Protecting Your Transmission During Towing Season

Protecting Your Transmission During Towing Season: Must-Know Tips

Summer brings sunshine, road trips, boat launches, camping adventures, and, if you're lucky, some time to rest and unwind. But if you're towing trailers, boats, campers, or even helping a friend move, this season also brings extra strain on one of your vehicle's most important components: the transmission.

At AAMCO, we know how much your vehicle does for you, especially when you're using it to haul the weight of summer fun. That's why protecting your transmission is critical during towing season. Whether you drive a truck built for heavy loads or a crossover SUV that occasionally pulls a lightweight trailer, these must-know tips can help keep your transmission cool, functional, and far from the repair bay.

Why Towing Season Can Be Tough on Transmissions

Your transmission is essentially the middleman between your engine and your wheels. It translates engine power into torque to get you moving. But towing increases the demand on this system, making it work harder, run hotter, and wear faster.

Extra weight means more friction, more heat, and more opportunity for small issues to snowball into major repairs. And since most automatic transmissions rely on transmission fluid for cooling and lubrication, that fluid becomes even more critical when you're towing heavy loads.

Ignoring proper towing practices isn't just risky, it's expensive. A replacement transmission can cost thousands of dollars. So, what can you do to safeguard your ride this season?

Know Your Vehicle's Towing Capacity

First things first, every vehicle has a maximum towing capacity listed by the manufacturer. This number isn't a suggestion; it's a hard limit designed to protect your engine, brakes, and, yes, your transmission.

Check your owner's manual or manufacturer's website to confirm your vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). Overloading your vehicle puts every system at risk, especially your transmission.

Don't Skimp on Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid is the lifeblood of your transmission. It cools, lubricates, and helps transfer power. But under heavy loads, the fluid can break down faster or reach dangerously high temperatures.

Before the towing season gets into full swing, check your fluid levels and condition. If it's been a while since your last fluid change or the fluid looks dark or smells burnt, it's time to have it serviced. AAMCO centers can perform a multi-point inspection and recommend a fluid flush or change if needed.

You might also consider installing an auxiliary transmission cooler, especially if you tow frequently or over long distances. These coolers help maintain safe temperatures and prevent fluid from overheating.

Use the Right Gear and Driving Techniques

Modern vehicles often come with tow/haul modes. These settings adjust your shift patterns to keep RPMs more consistent and reduce wear on your transmission.

When towing, avoid sudden acceleration or abrupt braking. Maintain steady speeds, allow for longer braking distances, and shift to lower gears when climbing hills or descending steep grades. This reduces the load on your transmission and helps manage heat.

If your vehicle has a manual transmission, you'll also want to be careful with your clutch. Riding the clutch can cause it to overheat and wear out prematurely.

Pay Attention to Signs of Trouble

Even with the best preparation, it's important to stay alert. If you notice any of the following symptoms while towing, your transmission might be under stress:

• Slipping gears
• Delayed shifting
• Overheating warning lights
• Burning smells
• Unusual noises when changing gears

Don't ignore these red flags. Catching problems early can prevent a full transmission failure, and a major dent in your wallet.

Schedule Preventive Maintenance

Routine maintenance is the best way to protect your transmission, whether you're towing or not. But if you plan to tow this summer, a pre-season checkup can save you headaches down the road.

AAMCO technicians are transmission experts. We can perform fluid checks, cooling system inspections, and even test-drive your vehicle to ensure it's tow-ready. Think of it as a pre-flight check before you hit the road with a full load.

Consider Local Conditions

If you live in a hilly or mountainous region or areas with high summer temperatures, your transmission faces even more strain. Climbing steep grades or driving in stop-and-go traffic with a trailer can accelerate wear.

In these environments, it's especially important to monitor fluid levels and keep an eye on transmission temperatures if your vehicle is equipped with a gauge. Parking your vehicle in the shade and using sunshades can help reduce ambient heat and protect internal systems.

Don't Forget the Rest of Your Vehicle

While the transmission does the heavy lifting, it's part of a team. Make sure your brakes, tires, suspension, and cooling system are also up to the task. Your engine works harder when towing, which means your radiator, hoses, and belts should be in peak condition.

At AAMCO, we offer complete vehicle diagnostics to ensure every system is road-ready.

Plan Your Route and Pace Yourself

Not all roads are created equal. When heading out for your summer adventures, if possible, choose routes with gentle slopes, minimal traffic, and accessible pull-off areas. Long downhill stretches can be tough on your brakes and transmission, so use engine braking and take your time.

Planning rest stops allows your vehicle to cool down and gives you a chance to check for any signs of trouble. Summer road trips should be enjoyable, not a race against overheating or mechanical failure.

Protect Now, Enjoy Later

Your vehicle is a powerful tool, and during towing season, it's doing more than just getting you from point A to point B. By taking proactive steps now, you can protect your transmission and ensure smooth sailing (or trailering) all summer long.

Need help getting tow-ready? Your local AAMCO center is here to help with expert diagnostics, transmission service, and honest advice. Come see why generations of drivers trust AAMCO to keep them moving, no matter what they're hauling.