5 DONT’S with Toyota Transmissions
What’s up, Toyota fans! Today, I want to talk about something that's near and dear to every car owner's heart: the automatic transmission. These little wonders of engineering make our lives easier, but they can be a real pain—and expensive—when things go south. So, let's dive into my top five tips on what NOT to do with your automatic transmission if you want it to last.
1. Stay Out of Deep Water:
We'll start with an essential piece of advice. Never, ever drive your automatic car through deep water. Why? Well, there's a tiny vent that plays a crucial role in the operation of the transmission. As your transmission fluid heats up and expands, this vent helps release pressure. But when you take your car through water, it sucks moisture right into the transmission, and trust me, water and automatic transmissions don't mix. It can lead to catastrophic damage, and you might find yourself shopping for a new transmission. If you're lucky, you can flush it out, but don't count on it.
2. Avoid Extended Idling in Drive:
Let's talk about idling. If you find yourself idling for an extended period, don't keep your car in drive. Why? Leaving it in drive can lead to overheating inside the transmission. If you're going to sit for a while, either shut the car off or, at the very least, shift it into park. In park, the torque converter isn't sending as much power, so it won't heat up as much as it would in drive.
3. Mind Your Shifting:
Now, let's talk about putting your car in park. One common mistake is putting your car in park before coming to a complete stop. This can be tempting, especially if you're in a hurry or distracted. However, it's important to avoid this practice. Shifting to park before the car has fully stopped can put unnecessary stress on your transmission's parking pawl, which can lead to premature wear and even damage over time. Always ensure your car has come to a complete stop before shifting into park.
4. Say No to Burnouts:
Now, let's address the need for speed, or rather, the need to avoid it. Don't go around doing burnouts all the time. Burnouts are not only tough on your tires but also one of the worst things you can do for your automatic transmission. And remember, while I may showcase some burnouts in my videos, those are usually in standard transmission cars. You'll just end up burning out your clutch, which is much cheaper to replace than a whole transmission.
5. Regular Transmission Fluid Changes:
Finally, let's debunk a myth. Don't believe the idea that you should never change your automatic transmission fluid (ATF). Modern cars may use synthetic fluid that can withstand heat better, but it still breaks down over time. My advice? Change your transmission fluid every 50,000 to 75,000 miles, regardless of what the manufacturer's directions may say. Dirty fluid can lead to a shorter transmission lifetime, and that's not what you want.
Remember, taking care of your transmission means it can take care of you. Just look at my Sequoia with 185,000 miles—it's still shifting just fine. Follow these five tips, and you'll give your automatic transmission the best chance at a long and healthy life.
So, fellow car enthusiasts, there you have it: my top five tips for protecting your automatic transmission. Until next time, take care of your transmissions!