An automobile's transmission plays a very important role in transmitting power to the drive train and properly shifting gears. Thus, replacing a transmission can cost a lot of money. Most auto owners want to get the most life out of their transmission as possible in order to avoid the expense of costly transmission repair. Use the following tips to keep your transmission in good repair for many miles:

Pay Attention to the Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid lubricates the transmission, acts as a coolant, and also helps transmit power from the engine to the transmission. Keeping your transmission fluid at the level recommended by the manufacturer is essential in order for a transmission to function properly. It is in your best interest to regularly check the transmission fluid levels to make sure that their are no problems.

Schedule Regular Transmission Services

Most automobiles need their oil changed every few thousand miles, which is easy for drivers to remember. Transmission services do not need to be done as regularly, but they are just as important as oil changes if you want to extend the life of your vehicle's transmission. Check the owner's manual to find the service schedule. That schedule will let you know how often your car requires a transmission service. During a routine transmission service, the pan will be inspected, the filter will be changed, and new, clean transmission fluid will be added.

Don't Ignore Small Issues

One of the biggest mistakes auto owners make when it comes to their vehicle's transmissions is ignoring small problems and issues. Once a transmission shows any sign of not working correctly, things are only going to continue to get worse until the transmission fails completely. The very best thing you can do is take your vehicle to a reputable auto repair shop for transmission repairs as soon as you notice a problem. In most cases, when a transmission problem is caught early, it can be repaired for a fraction of the cost of having to replace it. 

Take Care of the Cooling System

Excessive heat can wreak havoc on a transmission and can cause it to fail early if the cooling system is not maintained. Taking care of your cooling system not only protects your transmission, it can also help extend the life of your vehicles engine. It is well worth the money to visit an auto repair shop to have your cooling system fully inspected and tuned-up. You may also want to consider adding a fan or auxiliary cooling system to help ensure that your transmission never comes close to being overheated.