Car Transmission

When extreme cold, icy roads, and heavy snowfall come with winter, the best-prepared driver is one able to better navigate the road and keep their vehicle in top-notch condition. Usually, autumn is the best time to get your car ready for driving in the wintertime. Below you will find a list of suggestions on how to keep your car safe and in decent working condition for a season filled with ice and snow:

Car Preparation

Antifreeze: Checking coolant levels are suggested, as well as the condition of belts or hoses, which should not appear brittle or soft.

Battery: Batteries should be tested for weakness and proven to work at proper operating levels. The battery terminals should be clean and in good working condition. Baking soda and water paste helps to clean corroded posts. The cables should also be secure.

Brakes: Make sure brake fluid is at proper levels and that rotors are in good condition. Routine inspections should check brake pads for wear.

Door Parts: It is suggested to lubricate the moving parts associated with car doors to make sure they do not become frozen in freezing temperatures. This will also ensure proper operation. Commercial de-icers also help alleviate frozen door locks. A common mistake is to use hot water to solve frozen locks, as it actually worsens the problem by creating additional freezing.

Engine: When the city you live in creates a great amount of freezing temperatures, you may want to purchase an engine block heater, which helps cars start better in the morning, as well as decreases the damage caused by cold engine starts.

Exhaust: The exhaust system should be leak-free with no holes.

Heater & Defroster: To ensure a warm and safe ride, the heater and defroster should be in good working order.

Lights: Brake lights, headlights, and reverse lights should be in good working order.

Proper Lubrication: When following the owner’s manual, there are certain things that require lubrication throughout the year. For starters, the steering linkage is something to consider for winter driving.

Tires: In regards to the tires, drivers should check air pressure for proper inflation and inspect the tread for wear. You should also make sure tires are suitable for the driving conditions you aim to enter, such as using chains in regions with deep snow.

Transmission: The transmission fluid should be at proper level, while the transmission filter should be checked and changed if needed.

Tune-Up: Oil filters and air filters should be checked and changed when necessary. Fuel filters should be free of clogs and leaks.

Windshield Wipers and Fluid: Cracked or worn windshield wipers should be replaced. As a rule of thumb, wipers should be revamped every six months. Wiper fluid should be restored with an antifreeze solution especially designed for windshields.




By: Michael Murray

Good car maintenance is a prerequisite for a smooth running and a longer life of our prized possessions. While there indeed are automobile service stations to take care of them when they fall sick, you at your end can do a lot for your car’s upkeep and stitch it in time so as to save nine. This post offers 5 essential tips you can implement yourself, and which should pretty much ensure your car’s good health.

1. Check Engine Oil

Critical to an automobile’s lubrication system, the engine oil lubricates a car’s moving parts, cleans and inhibits corrosion, and also cools the engine by carrying heat away from the parts.

To check engine oil, Turn off the car’s ignition. Locate the dipstick, in case you don’t know where it is take the help of the owner’s manual and then remove the dipstick. Most dipstick carry the label “engine oil.”

Wipe off any excess oil and then check dip it another time to see if it reaches the “Full” mark or not. If not then you need to fill up to reach the “Full” mark.

Now, observe the color of the engine oil. A black an opaque appearance means time for a change. Dark brown but somewhat transparent means you’d need to change it after some time. A clear appearance means it’s OK, but be wary if it appears to be whitish, as that might indicate a need for a professional check up.

To replace engine oil, choose the product that’s already inside your car. Pour in slowly allowing it time to settle down. After you’re done, replace the dipstick properly.

2. Check Automatic Transmission Fluid

To run a check for automatic transmission fluid change the transmission lever’s position to Park of ‘P’ position. Locate the transmission dipstick, in case you don’t know where it is take the help of the owner’s manual and then remove the transmission dipstick. Wipe it and dip it again to check the levels.

Also look at the appearance of the fluid. A black fluid with a burnt smell is a sign that it needs a quick change. If its brown in color, then there’s still some life in it. In comparison a newly replaced fluid is red in color.

Aside from the appearance, refer to the owner’s manual as well. As some manufacturers specify the number of miles you can drive before a refill is needed.

3. Check Engine Coolant

This is a simple procedure. To perform the check simply locate the coolant overflow tank and note the levels.

Low coolant level will cause the engine to overheat, which may cause serious damage to the engine. If the levels are between “LOW” and “FULL” markings, then it’s OK. If it’s below the “LOW” marking, then naturally a replacement is needed.

4. Check CV Joint Boots

A majority of modern day automobiles are front wheel drive, wherein a CV joint’s job is to help in transmitting power to the wheels.

To check the CV joint for breakage or damage, you’d need to inspect the internal sides of the wheel. To make it easier for you, first turn the wheel to one side as much as it can turn. Now, look at the inside to inspect the front wheel arch. If your inspection reveals oil or greasing on the boot, it means that it’s broken. If it dry then there’s nothing to worry about. If it’s broken, then treat it as an emergency and arrange for a replacement.

5. Check Tire Pressure

Taking good care of wheels & tires is simple, very basic and very important. The point is to check air pressure without fail at least once a month. It might be a good idea if you purchased a tire pressure gauge, so that you can check the pressure any time by yourself. Another key consideration is to ensure the ideal tire pressure (as has been prescribed by the car manufacturer).

In addition to the basic checks outlined above, don’t postpone going to a professional mechanic if you sense trouble. Further, regular checkups too would ensure that an impending bigger trouble is forestalled before it blows out of proportion.




By: Freddic