Modern vehicles are lasting longer and are more dependable than their predescessors. Among the major components is the transmission. Although engineers are trying to manufacture a vehicle that its components last long past warranty, many times the components fail - sometimes prematurely. When a transmission, for example, fails while on warranty (up to 60,000km) you can be quite sure there is a part quality or design problem. Sometimes the manufacturer themselves comes out with an updated part which is designed to improve durability. Other times they change designs of components to better satisfy the customer.

B&M Transmission and Car Care Centre subrscibes to many different on-line databases and resources which allows us to research the latest parts and information designed to make the transmission last longer. We also attend yearly technical seminars and receive monthly trade magazines which supply us with the industry's best solutions to tough transmission problems.

Although we would love the transmission to last all our lifetimes, that is unrealistic. By using the highest quality parts we can, along with the latest fixes and solutions to the root causes of the failure, we feel our transmissions are capable of lasting far more than 100,000km. That is why we offer a warranty of up to 5 years/100,000km. Not many transmission shops will feel comfortable enough to off this long of a warranty. Dealers such as Ford, GM, and Dodge also do not offer a 5 year warranty (GM and Chrylser offer 3 year and Ford offers 2 year). Imports dealers like Honda, Toyota, and Nissan don't even come close (most offer 1 year only).

Sometimes an owner can do things to help the transmission last longer as well. Below is an excerpt from ATRA's website that helps explain things the owner can do to make the transmission last longer...check out their site, click www.atra.com

Maybe you just spent a lot of money having your transmission replaced. Or maybe someone else you know did. Whatever the reason, you’d like to avoid major transmission repairs in the future.

Makes sense. And there are a number of things you can do to keep your car’s transmission working properly, for years to come. Some involve maintenance; others involve changing your driving habits. We’ll start by looking at basic maintenance:

1. Check the Transmission Fluid Regularly — Few things will reduce transmission operation and longevity more than low or damaged fluid. If your car has a transmission dipstick, you should check the transmission fluid level and condition at least once a month.

One way to keep your transmission in good working order is to check the fluid regularly.

2. Have the Transmission Serviced Regularly — Regular fluid and filter changes can add years onto your transmission’s life. In fact, it’s probably the most cost effective maintenance procedure available.

3. Add an External Filter in the Cooler Line — While the filter inside the transmission usually does a good job of removing dirt and particles from the fluid, an extra filter in the cooler line is a great way to make sure of removing all the abrasive particles that can damage your car’s transmission.

4. Check the Air Pressure in Your Tires — Believe it or not, low tire pressure can rob you of miles from your gas tank, your tires, and the rest of your car… especially the transmission. The extra load caused by low tire pressure can seriously shorten your transmission’s life. Check the tire pressures at least once a month, and keep them filled to the factory recommendation.

Believe it or not, very few things can have a greater effect on your car’s efficiency and longevity than simply keeping the tires filled properly.

The most common cause of automatic transmission failure is heat. You can get more miles out of your transmission by reducing the heat that builds up during normal operation. Here are a few things you can do to help reduce heat, and keep your transmission working longer:

1. Avoid Jackrabbit Starts — Hard acceleration creates a lot of friction and heat in the transmission. Take it easy on the gas, and your transmission will live longer.

2. Help the Shift — Most of the friction and wear in the transmission takes place during the shifts. Get to know when your transmission shifts normally. Then, just before the shift, back off on the gas just a bit. That’ll reduce the load on the clutches, and eliminate much of the friction during the shift.

3. Keep the Cooling System in Good Shape — Your car’s radiator also provides cooling for your transmission. And heat damage will take place in the transmission long before the engine appears to overheat. So regular cooling system service can help your transmission run cooler… and last longer.

4. Add a Transmission Cooler — If you travel a lot in extremely high temperatures or carry a lot of weight in your car or truck, an auxiliary transmission cooler is a great way to reduce heat and add years to your transmission’s life.