Transmission Maintenance: Key to Longevity
Maintenance is often the most overlooked aspect of keeping a transmission running smoothly. The number one reason transmissions, and other vehicle components, fail is the lack of preventative maintenance. To avoid costly repairs and keep your transmission performing at its best, it's important to perform routine maintenance every 50,000-60,000 miles.
One crucial aspect of this is managing heat. Heat is the leading cause of transmission wear and failure. Old or contaminated fluid can’t effectively cool and lubricate the transmission, which leads to overheating and accelerated damage. Changing the fluid regularly—and ensuring the system is flushed—helps prevent this.
A full fluid change, including a system flush and filter replacement, removes contaminants and ensures better heat management, extending the life of your transmission
Transmissions
Maintaining Your Automatic Transmission
To keep your automatic transmission running smoothly, regular maintenance is key. Here's what you need to know:
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Transmission Fluid Changes: We recommend changing the transmission fluid every 60,000 miles to maintain optimal performance.
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Best Practice: The most effective way to remove all contaminated fluid is to:
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Remove the transmission pan to change both the fluid and filter.
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Perform a complete system flush to ensure all old fluid is cleared out.
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Why This Matters: If you only flush the system without changing the filter, harmful contaminants trapped in the filter could reduce your transmission’s performance or lifespan.
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Note: Not all transmissions have accessible filters. In these cases, a complete system flush is the best option.
Maintenance Options:​
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Complete system flush with fluid and filter change (if filter is accessible).
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Complete system flush (for vehicles without accessible filters).
Need Advice? Contact Schulte's to find the best maintenance plan for your vehicle!
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) 4x4 Systems
Proper maintenance of your truck’s all-wheel drive (AWD) or 4x4 system is crucial for reliable performance, especially in challenging driving conditions. Below is a clear guide to keeping these systems in excellent condition.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Systems
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How It Works: AWD systems use clutches and solenoids to direct power to the wheels with the least amount traction, improving grip but generating additional heat.
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Maintenance Needs: The extra heat requires more frequent fluid changes to prevent wear and maintain performance.
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Recommendation: Follow your dealer’s guidelines for fluid change intervals to ensure optimal system health.
4x4 Systems (High and Low Range)
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How It Works: Unlike AWD, 4x4 systems with high and low ranges typically do not use wearing clutches but still have numerous moving parts requiring constant lubrication.
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Maintenance Needs: Regularly check fluid levels to ensure proper lubrication and prevent damage to moving components.
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Recommendation: Change the fluid approximately every 50,000 miles to maintain system reliability.
Front and Rear Differentials
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How They Work: Differentials transfer power from the driveshafts to the wheels, relying on the ring and pinion as well as six bearings that need consistent lubrication to prevent premature wear and excessive heat.
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Maintenance Needs: Regular differential grease changes are essential to keep bearings in good condition and avoid costly repairs.
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Recommendation: Replace differential grease about every 50,000 miles.