Transmission Flush

 

Hybrid cars are great and have a lot of advantages, no doubt about it. Hybrid cars save you gas, therefore keeping your wallet thick! These cars also have less contribution to the greenhouse effect than conventional cars. These are the two biggest pros of a hybrid car. But we all know if something has advantages, it has disadvantages too!

The Price

The biggest disadvantage of hybrid cars is definitely the price! For instance, the 2008 Toyota Camry costs about $19,000, while the hybrid version costs almost $25,000. That is approximately a $6,000 difference, which is a lot of money. Another example is the 2008 Honda Civic with a base price of $15,000, while the Civic Hybrid is costs $7,000 more. On average, the hybrid version of a car costs between $2,000 and $4,000 more than the non- hybrid version.

Dangerous in Accidents

Although the electric engine gives you more mileage and helps you save gas, it can be also dangerous in a collision. Most hybrid cars use metal hydride batteries and the high voltage that they store can be really unsafe when the wires are exposed, thus there is a chance the driver will get electrocuted when involved in an accident.

The Battery

As mentioned above, the batteries in hybrid cars can kill theoretically. There are some other issues with the battery. Hybrid car manufacturers include warranties to cover the batteries for 80,000-100,000 miles. The carmakers also say the car’s battery will last forever. But what if something unforeseen happens and the car’s batteries are not under warranty anymore? Unfortunately batteries cost a fortune! The other problem with the batteries is that it needs to be recharged at least every second week. So, if you go to vacation you might need to find a “car-sitter” to take care of your car. Some hybrid car owners also report problems with the battery in cold weather.

Performance

No offense, but most hybrid cars are slow! They have slower acceleration and a lower top-speed than conventional counterparts. If you are in need for speed, hybrid cars won’t satisfy your needs! Hybrid cars will make you drive slow, which is actually not a bad thing!

Despite all these drawbacks, hybrid cars are the way to! Car manufacturers are working to eliminate these disadvantages. I am pretty sure hybrid cars in the near future will be lighter, safer and provide better performance!

 

Transmission in automobiles is a system of parts connecting the engine to the wheels. Suitable torque or turning force is generated by the engine only within a narrow range of engine speeds i.e., rates at which the crankshaft is turning. However, the wheels must turn with suitable torque over a wide range of speeds. While its speed is held roughly constant, the engine turns an input shaft on the transmission whose output shaft can be adjusted to turn the wheels at an appropriate speed.

Majority of the car manufacturers use interchangeable transmissions in different models, and often different manufacturers use the same transmission in their respective products. Today, an automatic transmission becomes more reliable but it is still most-easy-to-break and costly to repair part of the vehicle. The transmission is very sensitive part of the car so if it is used roughly, it will destroyed easily.

Improper fluid type can also damage the transmission. Before buying a used car, one of the most important parts that customer must check is its transmission. It is really a must that he/ she will do the full inspection before taking the final decision about the car.

 If car starts responding strangely and start hearing strange sounds while driving then the car repair is necessary so take it for diagnostic check up and hoping that the problem is simple and inexpensive to fix.

A trustworthy professional automotive mechanic will immediately warn against replacing the auto transmission with just any used car transmission. And customer has no way of knowing how bad it had been used by the previous owner or what defects it has until.  

Most of general transmission service provider will replace a bad transmission system with one that has been professionally rebuilt by expert who is specialized in auto transmissions, and charge the customer with higher cost but providing the low quality transmission system.

Transmission911 based in Houston, Texas has fully trained transmission experts who have years of experience in transmission replacement and transmission installation. Transmission911 gives access to communicate with trained professional who will make sure that customer gets the right transmission replacement.

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A torque converter does the job of the clutch in a vehicle with manual transmission. It transfers the rotating power generated by a vehicle’s engine to the transmission mechanism in order for it to shift gears automatically. There are three major torque converter parts—the pump, the turbine, and the stator.

The pump is attached to directly to the engine, and spins at the same speed as the motor. Inside the pump are many fins, which, as the pump spins, direct hydraulic fluid outward to the turbine. The turbine then spins at close to the same speed as the engine, but in the opposite direction. The spinning of the turbine causes the transmission torque converter to rotate and drive the wheels. The hydraulic fluid exits the turbine at its center, moving in the direction opposite to how it was forced in by the pump.

The beneficial part of a torque converter is that it is able to enhance torque when there is a difference between the input and output speed of rotation, which then provides about the same torque as a reduction gear. A converter can be, and is often, used not only in automobiles but also in boats and in buses used for public transportation.

