28
Jan

Preventing Car Transmission Damage

By admin Posted in Car Basics / No Comments »

Preventing Car Transmission Damage

Your car is obviously a complex machine with hundreds of parts working together to make it operate properly. Ideally, the ignition, charging system, cooling system, and every other component would work perfectly without your having to think about them. Of course, wear and tear take an inevitable toll. Over time, parts wear out and need to be repaired or replaced.

In this article, we’re going to explore transmissions in the context of how they can sustain damage. Repair work normally performed on them can be expensive. The more you can avoid causing unnecessary harm (or, at least preventing it from happening), the more money you’ll save.

Factors That Cause Damage

If you’re driving an automatic (ATF), one of the most common sources of long-term damage is heat. When your engine is running, the ATF undergoes a significant amount of internal friction. That friction generates intense heat. The purpose of the transmission fluid is to absorb that heat. If it can remain at approximately 175 degrees Fahrenheit, the ATF will likely last as long as 80,000 miles or more. However, if the temperature climbs past 200 degrees, the part can start oxidizing from the heat. That’s a problem.

The ATF can also suffer from other issues (though, they’re less common). For example, if it was rebuilt by a poorly-trained mechanic, it can fail for a number of reasons. Also, if the fluid levels are too low, or you’re driving extremely aggressively (i.e. constant racing, abrupt starting and stopping, etc.), you can cause damage over time.

How To Prevent It From Fail

As implied in the previous section, you’ll need to make sure that the transmission fluid is at an appropriate level. If the fluid always seems low, place cardboard under your car to identify whether a leak has formed. If it has, have a mechanic fix it. Also, pay particular attention to the color of the fluid. A dark color usually signals that it’s dirty and needs to be replaced. As I’ve mentioned in previous columns, always check your owners manual to determine the proper replacement intervals.

You can also preserve the life of your transmission by the manner in which you shift. For example, press your brake pedal down to make sure your car isn’t in motion when you shift out of Park. Similarly, don’t shift into reverse if your car is moving forward. Doing so can put enormous strain on the ATF.

Preventative Maintenance And Service

Eventually, you will need to replace your transmission. Like all of your car’s moving parts, it will give out and fail one day. The good news is that you can prolong its useful life by taking a few preventative maintenance steps. Make sure the fluid is at an appropriate level, don’t drive aggressively, and avoid shifting when your car is in motion. Those simple steps can help ensure that your transmission will last for several years.

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09
Jan

Buying A Car: Old Vs. New

By admin Posted in Car Basics / No Comments »

Buying A Car: Old Vs. New

With the economy continuing to roil, and pundits claiming that turbulent times remain ahead, millions of would-be car buyers are putting their purchases on hold. Since I’ve always been a proponent of purchasing used vehicles, I thought it might be time for another column extolling their virtues. If you already have your heart set on a brand new truck or SUV, don’t let me stop you from buying it. For the rest of you, let’s revisit some of the reasons why you may want to consider a pre-owned automotive gem.

They Last Longer

Older readers may remember when the most common retort about purchasing a pre-owned vehicle was “you’re going to buy someone else’s headache on its last legs.” These days, all makes and models are built to last a lot longer than those which rolled off the factory floors decades ago. In most cases, a model that is 2 or 3 years old will run just as smoothly as it did when it was originally purchased.

Depreciation

Ah, yes. Depreciation. The bane of every new car buyer. But, cars have always lost most of their value during the first 3 years. It’s an expectation. Savvy buyers wait a few years and purchase them from owners who bought them straight from the showroom floor. In effect, they let others suffer the consequences of depreciation.

So, how much value will a car lose during its first 3 years? It depends on the make and model. Hondas, world-renowned for retaining their value, can be expected to drop approximately 25% over the first few years. On the other hand, a Ford might drop 35%. In light of the fact that the operational efficiency of cars doesn’t suffer during its first few years, this drop in value makes a pre-owned vehicle even more attractive.

Certification

What if you discovered that you could purchase a great used vehicle for thousands of dollars off the sticker price and someone would guarantee that it worked properly? It’s a tempting offer, right? A lot of pre-owned cars are being sold as “certified.” If the vehicle has been certified by the automaker, that means trained automotive engineers have tested and recalibrated the systems. They bring those systems back to the original specifications that were set by the automaker. Pre-owned models that are certified cost a bit more, but the peace of mind can be valuable.

Old Vs. New

We’ll explore this issue in greater detail in the near future. This decision is particularly important in today’s economic environment. The truth is that most people who purchase new vehicles do so either because they’re seduced by the glossy exterior or they can’t stand the thought of buying used. Keep in mind that vehicles last longer these days, depreciation is inevitable (and expensive), and you can purchase a certified pre-owned model.

Read about other Common Car  Questions like Knowing your Mechanic

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