Cars ; If you've ever tried to steer a modern car or truck while it's powered off and shifted into neutral, you know how much more difficult it is to turn those front wheels than it is when the engine is running. That's because in everyday driving, much of the work of keeping the vehicle in its lane or turning is done by a power steering system that amplifies the movements of the steering wheel made by the driver. Troubleshooting by fluid color ; What happens when you don't change the fluid regu...
As with most automotive maintenance questions, following the factory-recommended intervals for changing your transmission fluid is generally your best bet. But in the case of automatic transmissions, there may be some exceptions. (Note: While manual transmissions may also have service internals, the process is comparatively simple, so we’ll only be discussing automatics here.) · Related: We Answer Your Manual Transmission Questions · It mostly comes down to heat. Heat is the biggest killer...
Cars ; If you've ever driven an older vehicle without power steering, you probably understand just how important power steering systems are for modern cars. These components allow us to turn the steering wheel with minimal effort, thanks to a complex hydraulic system and a series of interconnected parts. While today, most newer vehicles utilize electric power steering systems, hydraulic systems are still incredibly common. Thousands of vehicles produced during the '80s, '90s, and early 2000s are...
Things You Should Know ; Symptoms of low transmission fluid include whirring or grinding noises in your engine bay, transmission temperature warning lights, vehicle lurching, slipping gears, and fluid leaks. ; Check the fluid levels on your transmission’s dipstick to determine if you’re running low (the levels should at least reach the “warm” hashmark). ; If you’re experiencing any symptoms of low transmission fluid, see a mechanic to get your transmission inspected and repaired.
While most people know about the importance of changing their engine oil, many don’t fully understand what transmission fluid is, the role transmission fluid plays and when to change it. However, it’s just as important! · Keep reading to learn all about transmission fluid, incl ...
Your vehicle’s transmission ensures smooth operation and power transfer from the engine to the wheels. Recognizing the signs of a bad transmission early can save you from costly repairs and potential breakdowns. Let’s explore some common indicators of transmission issues and what you should do if you notice them. The transmission is a complex system that controls the power distribution from your car’s engine to its wheels. It allows your vehicle to change gears, providing the right amount ...
Share ; The Floor Check™ is a subtle art known and executed by nearly every home mechanic around the globe. What was once a clean garage floor, driveway, or parking spot has now been Jackson Pollacked by a foreign substance. Is it alien blood? Oil? Melted Burt’s Bees? You must inspect closer. So, you drop down, belly-to-ground like a burpee, to get a closer look. The color, the smell, and the feel of the liquid (no tasting necessary) tell you everything you need to know: It’s transmission ...
Cars ; The entire reason you drive an automatic transmission instead of a manual one is that it's much easier overall in terms of actual driving and caring for it — not to mention that stick shifts are a dying breed . The vast majority of automatic transmission systems are designed to work perfectly in tandem with one another, not unlike the gears of a clock. Beyond the occasional refreshing of transmission fluid, there shouldn't need to be any in-depth investigations. Of course, mechanics wouldn't b ...
Share ; Your car’s fluids are its lifeblood. When they get old, brown, and sludgy, it’s detrimental to the vehicle and to the size of your bank account. One such necessary fluid that people often dismiss is your transmission fluid. This thick oil keeps the transmission’s mechanicals lubricated, and if it’s ignored, you’ll potentially be staring down a massive repair bill · There are thousands of online tutorials and guides about why you need to change your oil, but not too many on wh...
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