Transmission Flush

Archive for August, 2010

Tire retailers are a great alternative to in-house fleet servicing for many routine maintenance issues. That’s because these days, many tire retailers have ASE certified technicians on staff who are able to perform much more than just the installation, replacement and rotation of tires. In addition, tire retailers offer their fleet services in more places (some have over 80 locations) so company cars and light trucks can be taken care of in the field instead of having to return to a sometimes inconveniently located central garage.

More than Just Tires
Unless an individual company has a very large fleet, it many not be cost effective to have ASE Certified Technicians on staff five or six days a week. Tire retailers on the other hand, have mechanics and technicians who can perform manufacturers’ preventative maintenance and corrective repairs six days a week, often with extended business hours. The list of services they can perform include:

Lube-Oil-Filter
Charging and Starting Systems
Tire Service
Battery Service
Transmission Service
Radiator Service
Brake Service
Air Conditioning Service
Steering and Suspension
Fuel System Flush
Windshield Repair and Replacement
Coolant System Flush
Brake Fluid Flush
Steering Fluid Flush
Alignment Services

Fleet Friendly
As stated before, many tire retailers have multiple conveniently located garages, some boasting a total of over 300 ASE certified technicians and 750 service bays chain-wide. That would be hard to duplicate for even the biggest of fleet owners.  In addition, some of the bigger tire retailers can have over 250,000 major brand name tires in stock at any given moment and ready for immediate installation, not to mention thousands of other service items that a fleet owner would otherwise have a hard time paying to warehouse.

A few of the bigger tire retailers have specialized fleet services programs that offer easy and convenient centralized billing, no out-of-pocket expenses for the driver, and are national account providers subscribing with ARI, GE Capital Solutions, PHH ARVAL, MAP, Voyager, Wright Express, Dolen Fleet Management Systems, Enterprise, Wheels Inc. and Lease Plan.

No Long Term Commitment
Because there is no up-front investment to be made, fleet service managers can integrate a tire retail facility into their fleet service program without risk. If for some reason the fleet program they pick doesn’t work out for their particular company, the relationship can be ended with no loss of resources.

Talk to a Professional
Joining a tire retailer’s fleet service program is usually fairly easy. Simply call the headquarters of a tire chain with a large number of outlets in your geographic or operating area and ask to speak to the Fleet Sales representative. The number should be on their website. Or simply click on the website’s fleet services tab — if they don’t have a fleet services tab, chances are they’re too small to be of real help to most fleet operations. While you’re on the phone or on the website you can check the retailer’s history, warranties and billing options.

Hydraulic fluid is the single most important material in the entire hydraulic system. The choice of hydraulic oil varies as per the the hydraulic system and application. One can choose from a variety of oils like automatic transmission fluid, multigrade engine oil or antiwear hydraulic oil.

Viscosity is another major factor for choosing a hydraulic fluid. All the advantageous or exclusive properties of a hydraulic oil are useless if the viscosity grade of the oil is not in-sync with the operating temperature of the given system. Inappropriate viscosity can lead to underutilization of the potential component life. There are a number of factors involved in setting the appropriate fluid viscosity grade for a given hydraulic system, such as:

-The initial viscosity at the lowest ambient temperature

-Utmost anticipated operating temperature which is actually determined by the maximum ambient temperature.

-Proper and permissible viscosity range as per the system’s components.

Though making a choice regarding the suitable hydraulic oil is a little difficult, hence, here are few tips which can help you make a definitive choice for the same that too according to your hydraulic system and application.

Multigrade / Monograde Oil

Now, in case the hydraulic system is needed to operate in low temperature or tropical conditions then it is advised to use multigrade oil in order to maintain the viscosity within allowed limits spanning across a varied range of operating temperature. If the viscosity of the given fluid can be appropriately maintained, i.e. around 25 to 36 centistrokes, the hydraulic system would become more efficient by using lesser input power to heat up. This indicates that multigrade fluid helps a great deal in reducing the electricity consumption of a given hydraulic system. It is a lot more advantageous for mobile hydraulic equipment users as it helps in reducing the fuel consumption. Though an expert would never advise to use multigrade oil in case a system has lesser range of operating temperature and somehow it is possible to maintain fluid viscosity by using a monograde oil.