A converter, like any vehicle part, gets worn out and requires the occasional torque repair or torque converter part replacement. You can also opt to upgrade your converter for a high performance driving experience. When you know the limits of your converter, you can spare yourself from torque repair woes, which is more common than you might think. Of course, most of the problems can be avoided by simply knowing the limitations and capabilities of your converter.

Overheating is probably the most common converter problem encountered by users. There is more than one reason for overheating your converter. There could be a defect on the spark plugs; the distributor timing might be off, or there is continuous high level of slippage. Torque repair shops would have to control this situation by checking for the seals, to make sure they haven’t melted away.

Due to sudden loading or excessive heating of the converter, the pump and/or turbine blades may get deformed, separated from their hubs or annular rings. On worse cases, they may even break into fragments. At the least, this type of transmission torque converter will result in a significant loss of efficiency, producing symptoms similar to those seen in stator clutch failure. In extreme cases, you might have to undergo total torque rebuild mode. Replacement of torque converter parts like the turbine and the stator is an expensive process. This problem can be rooted to plain bad and careless driving.

A converter problem called ballooning is also commonly seen among units. What happens is, pressure and stress put on the converter’s housing causes it to distort and eventually break. Hot oil and converter parts will automatically spew out. This is a very serious problem that is caused by prolonged operation under excessive loading, very abrupt application of load, or operating a torque converter at very high RPM. For efficient and high performance of your converters, make it a habit to regulate speed and load. The occasional check up is also helpful.

For converter repair, adjustments, and purchase of new or remanufactured torques, check out Tampa Converter. They service the areas of Tampa, Brandon, St Petersburg, Clearwater, Lakeland, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and Polk.

 

Hybrid cars have been getting a lot of buzz the last three or four years, and now with the soaring cost of oil and gasoline, hybrids are expected to get hotter than ever. Here are some Questions and Answers about hybrids.

1. What is a hybrid car?

A vehicle is a hybrid when it combines two or more sources of power. Hybrid cars almost always have a gasoline engine and an auxiliary electric motor system that runs off rechargeable batteries.

We normally assume that the point of hybridization is to save fuel, and that is definitely the case with most of the smaller compacts and sedans. But in fact some of the more upscale hybrid models are more concerned with boosting power and “performance” without the usual loss in fuel efficiency.

2. Do you have to plug your hybrid in at night?

You may assume because a hybrid car runs part of the time off its battery pack, that it is necessary to plug it in at night and recharge the batteries (like a golf cart!). But this is almost never the case. Hybrid cars recharge their batteries “on the fly” by making use of unused energy which is normally wasted during normal driving.

For instance, most have a system that captures some of the energy used while applying the brakes, and converts it to electrical energy to charge the battery. This is called “regenerative braking”.

If hybrids had larger battery packs that you could plug into the electricity grid, they would be able to transfer more of the vehicle’s power requirements over to the electric motor(s), and use even less gasoline. But most auto makers have been unwilling to go this route, arguing that today’s batteries could not take the extra load and more extensive usage.

3. Do you have to replace the batteries?

The short answer is No. Hybrid batteries typically have an 80,000 – 100,000 mile warranty. The U.S. Department of Energy tested them to 160,000 miles and stopped testing because they still performed almost like they were brand new. Some taxi drivers have gone more than 200,000 miles in a Toyota Prius without battery problems.

In any event, since hybrid battery packs have hundreds of cells, individual cells or modules could be replaced if there was a problem.

The best way to keep nickel metal hydride batteries performing at their peak is to keep their charge between 40% and 60% — never fully charged and never fully drained to zero power.

4. How long have hybrids been around?

Alternatives to the ICE (internal combustion engine) in automobiles have been around since at least 1900. The first patent for a gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle was filed in 1905. Alternative fuel sources were wiped out as a result of two things. First was the development of the electric self-starter (in 1913) that made gasoline driven cars much easier to start.

The second development was the advent of the age of cheap oil that started around the time of the first World War. This completely removed the economic incentive to look for alternative fuel sources. This is only starting to change now, 80 years later.

5. Are hybrids expensive to purchase?

In January, 2006, there were 10 different hybrid models available from $19,000 to $53,000. The most popular models — the Insight, Civic, and Prius — are less than $30,000. According to auto maker announcements there should be more than 50 models available by 2010. As sales and production increase the prices should not be significantly more than for standard ICE models.

Even with the slightly higher average cost for a hybrid — usually around $3,000 — these additional initial costs can be offset by federal and state tax incentives, lower maintenance costs, and exceptionally strong resale values.

