Transmission Flush

Posts Tagged ‘Fluid’s’

In one sense, your car is living being. All living beings need substance to survive. Fluids provide this for your automobile and without it they would quickly die. You’ll find yourself with a heap that won’t move and will just be lying on the side of the road. Maintaining the fluid levels in your automobile is an easy job. This is something that even an introductory mechanic can handle. More importantly, it’s fun and will add years the life of your car.

While it is important to always maintain these levels, you specifically want to make sure that prior to long trips you take care of this maintenance task. There are seven areas in your car that need liquid to survive: window washer, air conditioner, engine, radiator, battery, brakes and transmission. Let’s take a quick look at each one and ensure that your car stays on the road.

Window Washer-This is probably the easiest of all tasks with the reservoir being located in the rear of the engine compartment. If you’re having trouble locating it, consult your owner’s manual. Most newer automobiles will have a warning light that comes on indicating that it needs to be filled. You may want to add a little bit of Windex to improve the cleaning capabilities of your washers. You’ll find this useful tip when dealing with bugs and road salt, as it will remove them from your windshield easier.

Air Conditioner-While this is an area that needs to be checked, it is not usually something the armchair mechanic can handle. While it is important to check this fluid level, this is a task that you should trust to a certified mechanic that specializes in air conditioning.

Engine-For an automobile, oil is the equivalent of blood. Without oil, your engine would lock up and become completely useless. The procedure itself is quite simple. Take your automobile out for a quick ride and find a nice spot to let it cool down for about five minutes. This will give the oil needed time to settle into the sump. Open your hood and find the dipstick, it will be located in the front of the engine and usually has a distinctive handle. Remove the dipstick and wipe it down and then reinsert it in the reservoir. If the level is low add a quart and re-check it. Repeat the process until you have an acceptable level. Do not overfill it as this will lead to problems.

Radiator-This is a process that you want to do when the engine is luke warm, not cold. Also make note at the radiator should never be checked while the car is on. The radiator cap is easy to locate as it is in the center of the engine compartment. Be careful and use a rag to remove it. Simply look down and see if the fluid is at a high level. If it’s near the top your fine if not you’re going to have to add some fluid. The mix for engine coolant is 50% water and 50% coolant. You are also going to want to check the coolant reservoir. This is a plastic reservoir on the side of the radiator with a hose that connects it. This should be filled about two thirds of the way.

Battery-If you have a maintenance free battery, this is a simple task as you need do nothing. However, if you have a standard battery, the cells will need refilling. The cells will either screw off or be pried off with a flat screwdriver. This should be filled with distilled water. Caution should be used when filling a battery, as it contains sulfuric acid. Use the necessary precautions.

Brakes-Locate the brake fluid reservoir, it is usually in the engine compartment. Take off the lid and check the level. It is not at least two thirds full replenish it to the full line with brake fluid. If this is a consistent problem, you may want to have a mechanic look at it.

Transmission-for an automatic transmission, the dipstick is usually located behind the oil stick at a lower level. When checking this fluid, your automobile should be on and running. This is a sealed system, therefore, if you’re fluid is low is probably an indication of a leak. This will be easily confirmed by an oil like stain underneath your automobile. If the fluid is very dark or black, this is a sign that it needs to be changed.

As you can see, checking all of these should take no time at all. However, the few minutes that you do spend maintaining your automobile’s fluid levels will save you lots of money and prolong the life of your car.

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.

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.

Now that you’ve known the other car care basics, perhaps it’s time we take a look at the fluid essentials that are literally the life giving blood of your car.

1. Brake Fluid- Is a type of hydraulic fluid that is used in hydraulic brake applications of your car, motorcycles and trucks. This type of fluid is used to transfer force under pressure from its point of origin among hydraulic lines to the braking mechanism close to the wheels.

