Transmission Flush

Archive for August 29th, 2010

Owning a car entails for great responsibility as well as setting aside funds for additional expenses that goes on maintenance and repairs. The car contains at least six types of fluids which need to be periodically replenished or replaced namely engine oil, transmission fluid, anti-freeze/coolant, windshield washer solvent and fuel. The number six on the list is brake fluid which is often the neglected one. You’ve known about topping off brake fluid but changing it may be new to most car owners.

According to Car Care Council, the brake fluid of a typical vehicle is prone to contamination in two years time or less. This is because the fluid absorbs moisture which finds its way through the hydraulic system. During heavy braking conditions such as those encountered when driving in mountainous or hilly roads or when towing a trailer, the moisture in the overheated fluid vaporizes resulting to reduction on the braking efficiency.

Such condition can also happen even under normal driving circumstances especially if the brake fluid is seriously contaminated. There are actually two things that can happen. The first one is for the contaminated fluid to vaporize and second it has the ability to also freeze up either way the result is the same which is reduced braking efficiency.

Brake fluid must maintain a stable viscosity throughout its operating temperature range. If it’s too thick or too thin; it would impaired the braking action of the vehicle. Beyond the vaporization hazard moisture creates an additional problem for owners of vehicles especially those equipped with anti-lock braking systems (ABS) since ABS components often get rusted. A rusted and corroded ABS components is never good news since it’s very expensive to replace.

So how would a car owner know when its time to change their car’s brake fluid? Car Care Council recommends changing brake fluid every two years or for every 24,000 miles traveled. Plus, the Council also suggests a change in brake pads or shoe replacement. The brake system to choose would depend on your car make say if you own a Volkswagen then it is only sensible that you purchase Volkswagen brakes system. And in between as preventive measure, a professional brake technician should check the condition of the fluid with an accurate fluid test safety meter that is inserted into the master cylinder reservoir to record the fluid’s boiling point.

Volkswagen, the Company

Volkswagen is considered to be an icon of the 20th century due to the countless legendary cars it has produced. Volkswagen is a German word for people’s car. It started as a concept formed by Ferdinand Porsche in 1934. He wants to produce quality but affordable transport for the German people. He produced a working prototype in just a year.

Ferdinand Porsche has created a masterpiece in the form of a beetle-shaped sedan that was later on called the Volkswagen. The Beetle because of its unique design and aesthetic appeal has become very popular as a fact it has become the best selling car of all time.

Volkswagen was born in an era that is said to be designed for the privilege few and the vehicle has provided the German people would something to look forward to.

By the year 1942, 70,000 Volkswagens were produced. Three years after in a swift recovery after the war, Volkswagen was able to produce 2,000 vehicles but this time it was not for public sale but especially manufactured for the Allied Forces and the new German Post Office. The next production of Volkswagen was after three years again, 1948, wherein it produced a total of 25,000 vehicles from its production lines in Wolfsburg. It was also during that time when Beetles for export to the US was built. The following year 1949 and additional 25,000 Volkswagens were built including the Karmann convertible which became the best selling convertible in the world.

The year 1955 signaled the growth of Volkswagen into a world corporation when it produced a million Volkswagens. It was also on that year when the automaker started building factories and working communities in United States, Brazil, and Canada. The German automaker has not forgotten to also help its fellow countrymen; it has built working communities in major centers in Western Europe.

Less than two decades later The Beetle which was a people’s car was able to overtake Ford’s famous Model T. For the last fifteen years of the millennium Volkswagen has emerged as a true global force in the auto industry. Its acquisition and redevelopment of popular brands like the Audi, SEAT, Skoda, and Lamborghini has strengthen further its standing as one of the largest automaker in the world.

There was a time that when you filled your gasoline tank, a friendly, knowledgeable and efficient attendant cheerfully checked your oil, coolant, and transmission fluid. He cleaned your windshield, checked your wiper blades and sometimes even your tires. But with the advent of the self-service gas station, this person has slowly become extinct. At most stations, the only available human is the cashier whose knowledge is limited to the price of the gasoline.