Detergent Oil

Detergent oils are best known for emulsifying water and dispelling and arresting other contaminants like sludge or varnish. Generally, DIN 51524; HLP-D fluids, also known as antiwear hydraulic fluids, are the ones that comprised of detergents and dispersants. Most of the hydraulic component manufacturer endorse the use of these oils for contaminant free components. But the contaminants in case of detergent oils need to be filtered out since they do not settle out. Detergent oils are well suited for mobile hydraulic systems as they are relatively smaller in size and hence, have less chances of contaminants deposition and precipitation. Water is extremely dangerous for any hydraulic system as it alone can lead to multiple problems like corrosion, oil aging, reduced lubricity etc. The advantage of using detergent oils is that emulsified water can easily be turned into steam at highly loaded parts of the system and detergent oils help in emulsifying the water content.

Anti wear Oil

Anti wear oils are basically used to maintain lubrication within the permissible limits. Now-a-days the most commonly used antiwear additive in engine and hydraulic oil is Zinc Dialkyl Dithiophosphate, alternatively, ZDDP. Though the use or presence of ZDDP is not always recommended as it is notorious for assaulting the metals by either chemically breaking them down or reducing their fiterability. Today, the advanced and stabilized ZDDP chemistry has essentially managed to overcome these problems, thus, transforming it into an important additive for all the high performance hydraulic systems. In fact, it renders advantageous for the mobile applications too with a combine concentration of about 900 parts per million.

Maintaining a vehicle is no longer as easy as it used to be. With rising fuel costs more and more car owners are finding it difficult to make ends meet. To meet the challenges posed by ever increasing fuel costs and pollution, car manufacturers are trying hard to come out with effective solutions. Hybrid cars – the new technology cars – offer drivers an efficient, innovative, and feasible option.

What are hybrid vehicles?

Any vehicle that combines two or more sources of power to exact propulsion power is a hybrid. Moped is a type of hybrid vehicle because it combines the power of a gasoline engine with the pedal power of its rider.

Most locomotives are diesel-electric hybrids. Diesel-electric buses which draw electric power from overhead wires and fall back on diesel when away from wires are also hybrid vehicles. Giant mining trucks are often diesel-electric hybrids.

Hybrid cars

A hybrid car is run by a small fuel-efficient gas engine coupled with an electric motor. The motor is powered by batteries that recharge automatically during a drive. Its function is to assist the engine when the engine is accelerating. The motor also helps to slow the car by a method called regenerative braking. In this mode, the electric motor acts as a generator and charges the batteries while the car is moving, slowing down or not running at all.

New hybrid cars are also equipped with unique features like periodic engine shut off. This feature enables the engine to shut off for a while when the car is held up in traffic, and restart automatically when you put it back into gear. Logically, the more electricity the car uses, the lesser fuel it consumes.

To help reduce the drag the cars also have latest aerodynamics features and low rolling resistance tires. Also, to enhance its efficiency it is built of lightweight materials. The lighter a vehicle is the less energy it needs to propel itself forward. New hybrid cars are designed in a way to fit snugly into modern lifestyle. To the viewing public they are attractive, stylish and uniquely fashionable.

Most hybrid cars today are based on gasoline-electric power drives. PSA Peugeot Citroen, the French car maker is working on a future hybrid car with a diesel-electric power combination.

Toyota Prius is, today, the best selling hybrid on the market. Hybrid cars of other companies include, Accord and Civic by Honda; GS 450h, LS 600H L, RX 400h SUV by Lexus; Aura Green Line and Vue Green Line by Saturn; Altima by Nissan; Camry, Prius and Highlander SUV by Toyota; Escape SUV by Ford and Mariner SUV by Mercury.

Summer is in full swing, and the mercury is rising faster than the federal deficit. The heat is hard on us humans, but it takes an even greater toll on our cars. Here are the top five ways the high temps can wreak havoc on your ride – and what you can do mitigate the damage, save some money, and maintain your car’s long-term value.

