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Dealing with an Engine Problem
Engine and transmission problems can dramatically affect the safety and performance of your vehicle. This video will provide you with a detailed overview of how to deal with an engine or transmission problem in your vehicle. Before you make an appointment with a transmission specialist near Silver Spring, you may want to evaluate your car for some signs of common engine or transmission issues. More complicated problems can be identified using a computer diagnostic system.
Once your transmission mechanic has identified the source of your car’s mechanical problems, you will be ready to embark on your transmission repair procedure. More serious transmission problems may require your transmission to be completely rebuilt. Using the latest equipment, a transmission repair professional will be able to reverse your transmission issues and get your car back out on the road.
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Comparing Manual and Automatic Transmissions
When you are shopping for a new car, you may have the option of selecting a vehicle that is equipped with a manual or an automatic transmission. While manual transmissions were the standard for decades, automatic transmissions are now very popular for many drivers. No matter what type of transmission you use, you may eventually encounter transmission problems in your vehicle. For help solving your transmission problems, be sure to visit a transmission specialist that offers auto transmission repair in Rockville. To help you determine which type of transmission will be best for your lifestyle, here is a quick comparison of manual and automatic transmissions.
Initial Costs
Manual and automatic differ in their initial costs. As you are comparing models at the car dealership, you may find that manual transmission vehicles are more affordable than their automatic counterparts. Typically, a standard transmission vehicle will cost up to a thousand dollars less than a car that is equipped with an automatic transmission. If you are shopping for a budget-friendly vehicle, you may want to purchase a stick shift car.
Maintenance Requirements
The maintenance requirements of manual and automatic transmissions are very different. When you drive an automatic transmission vehicle, you can rest assured that your car will last for tens of thousands of miles before it needs a major transmission repair service. However, automatic transmissions require regular fluid flushes, whereas manual transmissions do not. A manual transmission may need to be adjusted by a technician at regular intervals in order to remain in good operating condition.
Ease of Operation
Many drivers choose automatic transmissions due to their ease of operation. When you drive a car that has an automatic transmission, you will not need to worry about operating a stick shift or engaging a clutch pedal. If you love to drive, however, you may appreciate the deeper level of control that is offered by a manual transmission. Some drivers like the close connection that manual transmissions provide them to their vehicles.
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Reasons to Drive a Manual Transmission
When you are shopping for a new car, you may need to choose between a vehicle that is equipped with a manual or automatic transmission . Since automatic transmissions offer fantastic convenience, they are very popular with many drivers. A manual transmission, however, can provide many benefits. By learning about the benefits of manual transmissions from a transmission specialist in Silver Spring, MD, you will have a better sense of what type of transmission is right for your driving needs.
A top benefit of a manual transmission is that this type of transmission will provide you with great fuel economy. Along with being highly fuel-efficient, manual transmissions also experience fewer transmission problems than their automatic counterparts. If your car does require transmission service, a transmission repair shop will be able to fix your transmission quickly and easily. Finally, your manual transmission will provide you with a better sense of connection with the driving dynamics of your vehicle.
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How Does a Manual Transmission Work?
With the rising popularity of automatic transmissions, the manual transmission has been phased out by many car manufacturers. However, a manual transmission provides the driver with complete connection and control over the inner workings of his or her vehicle. To avoid transmission problems in your manual car, you can schedule transmission service in Bethesda, MD, at regular intervals. A transmission specialist will know how to address a variety of transmission issues, and routine care will keep your manual car on the road for much longer. If you are wondering about how to identify transmission problems, here is a look at how manual transmissions work.
The Driver Depresses the Clutch Pedal
One of the top differences between a manual and automatic transmission is that a driver is required to use a clutch when he or she is behind the wheel of a stick shift. When the clutch pedal is depressed, the pressure plate and flywheel are released. This action breaks the connection between the engine and the transmission, allowing the driver to select a new gear.