Although checking fluid levels is not something you want to take your car to the repair shop to have done, it is a very important task and if neglected, can result in major maintenance problems. So it has now become something you need to do yourself. Fortunately it isn’t difficult.

To check the engine oil, first park your car on a level surface and be sure the parking brake is engaged. Wait for a while, and then raise the hood. Look for the dipstick. It normally reads, “engine oil.” Your owner’s manual should have a picture, if you have difficulty.

Pull the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel. Then replace it; ensuring it goes all the way back down. Now pull the dipstick again. At the very bottom you see a series of marks and the word “full.” Your oil should be on the full mark.

Look at the color. It should be transparent. If it is black, you need an oil change immediately. When it is dark brown, you don’t need to change it right away but you will need to do so very soon. If it has the appearance of coffee laced with milk, you have a problem. Your coolant is mixing with your engine oil due to a mechanical mal-function. You need to take the car to a repair shop.

If your oil is low, you need to add more oil. Do this a little at a time, waiting for the oil to go down, and checking the dipstick after each addition. Be very careful not to overfill it as this can damage your engine.

On most cars you check your transmission fluid with the shift in park and the engine idling. However, you should first check your owner’s manual to be sure this procedure is proper for your car. The owner’s manual will also show you where the transmission dipstick is located.

Pull the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag free of lint. Then replace it ensuring that it settles all the way down into place. Pull it again and check. If your car has just been driven and is warm, the fluid will register at the upper end of the “hot” mark. If the engine is cold, then the fluid level should be within the cold marks.

If you have to add fluid, be sure you use the fluid recommended in the owner’s manual. If you don’t do this, you can damage your transmission. If adding fluid, add only a small amount, wait a few minutes and check the dipstick. Do not overfill.

To check coolant, look at your coolant overflow tank. If the level is between the “low” and “full” marks, it is okay. If it is low, pour some coolant into the overflow tank until you reach the “full” mark. Be careful not to open the coolant overflow tank or the radiator when the engine is warm. Wait for it to cool off completely.

Maintaining proper levels of all fluids is essential to prevent costly mechanical problems.

Shopping for a hybrid car is quite different from shopping for a regular car. You know that the hybrid will be easy on your budget and great for the environment but what else do you need to ask yourself? Here is a list of questions you need to answer to be able to find your ideal hybrid car.

Do you drive mostly on the highway or do you stick to city roads more? Many hybrids are great for highway driving but others are better when it comes to city roads. Figuring out what kind of driver you are is key to picking the right hybrid to meet your needs.

Do you need to save a lot of gas? The Honda Civic and the Toyota Prius hybrids are both excellent hybrids when it comes to saving a lot of gas. There are also many others who will run a close second to these cars.

Ar you interested in a sedan or would you rather have an SUV? As of today the hybrid car buyer is limited to one or the other but come the year 2009 you will also be able to choose from a full-sized pickup truck. Both the Chevy Silverado and the GM Sierra will be available in a hybrid.

Do you require a lot of space? Once you start shopping for a hybrid you will notice that many of the cars that were once roomier in a regular car are not as large on the interior now that they are a hybrid. If you require a lot of room you might want to make sure you throughly check to see if the hybrid you want has enough leg and head room to accommodate you comfortably. Don’t forget to think about traveling. Many new hybrids are short on storage space.

Are you interested in a hybrid that is less or more dependent on it’s battery pack? With hybrid cars some use the battery pack more than others will. They have the ability to switch from the gas engine while coasting or at very low speeds. If your interested in a hybrid like this then the Toyota Camry, Toyota Prius or even the Honda Civic is the one to check out.

Do you have the ability to pay for a hybrid? Hybrid cars cost more than regular cars by about $3,000 to $6,000. This increase can greatly effect what cars you are able to afford and whether you can have any extras.

Did you know you can receive a tax credit from purchasing a hybrid? The New Energy tax credit is give when less than 60,000 units of any hybrid have been sold. This credit is up to $3,400. Once 60,00 units have sold the government will begin reducing the credit. Ask your dealer for more information.

People buy hybrid cars for many reasons. Once you have decided why your purchasing a hybrid it will make the choice in which hybrid to purchase that much easier.