If you commute from Murfreesboro or Smyrna toward Nashville, you know I-24 traffic well. Heavy stop-and-go traffic tests your patience, and it also works your transmission harder than almost any other kind of driving.
In an automatic transmission, a special fluid does a lot of jobs. It helps the gears shift, keeps the parts lubricated and carries heat away. Every time you slow down, creep forward and speed up again, the transmission shifts and makes heat. Hours of that each week means the fluid runs hotter and breaks down faster.
Heat is the number one enemy of an automatic transmission. Old, worn-out fluid doesn’t protect the parts as well, and over time that can lead to rough shifting, slipping or a very expensive repair.
There are a few signs worth watching for. You might notice a delay when you shift into drive or reverse, shifts that feel harsh or late, the engine revving without the car speeding up the way it should, or a burning smell. A transmission warning light or fluid leaking under the car are also reasons to have it checked right away.
The good news is that regular transmission fluid service is one of the best ways to help your transmission last. Many owner’s manuals list a longer interval for normal driving and a shorter one for severe driving. Daily stop-and-go commuting usually counts as severe, so it’s worth following the shorter schedule.
We can check the condition of your transmission fluid, let you know where it stands and recommend service based on how you actually drive. If something seems off, we’ll diagnose it before suggesting any major work.
Spend enough time on I-24 and your transmission will thank you for a little attention. Call Stones River Auto and Exhaust at (615) 961-6322 or stop by 1601 Flat Rock Rd in Murfreesboro, Monday through Friday from 8 to 5.
