Car Transmission

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

A car requires different fluids to run. Transmission fluid is one among the vital fluids that cars those that use both manual and automatic transmission require to run optimally. Transmission fluid is a slick lubricant that facilitates the smooth movement of parts when driving. The fluid also acts as a coolant and its viscous nature helps transmit engine power to the transmission. Moreover, the fluid is vital for gear lubrication, torque conversion, brake friction and valve operation. Transmission fluid should be changed after a given mileage usually as stated by the manufacturer.  However, if one buys purchases a car and they are not very certain of its history, checking the transmission fluid is the only way they can ensure that the transmission will run smoothly. Leaks may also necessitate the user to inspect transmission fluid levels. Although changing the fluid is best left to professional mechanics, checking the levels is easy and can be done from one’s home garage.

Most cars are equipped with dip sticks specifically used to check the oil and transmission fluid levels. The transmission dipstick is shorter than that used to check the engine oil level.  The person checking the fluid levels should first wipe the dipstick and then deep it into the engine compartment where the transmission fluid is held. After the dip and the subsequent confirmation of the level, one should wipe the dip stick on a white cloth specifically to check the color of the fluid. Ideally, fluid that has acquired a darkish tone either indicates issues with the transmission system, misuse of the vehicle or fluid that has run its course.   Unlike engine oil, the difference between low and high levels of the transmission fluid is usually a pint only.  Thus, it is vitally important that the person taking the transmission fluid levels take clear readings from the dipstick, which should guide them on whether to add, change or retain the current levels.

In manual cars, transmission fluid contamination is a significant issue and car owners have to regularly check for this. The constant use of gears, bearings and synchronizers during power transmission results in the eventual wear and tear of these metallic parts.  The released metal particles subsequently end up in the transmission fluid. Therefore this affects the ability of the fluid to effectively lubricate  and if a replacement of the contaminated  transmission fluid is  not carried out,  the  contaminants  eventually shortens the  lifespan of the  transmission  system as it hinders the proper lubrication of these parts.

The automatic transmission fluid however is prone to degradation, which occurs when the fluid breaks down due to exposure to the heat generated during transmission.  At such, the fluid looses some of its vital lubricating ability and eventually accumulates contaminants. Therefore, if it is not drained and changed out, it then shortens the performances of the transmission system. Constant inspection and change is advisable when the need arises.  This not only minimizes the trips to the mechanic, but also reduces the amount of funds used resolving transmission system problems. 




By: Levi Quinn