Firstly, what a Transmission is, it is an important component in your vehicle that plays an important role in transferring power to the wheels. Today, there are various types of transmission available in the market. However, if any issue occurs in the transmission and it is overheating. You must know, how to cool down the transmission fast to avoid major issues.
What are the Causes of Transmission Overheating
Low Fluid Levels
If you have insufficient fluid, it reduces lubrication and cooling capacity.
Old or Contaminated Fluid
Meanwhile, the degraded fluid cannot cool or lubricate effectively.
Heavy Towing
Stress and heat can also cause excessive weight making the transmission overheating.
Faulty Cooling System
If you have a problem with the radiator or transmission cooler hinders heat dissipation.
Internal Component Failure
However, the increase in friction and heat can be due to worn parts.
High Ambient Temperatures
While in hot weather, the transmission can exacerbate overheating issues.
Different Types of Transmission
Automatic Transmission
For instance, if you buy an automatic transmission car, then you will not be required to change the gears while driving.
Manual Transmission
When you are driving a manual transmission car, you will have a gearbox that offers you an option to choose from multiple gears when driving the car.
CVT Transmission
Further, CVT or continuous variable gearbox means effortless shifts between endless options of required gear ratios while you are driving.
Steps to Cool Down Transmission Fast
Stop Driving
To cool down the transmission fast, you must pull over and turn off the engine to allow it to cool.
Check Fluid Levels
Make sure that the transmission fluid is at the correct level, as low fluid can cause overheating.
Turn on the Heater
Turning on the heater can help divert some heat from the engine, indirectly aiding the transmission.
Use a Transmission Cooler
You can even think of installing an external transmission cooler for better heat dissipation.
Reduce Load
It can be possible, that towing or carrying heavy loads might lighten the load to reduce strain.
Shift to Neutral
If you stop your car, immediately shift the gear to neutral to reduce stress on the transmission.
Frequently Asked Questions
In case, the transmission gets overheated while driving, you must stop your car immediately, allowing it to cool down. If it remains heated, go to the repair shop and get it done to avoid major issues.
If your transmission is overheated, it will take almost 4 to 8 hours to cool down to drop below 100F. Also, you must shift your gear to neutral to reduce the stress.
Some of the factors suggest that your car’s transmission is overheated, like a sudden burning odor from both inside and outside of the car, gears slipping, or the gears shifting smoothly.
It is a big no, as you cannot drive while the transmission is overheated. You must wait to cool down the transmission fast, and then start again your car. If the transmission is still overheated, you must contact the repair shop for assistance.