Making (Dollars and) Sense of Transmission Repair
Posted by AAMCO Colorado in 
Most people don’t know a lot about their vehicle’s transmission. They know that it somehow converts engine output into tire rotation, is critical in shifting gears, and periodically requires new transmission fluid, but mainly they know that it’s a complicated, critical part of their car that costs a lot of money to fix. In fact, the mere mention of the words transmission repair evokes fear in most drivers I know. They’re afraid that there is a serious problem with their vehicle, and afraid that they may be overcharged by a mechanic because they don’t understand what’s wrong with their transmission.
Unless you’re an expert yourself, and you own the necessary equipment already, you shouldn’t ever try to fix your own transmission. Aside from the complexity of the transmission mechanism itself, fixing your transmission requires expensive specialized tools. It’s cheaper and easier just to take your car to a local, Colorado auto transmission repair expert who you feel comfortable with. However, it is helpful to be able to diagnose some of the problems yourself and understand what your mechanic is talking about (and what he might be charging you for). Knowing the basics of your transmission and transmission repair will help you have an intelligent discussion with your mechanic.
Basically, your transmission is made up of four key components: the transmission housing, the gears, the transmission filter, and the transmission fluid. The transmission housing is this bell-shaped metal casing that encloses and protects the transmission gears. You see it when you look underneath your vehicle, usually attached to the side of the engine. It typically contains a main shaft, a counter shaft, and an idler shaft. The gears are what controls the rotational speed of your tires and creates torque, even if you have an automatic transmission and don’t shift them yourself. Transmission fluid is critical to the operation of your gears and is typically red, so that you can see it when it leaks. Your transmission filter cleans your transmission fluid.
Before you take your car to a mechanic, there are a few basic things that you can do yourself, which can save you time and money. First, check and see if your transmission fluid is leaking. Typically this should be done at least twice a year, because low levels of transmission fluid can damage your transmission, and result in expensive repairs. If your transmission fluid levels are consistently low, you should check for a leak. These can most frequently be found in the following places: at the drain hole beneath the transmission, between the transmission and the engine, at the base of the filler tube, in your radiator fluid, on the selector shaft, or the speed sensor mounting point. Remember that this fluid is usually red, so it should be relative easy to find.
Second, check your transmission filter. The transmission filter is relatively cheap and easy to replace and critical to your transmission’s performance. Make sure it’s not clogged or damaged before you even consider having any work done to your transmission.
If you can’t find a problem with the fluid or the filter, you’ll need to take your car to a Colorado auto repair service. Unfortunately, your transmission may occasionally need to be repaired or rebuilt, and ignoring the problem will only make it worse: until your car literally won’t go. However, if you can screen problems with your transmission fluid and filter on your own, know the basics of transmission repair to be able to discuss the problems with your mechanic, and go to a transmission repair expert you can trust, you can save time, money, and frustration.
Five Ways to Get Your Car Ready For Summer
Summer is here in Colorado, and the barbecues, camping, baseball games, hot weather, family vacations and summer road trips that come with it. Before you take to the road this summer, make sure your car is in good shape to deal with the summer heat.
Here are five easy things that you can do to save the time, money, and frustration caused by a breakdown on your road trip this summer. Consider taking your car to a Colorado auto repair expert that offers a free, comprehensive inspection. A little bit of preventative maintenance can keep your vacation running smoothly.
Make Sure Your Air Conditioning is Working
The last thing you want on your summer vacation is to be without air conditioning, particularly if your driving for several hours. Check and make sure that your air conditioner is running properly and cooling your vehicle, and check belts and hoses. Take your car to an experienced Colorado auto air conditioning service if necessary.
Get an Oil-Change
Driving long distances in hot weather puts extra pressure on your oil and filter. Have them changed at an Colorado oil change service before you leave on your trip. Changing the engine oil and filter regularly is the single most important maintenance service for your car, truck or SUV.
Have Your Brakes Checked
Have your break pads and shoes inspected. A lot of driving, particularly if your driving in the mountains, can put pressure on your brakes. An Colorado brake repair expert can make sure your brake pads and shoes, brake fluid, and other brake components are running smoothly before you leave on your road trip this summer.
Inspect Your Batteries and Battery Cables
Inspect batteries and battery cables for corrosion. Hot weather can shorten a battery’s life, so have it tested before you leave. Take your car to a Colorado auto battery expert to check the condition of the battery, as well as the cables, casing, and other hardware critical to proper battery function. It’s a lot easier to replace a dying battery before a trip than replace a dead one on the side of the road this summer.
Check Your Tires
Check the pressure in all of your tires, including your spare tire (you may be glad you did!), and look for signs of uneven or excessive tread-wear. It may be time for tire rotation or replacement. Having tires that are in good condition is extremely important. Driving long distances at higher speeds on tires in bad condition can damage other parts of your car, truck, or SUV, and (needless to say) a flat tire on your vacation is very deflating.