Tires 
• Replacement cost: $100+ each on average, plus mounting and balancing 
• Maintenance cost: less than $30 annually for checks, protectant

We are most concerned with avoiding road hazards like nails, glass and other debris that could cause punctures, but heat is a comparable enemy. In addition to the heat generated by rolling resistance and friction of your tires, summer pavement temperatures can exceed air temps by 10-15 degrees. The extreme heat increases stress on tread cracks, sidewall bubbles, bald spots or other structural deficiencies that could cause a blowout or disintegration, especially at highway speeds.

Dealing with it: Have your tires inspected during each oil change for proper inflation, tread depth and signs of wear or damage. This also applies to older tires with low miles but for whom age may have compromised their structural integrity. Regular vehicle cleaning can also help protect your tires, specifically the use of protectants like Armor-All that often contain UV protection and help maintain the elasticity of the rubber.

Battery 
• Replacement cost: $100+, plus towing when you’re stranded 
• Maintenance cost: Virtually nothing

Like sub-freezing temps in the dead of winter, summer’s extreme heat can render your all-important car battery useless. In fact, high temperatures actually accelerate your battery’s chemical operation and cause its internal fluids to evaporate, causing it to burn out quicker. And the last thing you want on a 90+ degree day is a dead battery and no air conditioning.

Dealing with it: Keep your battery functioning properly during the summer and all year-round by keeping it clean. The terminals should be free of corrosion and if not, apply a solvent of water and baking soda with some steel wool to get rid of it. Like other periodic maintenance items, have the battery checked at regular intervals by a professional mechanic. A battery that does not hold a charge can also indicate a malfunctioning or inoperative alternator.

Belts, Hoses, Cooling System 
• Replacement cost: $300+, radiator 
• Maintenance cost: less than $50 annually for checks, fluid replacement

Even today’s modern vehicles have traditional systems of belts and hoses to help move essential fluids like oil and coolant and turn fans to maintain proper engine operating temperature. Frequently, a basic visual inspection of these items may not reveal harmful damage occurring inside hoses and on the undersides of belts. Prolonged exposure to excessive heat can cause cracks, leading to radiator failure and engine overheating.

Dealing with it: Have your hoses and belts checked regularly – alongside a 3-5,000 oil change is a decent interval – paying particular attention to areas near connections and clamps. Also, have your cooling system pressure tested for leaks, then flushed and filled regularly.

Paint & Upholstery 
• Replacement cost: $2000 minimum for a professional, factory-finish job 
• Maintenance cost: less than $200 annually for regular cleaning and waxing

Vehicle paint processes have evolved, offering more vibrant colors, brighter finishes and improved corrosion protection. The bad news is that some manufacturers have directed production cost-savings into the paint booth, resulting in thinner paint coats that are more susceptible to external damage. Constant, direct sun exposure can damage your vehicle’s clearcoat and cause paint, rubber and plastic trim to fade, crack or peel. Similarly, high temps inside your car result in a greenhouse effect (a 90 degree day can cause temps inside your car to exceed 120) causing your dash and upholstery – whether leather or cloth – to fade, dry out and crack.

Dealing with it: In the absence of a garage, many car detailing experts recommend covers to protect your car from oxidation, bird droppings, acid rain and other contaminants as well as sun damage. The same cover will help keep the direct sun away from your interior and lower cabin temperatures, protecting interior surfaces and materials. Waxing your car is also an essential process that helps protect your paint. Applying a liquid sealant and a carnauba-based wax (Meguiar’s, Mother’s and Turtle Wax are popular brands) once per year will help maintain your paint and protect it from the elements. Inside, a generous application of low-gloss protectant like Armor-All will help protect those interior surfaces as well.

Transmission 
• Replacement cost: $3,000+ 
• Maintenance cost: less than $100 annually

In concert with the engine (referred to as the powertrain), the transmission is the functioning heart of your car. This critical component is under increased stress during summer’s high temps and its labyrinth of internal parts is subject to failure if overworked or not properly maintained. This is especially critical for individuals like contractors, couriers, newspaper deliverymen, carpoolers or boat owners who carry loads that may exceed their transmission’s capabilities.

Dealing with it: Keep on top of scheduled transmission maintenance, including fluid and filter changes at least every 20,000 miles. If your vocation or lifestyle requires carrying heavy loads, check your owner’s manual to ensure it is within the vehicles towing capacity. And for the everyday driver, keep unnecessary cargo out of your vehicle that can build up and add taxing weight.