6. Are hybrids small and underpowered?

Initial hybrid models emphasized fuel economy, so were much lighter vehicles, and had smaller engines. The objective was to offset the loss of power in the ICE with additional power from the electric motor. This would result in essentially the same level of power while burning less fuel.

But this principle does not have to result in underpowered vehicles. In fact the Lexus Rx400h and Toyota Highlander Hybrid both have a 270 horsepower power system. And the Lexus GS 450h hybrid sedan is expected to have more than 300 horsepower and go 0-to-60 in less than six seconds. Taking the quest for hybrid power even further, the Toyota Volta concept venicle has a 408 hp power plant.

7. What is the main reason people buy hybrid vehicles?

Saving money on fuel is the first thing most buyers think of. But, in fact, the amount saved on fuel over the life of the vehicle may not equal the extra purchase cost of the hybrid.

There are obviously other factors at play in the gradually building popularity of hybrids. Some people want to make a “green” statement, others simply want to be the first on the block with a new and promising technology.

8. Will hybrid technology save the environment?

There’s no doubt about it. Hybrids are becoming more popular. In the past five years hybrid sales in the U.S. have grown 2000 percent. Sales in 2000 were 9,500, and by the end of 2005 had grown to over 200,000.

But even this larger number is just 1.2% of the 17 million new cars sold last year. If every hybrid gave double the current fuel economy, from an average of 20 mpg to, say, 40 mpg, that would save roughly 100,000 gallons of gasoline a day. But that amount pales in comparison to the total daily gasoline consumption in the U.S. — 400 million gallons! The savings of 100,000 gallons would bring that number all the way down to … 399,900,000 gallons.

Not very significant. Obviously governments and auto makers will have to start getting very serious about hybrid technology before it will make a significant difference.

9. Does that mean hybrid technology is only a fad?

No it does not. Because the only way towards a sustainable future is to find a combination of fuels that will reduce our almost total dependence on oil. Hydrogen fueled vehicles will be part of that future, as will fuel cells, deisel, and alternative fuels such as ethanol.

But what is almost certain is that every promising solution will involve some kind of hybrid combination of technologies. So today’s hybrid vehicles are an important and necessary step towards a much more promising and sustainable future.

April 23rd, 2010 2:27 pm MT
Doug’s Performance Transmission
With the summer months approaching, many families are planning road trips. To have an enjoyable worry-free road trip be sure to have your vehicles checked by reliable mechanics. One of the East Valley’s best kept secrets is the excellent service provided at Doug’s Performance Transmission in Apache Junction.

While planning for a recent road trip from Mesa Arizona to Silverdale Washington, the mechanics changed the oil, checked fluids, brakes and performed a tire rotation. One of the mechanics also noticed that the vehicle needed new wheel bearings. After a short wait the wheel bearings where replaced and the vehicle was on the road again.
Having been a valued customer at Doug’s Performance Transmission for many years, my vehicle has continued to be maintained at high performance standards. Many services have been performed on my vehicle through the years, such as: radiator replacements, tire services, brake replacements and transmission repair and servicing.
Doug Hare SR also operates a second local business called Addictive Desert Designs, 1491 S. Conestoga Rd. Doug and his team of experts also specialize in diesel and truck upgrades.

Doug Hare SR., owner, Doug JR, Darren and Lance are well trained, experienced mechanics who provide top of the line service in a timely manner. They are friendly, knowledgeable and very informative while explaining diagnostics. The shop is located on Meridian Road in Apache Junction. Although the location may be a bit remote, the shop provides three bays with the most up-to-date equipment. Vehicles left overnight are secured behind locked gates. By having a thorough service done to any vehicle, family road trips can be filled with enjoyable memories.

Some helpful tips to remember:

1. Change oil and filter, especially prior to long road trip

2. Check all fluid levels and ensure good quality of coolant

3. Ensure good tire tread and proper tire pressure and good spare tire – be sure all equipment for changing tire is in vehicle

4. Be sure all brakes are in good working order

5. Check status of vehicle battery

6. It’s also a good idea to carry an extra gallon of water for the vehicle
A recent 1600 mile road trip from Arizona, through California and Oregon to Washington State was a big success, thanks to the mechanics at Doug’s Performance Transmission. Be sure to stop and talk to the team prior to any road trips in your summer plans. You too, can travel through hot deserts, snow covered mountains and green grasslands with peace of mind.

