Your vehicle's transmission is responsible for shifting gears and also transmitting power along the drive train. It can be argued that the transmission is one of the most important parts of a car, next to the engine. Without a transmission in good repair, you will not be able to drive your vehicle, and if your transmission fails you will be looking at a big bill to get it replaced. If you want to avoid the inconvenience and expense of a transmission failure, use the following tips to help extend the life of your automobile's transmission:

Get Regular Transmission Services

Most people know that an automobile needs the oil changed on a regular basis, but since a transmission doesn't need to be serviced as often, this maintenance is often forgotten or overlooked. Regular transmission services include having the old transmission fluid removed, the filter replaced, and the fuel pan cleaned---after this is all done, fresh new transmission fluid is added. Regular transmission services at a reputable transmission shop is one of the best things that you can do to keep your transmission working for as long as possible. Every vehicle is different, so consult your car's owner's manual to find out how often you should have your transmission serviced.

Pay Attention to Small Problems

Transmissions rarely fail overnight-- there are usually small issues or problems that pop up that signify that a transmission is in need of repair. If you notice that your car is buckling or shaking while shifting gears or you notice transmission fluid leaking, it is important to have these small problems taken care of as soon as possible. Another sign that your transmission is in trouble is if your vehicle does not immediately respond when you press the gas after shifting gears. In many cases, small transmission issues can be fixed by experienced mechanics, but if you ignore the small issues you will probably end up having to eventually replace your transmission because it will be beyond repair.

Maintain Your Cooling System

Extremely high temperatures are one of the worst things for your transmission, and your vehicle's cooling system works hard to keep the transmission at the proper temperature. Since the cooling system plays such a vital role in maintaining the right temperature, it is important to have your cooling system serviced so it can do its job. A full cooling system service will involve inspecting the radiator, hoses and belts, doing a radiator cap pressure test, checking the thermostat, and replacing the antifreeze.