The modern automatic transmission is among the most essential mechanical elements of your vehicle, yet surprisingly few consumers are aware of its basic parts and workings. In this post, we’ll examine each major element of the contemporary automatic transmission and offer a brief description of its role and maintenance.

Transmission fluid is perhaps the most familiar to consumers because it’s something you can check and add yourself, without the assistance of a skilled mechanic, and because you don’t have to crawl under your car (or place it on a lift) to do so. Automatic transmission fluid is essentially a lubricant that reduces friction between the many moving parts of your transmission. Because automatic transmissions generate heat during normal operation (and can reach temps between 140 and 195 ºF), transmission fluids are designed to provide sufficient lubrication at high temperatures. Special fluids may be required for heavy-duty vehicles, as their operating temps can run higher.

Stay tuned for more Transmission 101, coming soon!

About Main Line Transmission: Since 1987, Main Line Transmissions has given drivers in the Wayne, Devon, Berwyn, Paoli, Malvern, Exton West Chester and surrounding areas the best transmission service available. Working only on transmissions of every make or model, our technicians are experts through certification, continual training and years of experience.