Towing this year? Get your transmission ready to handle the weight

Towing season is almost here for many of you who plan on towing your camper, boat and other recreational vehicles. Transmission overheating is the major cause of transmission failure and towing greatly increases the temperature of your transmission. There are a few very important things you need to do to make sure your transmission is equipped to handle towing.

If you do any type of towing you should start by taking your vehicle into a transmission specific repair facility to have an annual transmission service. Your transmission service includes replacing your transmission fluid, adding a transmission additive and changing the filter. Many vehicles that come from the factory with a towing package are already equipped to handle towing. However to make sure you have the proper equipment for towing you should ask your service provider if your vehicle has a transmission cooler or temperature gage already installed. Many vehicles will not have these important items and knowing if you have them is the first step in extending the life of your transmission.

If your vehicle is not equipped with these items and you plan on towing, you should have your technician install a transmission cooler. If you are going to do heavier towing you should let your tech know and they can install a transmission cooler that is designed with a built in fan which assists in additional cooling of your transmission. Adding a temperature gage in the transmission itself or in dash will help you monitor the temperature. Most good transmission shops will add a transmission additive or a Lube Guard type of product. This will help protect your transmission from overheating by increasing the fluids ability to transfer heat, reducing foaming or oxidation and keeps valves free.

Routine maintenance and getting the proper equipment installed in your transmission will extend the life of your transmission and give you peace of mind when towing.