You may have seen one zipping past you in the high occupancy lane, a lone driver at the wheel. It’s a gasoline-electric hybrid car and driving in the HOV lane is just one of the benefits of ownership in many states. But what is a hybrid? How does it work? Is it the right car for you and your family?

A hybrid car has a both a gasoline engine and a battery. The battery is recharged by energy from the gasoline engine that would normally be lost during braking or decelerating. The car uses either the battery or the gasoline engine depending on several factors including how fast the car is traveling. Sometimes, both will work together to provide an extra boost of power without using too much extra fuel.

The result of this technology is cars that get significantly better gas mileage and produce less carbon dioxide emissions that traditional gasoline powered cars. For example, according to Honda, the 2006 Civic Hybrid gets 50 miles to the gallon on the highway, 14 miles to the gallon better than the 2003 regular Civic. When driven the national average of 12,000 miles, that represents a savings of 69 gallons of gas and 258 pounds of carbon dioxide per year.

In the early days of hybrid cars, there were few models to choose from. People desiring to purchase a hybrid car were stuck in tiny cars with little cargo space. Today, however, manufacturers produce hybrid cars and light trucks in nearly every category including family-sized sedans, sport utility vehicles and minivans. The smallest cars still get the best gas mileage, but larger hybrids consistently outperform their regular siblings in gas mileage and carbon dioxide emissions.

Unfortunately, hybrid cars cost more than regular models. In the case of the 2006 Honda Civic, the hybrid model costs almost $7,000 more than the regular model. Congress passed a law providing tax credits for hybrid car owners that took effect on January 1, 2006 that would save the buyer of a 2006 Civic Hybrid $2,100. It would take several years to break even on the purchase of a hybrid counting gasoline savings alone. However, many hybrid owners are as dedicated to the environmental benefits of driving a hybrid as they are to the money they save.

One of the fears when hybrid cars first became available was that maintenance and insurance costs would be prohibitive. Research has shown that regular maintenance costs for hybrid vehicles are no higher than for regular vehicles. Additionally, hybrid car owners are less likely to be involved in accidents and some insurance companies have begun offering discounts to hybrid car owners.

Many vehicle owners make the mistake of automatically assuming they need remanufactured Volvo transmissions. Simply by educating yourself about the basics of this drive part and following a few simple steps to identify basic problems, you can essentially save thousands of dollars. You eliminate extra mechanics bills and have less down time.

Tranny Basics

Any brand of tranny involves three main components. The outside metal casing that contains all the intricate inner workings is the bell housing. The second is the gearing that drives the machine. This involves a large set of gears called ‘primaries’ and a second set of gears referred to as the ‘planetaries.’ They allow the vehicle to change directions and dictate the amount of force behind the drive. If anything goes wrong with either of these systems, a rebuilt part is often the only solution.

The third component is the area where most minor problems occur. The fluid system keeps all of the drive’s insides lubricated so it can function smoothly. Without it, metal grinds metal and things stop working quickly. Besides a fluid check system, this involves a series of hoses and a filter that prevents debris and water from entering the system.

Identifying Simple Breakdowns

As previously stated, most simple drive problems involve the fluid system. The first step is to check the level of fluid remaining in the system. If it is low or empty, you will need to determine where it is going. Some of the common areas for leaks include the filler tube connection, speed sensor, connections between the tranny and motor, and the drain underneath. If no leaks are detected, examine the radiator coolant. If the fluid is there, you will notice the coolant level is higher than normal or you will visibly see a contaminant in it. Finally, don’t forget to check and replace the filter. If the problem clears up, you know you found the problem.

When Are Remanufactured Volvo Transmissions Necessary?

If you have noticed a metallic grinding sound, loud banging, a refusal to shift into gear, stay in gear, and/or feel lunging, it may be time to consider remanufactured Volvo transmissions. This happens commonly if you fail to find a leak in time or if you couldn’t find anything wrong with the fluid system. The insides of these parts require specialized knowledge and tools so it is best to make your next step a trip to see an expert. He or she will determine the problem and recommend a solution. Purchasing a rebuilt replacement is a considerable repair, but remanned trannies are often guaranteed.

Taking the time to eliminate basic problems eliminates the hassle of spending additional money needlessly on vehicle repairs. The insides are an intricate and complicated mass of systems, but the outside isn’t as bad as you may think. If it is time to consider remanufactured Volvo transmissions, purchase one from an experienced dealer with a solid reputation to ensure you get one that is of good quality. In most cases, a rebuilt tranny is just as good if not better than the original version. This makes the money more easily spent.