Monthly Archives: February 2020

TRANSMISSION REPAIR BASICS: WARNING SIGNS AND RED FLAGS

If you know your way around a car’s engine, then you’re better prepared than most drivers. For the average car owner, going to a mechanic is a stressful, often paranoia-inducing experience. And when a mechanic tells you that you need a thousand dollars of transmission work… many people are tempted to get a second opinion. But while some car repair shops will tack on extra services and transmission work that you don’t really need, the truth is that a bad transmission is an absolute disaster waiting to happen. Simply put, a transmission transmits your car’s engine to its wheels. When you change gears, your transmission changes the amount of output torque and speed applied to the motor shaft. Without a working transmission, your car isn’t going anywhere. So how do you choose a car repair shop that won’t rip you off? According to the Federal Trade Commission’s official consumer advice for car service and transmission repair, you shou ... read more

WHAT’S THAT STUFF LEAKING FROM MY CAR? HOW TO CHECK FOR A FAILING TRANSMISSION

If you return to the parking lot to find a puddle of fluid seemingly leaking from your vehicle, it’s not necessarily a cause for terrible panic. There are several things that could be going on with your car that’s causing fluid leakage, not all of them necessarily the sign of a failing transmission — or even a cause for immediate car repair at all. One of the easiest ways to determine what’s leaking out of your car is the color of the liquid. That might be hard to tell on a paved surface, so try to lift some using a piece of paper or catch it dripping with a cup. Then use this color guide to figure out what might be the problem. Green: A bright green liquid means leaking coolant or antifreeze. While it’s not an immediate threat to the functioning of your car, it is worth getting fixed — the stuff is highly toxic to wandering animals. Clear: On a hot day when you’re running the air conditioner, water ... read more