Most brake fluids today are composed of glycol-ether but several types with mineral oil and silicone composites are also out in the market. This type of fluid should meet stringent requirements set by organizations such as SAE and the US Department of Transportation (DOT) – hence you get ratings on labels such as SAE or DOT 3 and 4 compliance.

As a rule of thumb, brake fluid should always be replenished if the levels in its container decrease with every drive. Fluid level in the master cyclinder will drop as the linings, brake pads and shoes wear and the calipers extend further to compensate. Brake fluid level may also be low because of leaking, which can lead to loss of hydraulic pressure and the most dangerous- brake loss.

It is very important to constantly monitor your brake fluid levels to ensure safe driving and fill according to the set level. Flush and change your brake fluid every 1-2 years to further ensure reliability and take note to never mix brake fluids with different DOT ratings as this can result to poor fluid performance.

2. Power Steering – Is another type of hydraulic fluid that transmits the power steering system of cars, trucks and other modes of transportation.
This is the fluid that guards your power-steering pump and rack from wear and tear. It requires constant monitoring and refilling from time to time according to the required level in its cylinder.

A way to notice that your steering system is about to have a problem or that your power steering fluid is running low is when you turn the steering wheel and you hear whining noises. Have your car checked when this occurs to prevent serious damages to your power- steering system.

Note: There are products out in the market today that contain the combined properties of Power Steering and Automatic Transmission Fluids (ATF). Use any of these products to save and be protected more.

3. Battery Fluid- Is the electrolyte fluid found inside the cells of your battery. If you are using the regular type of battery and not the maintenance free one, then you are required to refill your battery cells from time to time with electrolyte fluid.

Standard battery for cars is 12V and usually has 6 individual cells inside it. To refill, simply remove the vent caps that can either be found on top or on the sides of the battery. Check and fill the electrolyte fluid inside.

Note: There are some brands of maintenance free batteries out in the market today that can run on dual power- meaning they also have vent caps for electrolyte fluids in case their power supply run out. Although this type of battery may not come cheap, it would be best for you to use it.

4. Radiator Coolant- Is a mixture of anti-freeze fluid and water designed to protect the radiator and cooling system all year round. Using one will protect your engine from overheating. Most coolant products out in the market today come with various additives that can further help you against rust and other forms of corrosion, lubricate or increase the cooling efficiency of your cooling system.

Simply pour out the contents of your coolant to the radiator reservoir. Add water to the set level and you’re done.

For maintenance, it is very important for you to drain and flush your coolant once a year (or depending on the product recommendations) and replace it with a new one.

Note: Never mix different types of coolant together as this can lead to damage or a reduction of your car’s cooling system. Before changing to another brand, be sure to drain and flush your cooling system of the old one.
See to it that the reservoirs of these fluids are in constant levels and refill when they’re not enough. Properly maintaining them will help ensure your safety and prolong the life of your car.

Buckle up and drive safely.

Jovir Amatong
<a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=”http://www.autoterminal.com”>jamatong@autoterminal.com</a>

Your car can survive and operate efficiently for years as long as it has access to certain fluids. For example, your engine requires oil; your radiator needs coolant (or antifreeze); your transmission and brake system also need their respective fluids. If these systems are starved, they will eventually fail to perform. Your engine and transmission, in particular, will sustain expensive damage.

Unfortunately, millions of drivers fail to check their fluid levels on a regular basis, even though doing so is simple and requires very little time. In this article, we’ll provide a blueprint you can use to check the levels and ensure your car’s major systems are in good health.

How To Check The Oil

Your engine is comprised of moving parts that create friction and heat during operation. Oil helps to lubricate these parts and prevent them from destroying each other. If your engine lacks sufficient oil, it will seize up or overheat, leaving you by the side of the road.

If you have been driving, let your car cool down for several minutes. Then, lift the hood and find the oil dipstick (it’s usually located near the front of the assembly). Pull the dipstick from its housing and wipe the oil off with a rag. Then, stick the dipstick all the way back into its housing and withdraw it again. You’ll see two noticeable markers. The oil should be between them. If the level is next to, or below, the lowest marker, add a quart of oil and pull the dipstick out again to reexamine it.

