Think of your transmission as the ultra-precise middleman between your engine’s power and your wheels.

Under normal conditions, it shifts with a rhythmic, almost graceful, precision. Now, add a 7,000-pound trailer. Suddenly, that middleman is under immense pressure, working overtime to find the right gear to maintain speed up the incline on Highway 67 or to control descent without cooking the brakes.

This constant, heavy load generates intense heat, the arch-nemesis of transmission fluid. That fluid isn’t just a lubricant; it’s a hydraulic fluid and a coolant. When superheated by towing, it degrades far faster, losing its protective properties. This leads to increased friction, wear on delicate clutch packs and gears, and the potential for dreaded slippage or failure. It’s a slow burn, a gradual sacrifice of longevity for the sake of today’s duty.

Now, some trucks are indeed better suited for the long haul. Heavy-duty rigs with reinforced internals, robust auxiliary coolers, and integrated tow-haul modes are engineered to manage this thermal onslaught better. But even the mightiest F-350 is not immune to the laws of physics and fluid degradation. The key isn't just the truck, it's the care that follows the strain.

This is where you need more than a quick lube stop. You need a shop that understands both the mechanical brutality of towing and the sophisticated computer systems that manage modern transmissions. You need a shop that has evolved with the industry, investing in the tools and training to diagnose not just failures, but the predictors of failure. You need a trusted partner like Ric Henry's Auto Service.

For years, San Angelo drivers have trusted Ric Henry’s with their hardest-working vehicles. Why? Because we offer comprehensive auto repair services with a focus on doing it right. Our experienced technicians are equipped with the same advanced tools and equipment the dealerships use, allowing us to perform everything from minor fixes to major transmission overhauls with precision. We don’t just change fluid; we analyze it. We don’t just scan for codes; we interpret complex data streams to assess transmission health under load.

And because we believe in our work, we back it with a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on all services we provide, a promise of peace of mind as vast as the West Texas sky. So, after you’ve unhitched your trailer, remember that your transmission bore the brunt of the journey. Trust your car, and your towing lifestyle, to the hands of the professionals at Ric Henry's Auto Service. Let us help ensure your next haul isn’t your transmission’s last call.