New Car Transmission Break-In
What is transmission break-in?
Transmission break-in is a process of gradually increasing the load on a new transmission in order to allow the gears and other components to wear in properly. This process helps to ensure that the transmission will last for many years to come.
Why is transmission break-in important?
Transmission break-in is important for several reasons. First, it helps to prevent the gears from wearing prematurely. When new gears are first put into use, they are still relatively rough. As the gears wear in, they will become smoother and more efficient. This process can take several hundred miles, so it is important to break in the transmission gradually.
Second, transmission break-in helps to prevent the transmission from overheating. When a transmission is new, the gears are not yet fully seated. This can cause the transmission to overheat, which can damage the gears and other components. Breaking in the transmission gradually helps to prevent this from happening.
How to break in a new transmission
There are a few simple steps you can follow to break in a new transmission:
- Start by driving the car in a low gear for the first few hundred miles. This will help to seat the gears and prevent them from wearing prematurely.
- Once the car has been driven for a few hundred miles, you can start to increase the load on the transmission. This can be done by driving in higher gears and by towing a trailer.
- Continue to break in the transmission for the first 1,000 miles. After this period, the transmission should be fully broken in and ready for normal use.
Tips for breaking in a new transmission
- Avoid sudden stops and starts.
- Avoid driving at high speeds.
- Avoid towing heavy loads.
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for transmission break-in.
Conclusion
Transmission break-in is an important process that helps to ensure that your transmission will last for many years to come. By following the tips in this article, you can help to break in your new transmission properly.