Shifty Letters PRNDL (Transmission)
October 27, 2025
You probably figured out those shifty letters. They're what you see on your automatic transmission shifter and stand for Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive and Low. Your automatic transmission is one of the great automotive inventions; here are some ways you can keep yours working well.
Maintain your transmission regularly. A technician will check your transmission fluid's level and even its appearance and smell. If it's dark or has an unusual odor, that could be a sign of trouble.
Change from one transmission direction gear into another only when your vehicle is stopped. So many drivers want to switch from Reverse to Drive quickly or the other way around. If you do that when the vehicle is moving, you can damage your automatic transmission.
Keep your vehicle's cooling system in top shape. What does the cooling system have to do with the transmission? It helps keep the transmission fluid from overheating.
Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for maintaining your transmission. Some recommend at least an annual checkup by a trained technician.
Let your powertrain warm up a little before overtaxing it. Especially in cold weather, don't step on the throttle too aggressively before all components are warmed up. That way both your engine and transmission will last longer.
Transmissions can be costly to fix. If you treat your powertrain with respect and regularly maintain it, you'll not only avoid expensive repairs, but you’re also much less likely to find yourself stranded because of a transmission problem.
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512 East Maple Rd.
Troy, Michigan 48083
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