The same way an engine relies on motor oil, an automatic transmission needs to be lubricated with transmission fluid. It has several moving components which rub together just like the engine does. Automatic transmission components can only work smoothly if they’re consistently lubricated while the vehicle is running. Any type of fluid leak would cause … Read more
Every car with a manual transmission has a mechanical device called a flywheel. Flywheels are heavy, balanced metal disks that store rotational energy. Since heavy spinning objects have high inertia (that is, resistance to change in velocity), flywheels keep your engine running smoothly even when torque delivery is inconsistent or changes quickly, such as when … Read more
In a manual transmission, engine speed and wheel speed are linked by the clutch. When the clutch is engaged, it is pressed against the flywheel by the pressure plate and turns at the same speed as the engine. A disengaged clutch allows the engine and wheels to turn at different speeds. When you step on … Read more
A transmission fluid is a special type of lubricant that is formulated to keep the moving components of a vehicle’s transmission running smoothly. There are different types of transmission fluids available, especially for automatic transmissions and manual transmissions. An automatic transmission needs fluid that not only lubricates its components, but also keeps them cool and … Read more
A transmission valve body is a complex labyrinth of valves and solenoids that routes transmission fluid through circuits in the transmission. If the transmission control module (TCM) is the brain of the transmission, valve body would be the heart. If something were to go wrong with the transmission valve body, certain features of the automatic … Read more
The neutral safety switch is often an overlooked component of a vehicle. When you go to start your engine, the gear must be set to Neutral or Park. Most people will already have their gear set to Park from when they parked their car before and that is fine. However, automatic transmission systems are built … Read more
Manual transmissions give a driver more control over the performance of their vehicle. Although a stick shift can offer a fun and rewarding experience, there are certain issues that can make it very difficult or impossible to get the car into and out of gear. How does a Manual Transmission Work? Manual transmissions contain a … Read more
There are three types of differentials that a vehicle could have; open differentials, locking differentials, and limited slip differentials (LSD). The function of any differential is to transmit engine power to the wheels. This is how wheels can rotate at various speeds. While an open differential would still power any wheels that are losing traction, … Read more
A differential is the part of a vehicle’s powertrain that allows two wheels to turn at different speeds. Differentials have one input and two outputs, with each output going to an axle or drive shaft which then connects to a wheel. What is the Purpose of a Differential? When you take a turn in your … Read more
The transmission is basically what allows the driver to control the power of the engine in a vehicle. It is what allows the driver to change gears and determine the direction and motion of the vehicle. Whether you have a manual transmission or automatic transmission, there needs to be transmission fluid that lubricates its internal … Read more