The Stick Shift Changes Gears
With the clutch pedal depressed, the driver is able to select a new gear. Each gear delivers a specific amount of power and speed to the four wheels of the car. In order to change gears, a driver must use the stick shift. As the stick shift is moved, a selector fork in the transmission will change the gear ratio in the transmission. This process must be repeated every time the car needs a change of gears.
The Output Shaft Rotates
The turning of the gears in the manual transmission causes a component called the output shaft to rotate. As the output shaft rotates, it will spin in synchronized time to the currently selected gears. The spinning of the output shaft will allow the wheels of the car to turn. Once the clutch pedal is engaged, the output shaft will no longer send power to the car’s wheels.
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Choosing the Right Transmission Fluid
Your local transmission repair shop in Rockville, MD can be of help in a lot of situations, not just when your transmission completely breaks down and needs to be rebuild or replaced. For example, a transmission specialist can help you choose the right fluid for your transmission to keep it running smoothly. Of course this is also one of those transmission maintenance services people like to perform on their own, and there’s nothing wrong with that if you would rather change out your own transmission fluid instead of having a professional do it for you. However, you might still need some help choosing the right transmission fluid for your car. Here are some tips to help you out.
Check Your Owner’s Manual
The best place to start is by consulting the owner’s manual. This is a great source of information for all things related to the maintenance of your car, including transmission maintenance. The owner’ manual will note whether your vehicle requires Dextron or Mercon transmission fluid, or whether there is a make- or model-specific fluid your car requires.
Compare Synthetic vs. Conventional Fluid
Once you know which type of transmission fluid your car takes, you will need to decide whether you want to purchase synthetic or conventional fluid. There are pros and cons to each choice. Synthetic fluid, for example, is more durable at higher temperatures and provides better performance than conventional fluid, but it can also be costlier. On some older models, it’s sometimes recommended to stick with conventional fluid since making the switch can actually do more harm and lead to unwanted transmission repair issues.
Consult with a Transmission Specialist
If you want to make sure you get the absolute best transmission fluid for your vehicle, consult with an expert at your local transmission maintenance and repair shop. A specialist will provide you with sound advice on which type and brand of transmission fluid is best for your make and model. A transmission specialist will also take into consideration the age and condition of your transmission as well as your budget and performance requirements when making a recommendation.
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How to Pick a Transmission Fluid
Changing your transmission fluid is one of the most crucial steps of transmission repair and maintenance. When you bring your car into the transmission shop to change your transmission fluid, you will have several different types of fluid to choose from. In order to preserve the performance of your transmission, you will want to only use transmission fluid that has been recommended by the manufacturer of your car. A transmission specialist in Bethesda, MD will be able to help you choose the right fluid for your vehicle. After your transmission fluid change has been completed, you will be amazed at the performance and smooth function of your transmission; plus, you will extend the life of your vehicle by a number of miles. For more information about how to pick a transmission fluid, be sure to watch this video.
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Understanding Different Transmissions
Your car’s transmission allows your wheels and engines to match one another’s speed of travel. Today’s transmissions are typically equipped with automatic transmissions . These transmissions allow your vehicle to shift automatically between gears. Some of the most components in your automatic transmission are the valve body and the torque convertor. The torque converter is designed to provide the automatic transmission with its smooth drive feel. If you are experiencing transmission problems, you should be sure to visit a shop offering auto transmission repairs in Rockville, MD. A transmission specialist can diagnose your transmission problems and get you back on the road. For a closer look at the different types of transmissions, watch this video from CNET.
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Computer Technology in Today’s Transmissions
The transmission is one of the most important components of any car. Over the decades, auto manufacturers have developed new and exciting transmission technologies that have revolutionized the way that we drive. When you experience tr ansmission problems in your new vehicle, you will want to come to a transmission specialist in Silver Spring. A trained transmission mechanic will have the tools and experience needed to diagnose transmission problems in an advanced transmission system. One of the most sophisticated and important parts of a new transmission is its onboard computer. Here is a look at some of the computer technology that is available in today’s transmissions.