Windshield wiper fluid may seem, on the surface of it, to be among the less important fluids in a car’s working systems. Unlike transmission fluid, it is not vital to the smooth operation of the vehicle. Unlike brake fluid it is not immediately relevant to the safe driving of the car, and unlike engine oil it does not affect the inner workings of the most important parts of the car, yet it would be unwise to ignore its importance. If we are to compare vehicular fluids to human bodily fluids, then imagine for a moment that you had no tear ducts. Simply opening and closing your eyes would be agony. The merest speck of dust would blind you for an indefinite period. If you have no windshield wiper fluid, visibility will become an issue very quickly. 

It should therefore be quite clear how important it is to have your windshield wiper fluid topped up to the correct level as regularly as you can. During rainstorms, you will need the wipers to keep your windshield clear, and when the harsh weather has ceased you will find that there are residual stains which the wipers are uniquely equipped to remove. Just as bad are the situations when a bird has done what comes naturally on your windscreen, or some other animal or human has befouled the glass in one way or another. For these eventualities, the windscreen wipers and their associated fluid are absolutely vital. The following step by step guide should come in useful when checking your levels. 

Check the owner’s manual for the car to locate the fluid reservoir. Find the windshield wiper fluid, and create a mixture with water. Prop up the hood of the car, locate the reservoir and check the levels. If the fluid is at the right level, then you are done! If the fluid needs topping up, remove the cap for the reservoir. Add the fluid up to the fill level indicated. Put the cap back on, close the hood and there you are – job done.

This is one of the more simple processes of keeping a vehicle up to scratch but it may be one of the more vital depending on where and when you need to drive. Keeping a clean windshield is something that not everyone is prepared to admit is a major part of driving – but the truth is that a dirty windshield can be distracting as well as making it difficult to judge stopping distances and even potentially causing blind spots. 

Keeping a close eye on the wiper fluid levels, and using the right kind of fluid as well, are vital elements of vehicle maintenance. In winter, if you live somewhere that is prone to sub-freezing temperatures, it is important to make sure your wiper fluid is combined with an anti-freeze ingredient so as not to have problems in cold weather. It may seem like such a small part of running a car, but it will seem much bigger when you need it and do not have it.

Transmission Flush

Demand for hybrid cars has sharply grown over the past three years, as pump prices continue to surge and eating a considerable part of the household budget.
Hybrid cars may not be the complete solution to rising oil prices but they are very economical, as they rely more on electricity instead of gas for power. For 2006, business conditions have remained turbulent. The current crisis in Israel and Lebanon will likely have an adverse effect on oil markets given that they are very near the worlds top oil producers.
Other issues that will keep gas prices high include Chinas demand, terrorist attacks on refineries and volatility in stock markets. Is 2006 finally the right time to jump on the bandwagon for hybrid cars? For 2006, the top Japanese car makers Honda and Toyota have released an impressive line of hybrid cars that have been updated to conform with the demands of the daily driver.
The hybrid cars for 2006 promises more power behind the steering wheel but gas consumption will be comparable to a child guzzling a bad-tasting cough syrup.
Honda 2006 Accord Hybrid
The new Accord Hybrid from Honda is 4-door sedan ideal for families with 2-3 kids. This car comes in two trims and 5-speed automatic transmission. Overdrive option is standard equipment. For those that enjoy long and leisurely rides, Honda is offering a Accord Hybrid equipped with a Navigation system.
Both trims are powered by a standard V6, 3.0-liter, 253-horsepower engine. The Accord Hybrid is capable of 25-mpg in city driving and 34-mpg in highway driving.
The Honda Accord Hybrid is well suited for the highways and boasts of excellent responsiveness and outstanding acceleration.
Initial impressions
The 2006 Honda Accord Hybrid has been criticized for its disappointing fuel economy but lauded for its outstanding performance especially in fast-driving. The car battery used in the car is relatively low in power and supposed does not effectively maximize the hybrid technology unlike rival models.
Some users have also been critical over the rough automatic transmission shifting between gears and poor flawed synchronization between engine and battery.
Honda 2006 Civic Hybrid
The new Honda Civic Hybrid is a 4-door sedan ideal for small families. The vehicle comes in two trims namely the the CVT AT-PZEV w/ Navigation System and the CVT AT-PZEV
A standard I4 1.3-liter 110-horsepower hybrid engine powers the 2006 Civic Hybrid car. This model has the capability to run 49-mpg in city driving and 51-mpg in highway drives.
Initial impressions
The 2006 Civic Hybrid car is a top-notch performer especially for who are looking for the perfect driving experience. The interior has been lauded for its attractive lay-out and design. Gas consumption is exceptional, as delivers near or slightly above its specifications.
However, the 2006 Civic Hybrid has been criticized more on its ambitious despite. The digital speedometer is a nice new touch but can be distracting especially during night drives. The Civic Hybrid only comes with rear drum brakes, which is disappointing considering that the Civic has been named car of the year.
The hand brake is also placed on odd location and will be discomforting for those with large thighs. The 2006 Civic Hybrid is a drivers car and will perform best when used in the highways.
2006 Toyota Prius
Updated for 2006, the new Toyota Prius is a 4-door sedan, ideal for small families. This hybrid car only comes in one trim has a 4-Door Liftback.
The 2006 Toyota Prius is powered with by a standard I4, 1.5-liter, hybrid engine running 110-horsepower. In city driving, the Prius can achieve 60-mpg and 51-mpg in highway driving.
Initial impressions
The Prius features a spacious interior that can easily fit small families. Ideal for pedestrian drivers but those conscious with performance should stay away, as acceleration is slow. In addition, consumers have also been disappointed over the inability of the car to reach its advertised consumption and high price. For those tht want to save the world the Prius is great but look the other way if you want to save money.