How To Check The Transmission Fluid

While the oil should be checked when your engine is cold, the transmission fluid must be checked while your engine is idling. It has its own dipstick, which is usually located near the oil dipstick. Let your engine idle for several minutes before checking the level.

Remove the dipstick and wipe the fluid off onto another clean rag. Then, stick it back into its slot and remove it again. Like the oil dipstick, it has two obvious markers. The transmission fluid should appear between them. If the level is low, add more.

One side note: you can expect your oil level to decline over time. Your transmission fluid is different. The entire assembly is completely sealed, which means the fluid should not escape. If the level is low, that usually means a seal or gasket had developed a leak. It needs to be addressed by a mechanic.

How To Check The Coolant In The Radiator

The coolant level in your radiator should be checked once the engine has cooled a bit. Never check it while it’s hot; the pressure within can cause injury. Your vehicle’s radiator cap should be located on the driver’s side near the engine. Take the cap off (use a rag to protect your hand from heat) and peer inside. If the level is lower than the top, you’ll need to add more.

In most vehicles, there is also a coolant reservoir. Coolant expands and flows into this receptacle during operation. It should be approximately two-thirds full. If it’s low, add more.

How To Check The Brake Fluid

Your brake system should never be low on fluid. In that way, it is similar to your transmission; a low level means there’s a leak somewhere. It should be repaired before it worsens and places your safety – and that of your passengers – at risk. There is a brake fluid reservoir that is normally located near the firewall on the driver’s side. It sits atop the master cylinder. You should be able to identify the level without removing the lid. If it is lower than two-thirds full, add more.

The fluids described above are essential to your safety and the operation of your vehicle. Get into the habit of checking them every few weeks. It only takes a few minutes and will prolong the life of your car.

Manual transmissions or gearboxes, like automatic transmissions, are the vehicle’s main component which distributes the power created by it’s engine to the wheels.  Both applications control that engine power and deliver it to the wheels in order to produce a desired speed, but each does it in very different ways.  In the manual transmission, the driver controls the engagement of gears for each shift with the movement of a clutch.  The clutch allows the engine’s flywheel to separate from the manual transmission in order for it’s gears, often moving at different speeds, to slow down, coast, and then re-engage at the correct time.  This allows a smooth engagement of gears at a different ratio in order to move to a different speed.  Oil for manual transmissions act as the lubricant for this engagement.

The engagement of gears when shifting a manual transmission incorrectly can cause a terrible noise of metal on metal grinding.  This noise is caused by the metal gears not engaging at the same speed.  This often happens with inexperienced users, leaving metal debris in the fluid, eventually causing even more harm to those gears in the future.  Even with experienced drivers, the gears in a manual transmission wear over time because they are not always perfectly engaged each and every time it is shifted.  The oil for manual transmissions must be a very specific composition and viscosity in order to handle such wear.

With this propensity to wear over time, the oil used in a manual transmission, much like the oil in a differential, must be a specific thickness and viscosity.  Because synthetic manual transmission or differential oil is scientifically designed for uniformity and more specific purposes, it tends to be better than conventional oils for this application.  Conventional oils are refined from crude oil and are unstable and often full of byproducts that slip through in the process.  Synthetic manual transmission oil is chemically engineered to have a uniform molecular structure.  This allows it to flow in the gearbox more smoothly and creates an easier engagement of gears on each shift over time.  This smoother shifting will lengthen the life of the manual transmission and also increase the fuel economy of the engine in that vehicle.

Another benefit of synthetic fluids are that they last longer and are less subject to thermal breakdown over time.  With oils for manual transmissions being changed at longer intervals than their counterparts, synthetic manual transmission or differential oil will hold up to the stresses of gear engagement and high temperatures created by this friction longer than conventional, petroleum based fluids.