Overheating Transmissions in Heavy Duty Trucks

Overheating is possible with any vehicle, but especially with heavy duty trucks that have to tow substantial loads. A minor overheat can lead to expensive repair, while worst case scenario can cause transmission failure. Let’s discuss the common causes for overheating transmissions and way to prevent your transmission from overheating.

Most Common Causes for An Overheating Transmission

Here are some possible causes for why your heavy duty truck is overheating:

Heavy Towing

Heavy towing means that your transmission has to work harder, which in turn causes more heat in your system.

Heavy Traffic

Sitting in traffic is not just exhausting for you, it can be a lot of work for your transmission too. Constant stop and go traffic can heat up your transmission by the frequent gear shifts.

Dirty or Low Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid helps to keep your transmission functioning properly by keeping it cool. When transmission fluid is low or dirty, then the fluid can’t proper cool the transmission. Leaking transmission fluid or dirty transmission fluid means that your transmission is more likely to overheat.

Prevent A Transmission from Overheating

Transmission Maintenance Services

It is important to check your transmission fluid regularly to ensure that it is not low or burnt in color. Also, it is vital to keep up with transmission maintenance services to help prevent your heavy duty truck from overheating or having other transmission problems.

Avoid Overworking Your Transmission

Heavy duty trucks are made to tow, but there is still a weight limit that should not be exceeded. Exceeding the weight limit of your truck will wear it out faster and increase the risk of overheating.

Ensure Proper Cooling System

Make sure that your heavy duty truck is equipped with a good transmission cooler to help control heat. This is especially useful if you drive in extreme conditions or have to tow heavy loads.

If you think your transmission might be overheating. Give Eagle Transmission Shop a  call today for a Free initial check. Also we can install external transmission coolers to help make your transmission last longer by keeping it cooler.  We service all of Dallas area including Wilmer, Pleasant Grove and more.