Engine Control Unit
The Engine Control Unit, or ECU, is among the most critical components of a transmission’s computer technology. The ECU is responsible for managing and controlling many of the different parts of a car’s drivetrain. With the ECU, your car’s transmission will receive precise signals when it is time to switch between gears. These computerized signals allow for smoother and more responsive shifting.
Continuously Variable Transmissions
Along with being connected to the ECU, many of today’s transmissions also feature Continuously Variable technology. Unlike a conventional transmission, which contains a set number of gears, continuously variable transmissions are able to create a limitless number of gear ratios. By expanding the number of gears that are available to your vehicle, CVTs can boost performance and efficiency. When you are ready to purchase a new car, you may want to ask whether a CVT is available for your new vehicle.
Diagnosing Computer Problems
When your transmission is experiencing problems, you will want to bring your car to a transmission repair shop right away. A team of technicians at a specialized transmission repair center will have the tools and knowledge needed to determine whether you are having a problem in your transmission’s computer. If a computer issue is to blame, your transmission specialist will be able to reboot the computer and restore the function of your vehicle.
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Tips for Keeping Your Transmission Running Great
The summer season is nearly here, and now is a fantastic time to schedule transmission service for your car. Before you head out on a summer road trip, your transmission shop can address any transmission problems that may be affecting your vehicle. With the help of a transmission specialist offering auto transmission repairs in Silver Spring, you can rest assured that your transmission will remain in fantastic driving condition for the entire lifespan of your vehicle. To help you prepare your car for all of your summer drives, here is a look at some helpful tips for keeping your transmission running great.
Check the Fluid
Much like your engine or braking system, your transmission relies on special transmission fluid in order to operate smoothly. Automatic transmission fluid is responsible for cooling, lubricating, and powering the many different parts of your engine. In order to keep your transmission running great, it is a good idea to check your transmission fluid levels on a regular basis. If you notice that your transmission fluid is low, you will want to bring your vehicle to the transmission shop right away.
Let Your Car Warm Up
Along with checking your transmission fluid levels at regular intervals, there are a few other steps that you can take to help preserve the performance of your transmission. For example, when you are first ready to drive in the morning, it is a great idea to take the time to allow your engine to warm up. Warming up your car will allow the transmission fluid to travel more easily through your transmission system.
Schedule Routine Transmission Maintenance
Perhaps the most important step of maintaining your transmission is to bring your vehicle to a professional transmission repair shop at regular intervals. By scheduling transmission repairs before a serious problem arises, you can help to extend the overall lifespan and performance of your transmission. Your transmission repair shop can provide you with all of the services that you need to keep your transmission running great.
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Deciding Between a Transmission Rebuild or Replacement
Scheduling transmission repair can be a major decision for any driver. Whether your transmission is experiencing minor problems or you are in need of extensive transmission repair , you should always bring your vehicle to a specialized transmission shop in Silver Spring, MD. Your transmission specialist can fully evaluate the problems that are occurring in your transmission and recommend the right transmission services for your vehicle. If your transmission has become severely damaged, your technician may even recommend a transmission replacement. To help you schedule your next transmission repair appointment, here is a look at some factors to consider when you are deciding between a transmission rebuild or replacement.
Type of Damage
When you are deciding between a transmission rebuild or replacement, it is important to consider the type of damage that has occurred to your transmission. If your transmission is experiencing problems in a few minor components, you may be eligible for a rebuild. Severely damage transmissions, however, may need to be fully replaced. Your technician can work with you to help you determine which type of procedure will be best for fixing your transmission.
Age of Transmission
Along with considering the type of damage that has occurred to your transmission, you may also want to evaluate your vehicle’s age. Typically, a transmission is built to last for at least 100,000 miles or longer. If you are driving a very high mileage vehicle, you may need a transmission replacement to get your car back on the road.
Cost of Service
Finally, you may want to factor in the cost of the service when you are deciding on a rebuild or a replacement. Many times, transmission rebuilds can be performed at an overall lower cost to the car owner. By contrast, a full transmission replacement may end up costing you significantly. If you are repairing your car on a budget, you may want to consider talking to your specialist about the possibility of a transmission rebuild.