As your transmission repair shop in Mesa, we think it is a good idea to inform our customers. A lot of people have myths regarding automatic transmissions…
Myths About Automatic Transmissions
Automatic transmissions need special care. Be careful of misinformation regarding them. According to the site CARS.COM: “Myth No. 4: It’s best to drive cars with automatic transmissions around town in “3” — or in “D” with the overdrive button off — and save “D” for the highway. The original idea was that drivers needed to lock out the highest gear for more responsive performance in stop-and-go driving. Most modern vehicles employ transmissions that are quick to kick down into a lower gear, so driving without the topmost gear around town only lowers gas mileage. Shifting into Neutral at stoplights does minimal benefit for your vehicle. In fact, it may actually cause harm over time. Shifting into Neutral at stoplights does minimal benefit for your vehicle. In fact, it may actually cause harm over time.
Myth No. 5: It’s best to shift an automatic transmission into Neutral at red lights. This myth stems from the idea that keeping the transmission in Drive while stepping on the brake wastes fuel and causes unnecessary wear on the driveline. In fact, actual engine wear and fuel loss are minimal. Regularly shifting from Neutral and back into Drive when the light turns green, then immediately stepping on the gas, can wear — albeit slightly — on the transmission, driveline and engine mounts… [READ MORE]
Transmission Service and Your Car’s Make and Model
What is true, however, is that some vehicle make and models have transmission issues. Ford for a while in the 80’s and 90’s had a lot of transmission issues to the point that several vehicles had to be recalled. Ironically, a lot of cars that are newer such as hybrids have the smallest number of reported transmission issues and are mostly Japanese. Toyota, Lexus, and Infinitis. Modern day Ford Hybrids are much better with transmissions then they used to be. If you’re looking to buy a car, make sure that you check out the information online first to make sure you’re not buying a lemon, particularly where the transmission is concerned.
So remember, as a smart consumer, you have to learn to sift through bad information to get to the good stuff. So do your homework, and figure out what your vehicle needs as far as scheduled transmission service.
For more information on transmission repair myths, be sure to read part two as well.
Trail Transmission
11240 East Apache Trail
Apache Junction, AZ 85120-3529
(480) 986-7367
https://trailtransmission.com/