling down as efficiently as it could be. However, as long as your cooling system is working properly, your car will be fine. If you do have cooling issues, just remember your transmission may be as much at risk as your engine.
In conclusion, practice good driving habits and make sure your car is in good operating condition. For more insight into the workings of your transmission, and for all your repair and maintenance needs, trust Westerville Automotive. Our team of expert mechanics will keep your transmission shifting smoothly and reliably, no matter what type of car, truck, or SUV you drive.
