For most of us, driving is easy and muscle memory. You start the car, put it in drive and off we go to conquer the world. One of the key things that keeps our car going so we can put it into drive is our transmission. We routinely change our brake pads, brake fluid and fill up the car with gas, but have you ever checked to see when you should get a transmission flush? Your vehicles service manual will tell you the suggested intervals to have the transmission serviced and this is vitally important to keeping your car going smoothly on the road. Transmission fluid lubricates the transmission so you can shift as you are flying down the tollway or just get out of your driveway. This fluid has some pretty awesome properties; it will flow through the transmission whether it’s in the negatives or over 100 degrees outside. (We are all familiar with the latter, too). If the fluid is too old, it will lose some of its properties and could turn to varnish or sludge in the transmission which leads to serious problems. If your transmission has sludge or varnish, just like you engine, it will not be able to smoothly transition between gears, the transmission could start slipping which causes temperatures to rise, and eventually the transmission can fail all together. We can keep this from happening by following our service manuals and getting our transmissions flushed at the appropriate intervals. Stop by your closest Autoscope for a transmission service!
Tag Archives: Audi
Windshield Wiper Maintenance
Living in Texas, we all know a lot about the heat. We know that our air conditioning raises electric bills, we know we and our plants need more water, we know that a sunny day can be a mixed blessing. However, what not everyone knows is that the heat of this time of year can cause some serious damage to our wind shield wipers. With the random rain storms that come with this time of year, we need to check on our wipers to ensure our safety, along with everyone we are sharing the road with.
There are a few things that cause our wiper blades to deteriorate.
- Heat. On a nice summer day the temperature on your windshield could reach over 145 degrees F. This slowly roasts the rubber of the wiper blade and causes them to crack. Cracks are what causes streaks and “chattering” to occur.
- Ozone. The ozone in the atmosphere, which is highly concentrated in high traffic areas, oxidizes the rubber and leads to cracking.
- Cold. Lest we forget, summer will come to an end and then we will be hit with cold temperatures. The cold air hardens the rubber and allows water to seep under it which causes smearing.
Windshield wipers were first patented in 1905 by Mary Anderson, since then there has been only one change. In the past 10 years, a new wiper has come out, the flat bladed wiper. These wipers are held down with uniform pressure compared to previous wipers which only had pressure points. These new blades are also more streamlined and smaller than their predecessors. And if your car didn’t come with these great new wiper blades, don’t worry! Most now have adapters to fit them on any car!
What Really Kills Your Car Battery
Heat. Yep, that’s right, sounds crazy but it’s true. The average battery lasts three and a half years, but in warmer climates like ours, it’s even less. And with temperatures on the rise, this means we need to check on our batteries.
To get the most out of a battery, The Car Care Council suggests the following:
- Be sure the electrical system is charging at the correct rate; overcharging can damage a battery as quickly as undercharging.
- If your battery is the type that needs to be topped off, check it regularly, especially in hot weather. Add distilled water when necessary.
- Always replace a battery with one that’s rated at least as high as the one originally specified.
- Keep the top of the battery clean. Dirt becomes a conductor, which drains battery power. Further, as corrosion accumulates on battery terminals it becomes an insulator, inhibiting current flow.
Summer Road Trip Check Up
Summer is here and that means road trips! Before your adventure, think about getting your car checked up. The last thing anyone wants to have happen on a great trip is car trouble. So to make sure you don’t have to cut your trip short, and in turn have more unexpected expenses like towing, lodging and possibly a rental car, have your car get a ‘physical’ to look at the following systems:
Cooling
Braking
Emission control
Steering and Suspension
Fuel
Electrical and Ignition
You should also have your tires/wheels, A.C./heater, windshield wipers and seatbelts checked before you leave.
Not only can this ‘physical’ help reduce the chance of a costly and dangerous roadside problem; it gives you the chance to have any needed repairs done with the technicians and shop you know and trust.
Rain, Rain, Go Away…
Rain, Rain, Go, Away…
This time of year we have all been rained on and driven through moving water. What we really need to think about as the world dries out a little is whether that water has hurt our car. The Car Care Council has a list of things to check to make sure nothing has damaged your car.
- Check interior carpets, upholstery and door and trim panels for dampness. If they are wet, then the vehicle will need professional attention. If you simply let the carpet dry, it will quickly grow mildew and give off nasty odors. Seat brackets, motors and modules should also be checked for rust and proper operation.
- Pull the engine oil and transmission fluid dipsticks and differential plug. If the fluid appears milky, diluted, is no longer its original color or is beige in color, then it is likely the pans contain water. The vehicle should be towed to your ASE-certified technician or repair shop. Driving the vehicle with water present may damage the internal parts and require extensive overhaul or repairs. The council reminds motorists that some new synthetic differential fluids may appear to be milky but are not water contaminated. When in doubt, a professional automotive technician should make the evaluation.
- Check the air filter for water. If it is wet, replace the air filter and change the oil.
- Check the undercarriage, bumpers, radiator area and frame for mud, grass, dirt, debris and rust. If any of these are present, the vehicle should be washed and cleaned as soon as possible.
- Have the brake system checked by a professional automotive technician.
- Check the exterior lights for moisture and water. Replace headlights and bulbs that contain water.
- Listen for abnormal noises while the engine is running. Make a note of where the noise is coming from and take the vehicle to a professional automotive technician as soon as possible. Pay particular attention to the alternator, serpentine belt, starter, power steering unit, air conditioner and wheel bearings.
- Inspect the suspension joints and lubricate as necessary. Many newer vehicles are lubricated at the factory for life; however, these joints should be checked for rust.
