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how to independently maintain your car

One of the most difficult adjustments I had to make after my divorce was learning how to maintain and repair my own vehicle. That was one thing that my husband had always taken care of for me. Since the divorce, I have learned quite a bit about maintaining a car myself. I have picked up a few tidbits of information that has helped me avoid being overcharged for simple things that I can quickly do myself - like jump-starting my dead battery and changing a flat tire. If you need to learn how to independently maintain your vehicle for the first time, take a moment and visit my site.

Two Transmission Questions You Might Need Answered

2 September 2015
 Categories: , Blog

A malfunctioning transmission can quickly cause your driving experience to take a turn for the worse. Unfortunately, many car owners are relatively uninformed about the needs of their vehicle's transmission, which may make it more likely that they experience a major malfunction. Having some of the more common questions about transmissions answered will make you a more informed driver, which will help you avoid the need for expensive repairs or the inconvenience of being stranded on the side of the road. 

Why Would You Need Your Transmission Flushed?

It is common for transmissions to need to be flushed in order to help them avoid major malfunctions. As time progresses, residue and debris can start to accumulate in your transmission fluid, which can severely compromise its effectiveness at lubricating the interior of the transmission. This can cause excessive wear on the transmission, which will eventually necessitate major repairs to this part of your car. 

When the transmission is flushed, the auto technician will remove the old fluid from the transmission before filling the transmission with a special cleaning solution. This solution is then drained, and new transmission fluid is added to it. This type of maintenance can help keep your transmission safe from suffering unnecessary wear and tear due to compromised lubricant. The exact frequency with which you will need to have the transmission flushed will vary based on a number of factors. The make and model of car will play a critical role as well as how much you drive the car. Fortunately, your owner's manual will provide guidance when it comes to flushing the transmission. 

Is It Bad If The Transmission Runs Slightly Hot?

A relatively common problem that transmissions may encounter is overheating. Interestingly, this problem does not always immediately result in the transmission shutting down. In fact, it is relatively common for the transmission start running slightly hot over the course of time. Many drivers make the error of assuming that this is not a major problem, but it can drastically shorten the lifespan of your transmission. 

If you notice that your transmission is starting to run hot, you should immediately schedule for your car to be inspected by an experienced auto mechanic. A transmission that is running hot is in the early stages of experiencing a mechanical failure. Furthermore, this issue can weaken the effectiveness of your transmission fluid, which can further exacerbate this issue. 

Being uninformed about your car's transmission can prove to be a costly mistake for you to make. When this part of the vehicle encounters a mechanical malfunction, you may find yourself having to pay for expensive repairs. Knowing the importance of having your transmission flushed on a regular basis as well as the dangers that even slight overheating can cause can help you to avoid these inconvenient issues. For more information, contact a professional like Terry's Transmission.