Shifty Letters PRNDL (Transmission)
August 18, 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.
Kwik Kar Saginaw
1216 S. Blue Mound Rd.
Saginaw, TX 76131
817-231-1700
http://www.kwikkarsaginaw.com
Need Service?
More articles from Kwik Kar Saginaw

Are There Blind Spots in Saginaw?
August 30, 2026
All Saginaw drivers have blind spots and no, I'm not talking about the fact that you really don't sing like Adele. I mean the areas of the road that you can't see when you're driving around Saginaw.First let's talk about our own blinds spots, and then we can talk about others...To begin, we c... More

Saginaw, TX Winter Prep Service for Your Auto
August 23, 2026
When winter approaches in TX, Saginaw residents break out the sweaters, coats, boots and mittens. We want to be ready for TX winter conditions. Your vehicle needs to be ready for winter as well. The last thing Saginaw residents want is to get stranded out in the cold. You need your vehicle to be ... More

QUIET TIME (Listening for Vehicle Problems)
August 16, 2026
Everybody's got friends like this. You know, the kind who, the minute they get in their vehicle and turn the key, the sound system is deafening. They just love to hear that music, sports, news anything but the sound of the vehicle itself. And maybe you're that person, too. Here's something to... More