Maintaining your vehicle is important because it ensures that it will run smooth and last longer. Maintenance involves more than oil changes and detailing it. Your vehicle needs proper fluids to operate safely and last longer. Having low fluid levels can cause premature break downs or even accidents. These are the fluids you should check in your vehicle on a regular time schedule.

First and very important is brake fluid. The level should always be full at the most to two thirds full at the least. This fluid system is a closed one, so if you find that the fluid runs low a lot there could be a leak and should be fixed immediately. If you are unsure of how or where to check the brake fluid, refer to the owner’s manual for your vehicle. Usually the compartment to check is near the engine, and will be labeled brake fluid reservoir.

Perhaps the most important fluid in your car or truck is the oil. You should change the oil yourself or get an oil change every three months or three thousand miles, whichever comes first. Just like the blood in our bodies, the oil is the bloodline in our cars. It should be clean and properly filled. When changing the oil and replacing the oil filter, be sure that you or your mechanic are using the proper oil for your vehicle. There are different grades and qualities, so check the owner’s manual to find which one you need.

Transmission fluid can be a little more risky to check because it has to be done while your vehicle is running. You check the levels of fluid here like you do the oil. There is a dipstick with a leveler on it that is located next to the oil dipstick. Because the car is running while you do this, unlike the oil, don’t wear loose clothing or low hanging jewelry. Usually you won’t need to fill the fluid because it will hardly ever be low. It’s good to check though because a low reading could mean there’s a leak.

Another really important fluid that should be checked weekly is coolant or antifreeze. It prevents the engine from overheating or freezing up in cold weather. This is really easy to check and refill when it gets low. Pay attention to the type of coolant you purchase because some need to be mixed with water. The fluid is a bright green color and is easy to check because there is a reservoir right near the front of the hood next to the radiator. If the levels are low a lot you run the risk of overheating and ruining the vehicle’s engine.

If the power steering starts to make noises when you turn your car, you probably are low of power steering fluid. The reservoir for the power steering is usually always next to the belts under the hood. In cars, it’s usually on the passenger side. If the fluid level is low you will have a hard time steering which will make for unsafe driving conditions. Normally, the reservoir is clear so you can see if you need to refill the power steering, but if it isn’t just unscrew the cap and look in the reservoir.

Another liquid that should be filled for safety reasons but won’t harm your vehicle if the level is low is windshield wiper fluid. In the event of dirt or bugs getting on your windshield while driving, you need to keep your view clear when you drive by cleaning the windshield.