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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 1999-04-21, Page 11THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21, 1999. PAGE 11. Spring Car Care 1999 Transmission fluid, life blood of system Why do they call it transmission fluid and not oil? Basically the automatic transmissions found today in most cars are hydraulic devices that utilize directed fluid pressure to create certain gear change applications. Automatic transmissions, therefore, are sealed units that do not use or lose fluid like some engines might. Servicing the transmission properly will increase its life expectancy and maintain its performance level. Transmission services for most automatic transmissions should be performed under normal operating conditions at time intervals laid out in your owner's manual. For severe service vehicles, such as police cars, construction vehicles, and taxi fleets these should be serviced more often. So if automatic transmissions are basically sealed hydraulic units, why service them at all? The transmission fluid in your automatic transmission contains many special additives that enhance the performance of the Converters A leading role in the reduction of harmful exhaust emissions is the catalytic converter, through which exhaust flows on its way to the atmosphere. The lethal components of exhaust gas are rendered harmless by the converter. This device should remain effective virtually forever unless it's damaged. Its enemy number one originally was the lead in gasoline. Now, however, with all gas lead-free, nine other factors have become infamous as "cat killers". Periodic checks and maintenance will disclose most of these discrepancies, which Car Care Canada lists as "the nasty nine". The first three are critical sensors in the emissions control system: oxygen, coolant temperature and throttle position. If one or more of Watching for brake trouble Like comfortable shoes, one's car eventually feels almost like a part of its owner. And, like our favourite shoes, gradual wear is almost imperceptible. We may hardly notice a minor irregularity in braking action, for example, until it becomes serious. We may subconsciously compensate for a slight pyII to one side or the other when the brakes are applied. We may become so accustomed to pulsating or noisy brakes that we're unaware of transmission, products such as friction modifiers, detergents, anti foaming agents are all part of new automatic transmission fluid. As a result of mileage and mostly over heating, some of the special additives can burn off or become dormant. Changing the fluid regularly helps maintain these important additives and adds to the life of the transmission. The basic transmission service consists of removing the transmission pan, draining out the fluid, cleaning the pan area, installing a new filter and pan gasket and refilling the transmission fluid to appropriate levels, using only manufacturer's approved transmission fluid. What should you look out for? Normal automatic transmission fluid is a bright cherry red. Actually the hydraulic fluid used for automatic transmission fluid is clear, a red dye is added to assist in identifying any leaks and differentiate it from engine oil. Transmission Fluid Smell and Colour need care these sensors send the wrong information to the computerized fuel, ignition and/or emission control systems, unburned fuel in the exhaust will damage the _ .-5converter. Culprits four and five are a leaking fuel injector and ignition misfire, such as one or more worn spark plugs. The next three are less common, but worth noting: bad gas, a leaking head gasket and a faulty fuel pressure regulator. Finally, and not necessarily least common, is oil burning due to worn engine components. Oily exhaust can ruin a catalytic converter. Car Care Canada points out that even the most advanced vehicle design still demands periodic and maintenance service. deteriorating performance. Don't take your brakes for granted, reminds Car Care Canada. Consider this: if an emergency were to arise on the TransCanada when you're driving 120 kms. per hour, chances are you'd travel 70 feet before your foot hit the brake pedal. Then you'd go another 250 feet before stopping, even on a dry road with good tires and brakes. Reason enough for a periodic brake inspection by a qualified technician. The smell of transmission fluid also provides valuable clues to this condition of the transmission; a burnt smell or discoloured fluid is a sign of overheating and may mean a further inspection of the transmission and cooling system are needed. Also be aware of water or antifreeze in the transmission fluid, this will appear as a pink fluid, almost like a strawberry milkshake. If the fluid has gone pink the transmission will have to be removed and disassembled for further inspection. Pan Inspect the pan for any excessive amounts of friction materials or metal particles. This may indicate internal wear and require a more extensive inspection. Filter The filter which is located inside the pan area should be replaced SHARP DEALS ON QUALITY - CLEAN READY-TO-GO USED CARS Great Savings on These Used Cars & Trucks. Some One Owner Low Mileage. 1995 Taurus Station Wagon - air conditioning 1995 Chev Silverado Pickup - loaded 1993 Olds Delta 88 LS, loaded 1992 Dodge Grand Caravan LE - loaded 1991 Olds Delta 88-4 dr., loaded 1988 Chev Caprice Brougham - 4 door, loaded 1988 Ford Tempo - 4 dr., automatic, air HAMM’S BLYTH PHONE 523-4342 BRAKE For Spring every time service is done, but before you throw out the old filter, open it up and check for signs of wear such as brass bushings or metal particles. Make sure when installing a new filter that it fits properly and is secure. If the filter comes loose for any reason you may experience a poor or no shift conditions. Fluid Automatic transmission fluid is the lifeblood of the transmission. Fill the fluid to the correct level and make sure the fluid you are using is recommended for use in your vehicle. Some fluids will not work correctly in some vehicles and may cause poor performance. Change the transmission fluid according to your owner's manual. Only have a transmission specialist change your fluid to be certain you're getting the quality fluid and CARTER'S WEST END GARAGE AND BODY SHOP EXHAUST AND BRAKE COMPLETE COLLISION REPAIR SPECIALISTS AND PAINTING WHEEL ALIGNMENT & BALANCING OWNER-OPERATOR HARVEY CARTER 215 HURON ST., BOX 728 PH: (519) 482-9363 CLINTON, ONT. NOM 1L0 FAX (519) 482-3534 Basic Service Special - Change oil & filter (includes up to 5 litres of Ford oil) - Check under hood f - Check tire pressure levels BRIDGE MOTORS LIMITEDFORD Wingham Call 519-357-3460 $QQ95 Installed Replace Front or Rear AC Delco Pads or Shoes Lifetime Warranty Any Machining, if required, extra C/W KOT Reg. $6.70 NOW ONLY $4.99 Includes Glass Cleaner & Multiwash. - parts you need. Remember, the transmission is a sealed hydraulic unit and it does not use or lose fluid like some engines do. Therefore, if you find yourself adding flujd to your transmission, it must be leaking somewhere and should be inspected by a professional. BURKHOLDER AUTO BODY Box 193 Blyth, ON NOM 1 HO 519-523-9474 Toll Free 1-800-350-6993 24 Hr. Towing FORD SALES, LEASING & SERVICE - COMPLETE MECHANICAL SERVICE - COMPUTERIZED TUNE-UPS - TIRES - BRAKES MUFFLERS - VEHICLE INSPECTION STATION DAN'S AUTO REPAIR Owned and Operated by Dan & Heather Snell RR 3, Blyth, Ont. NOM 1HO (on the Westfield Rd.) DAN SNELL, Automotive Technician 523-4356 Deal with the "DEALER OF EXCELLENCE" i ■■ CHEVROLET ■■■■ JOHN CULLEN j^MMoldsmobile B f Chevrolet^ ! <z> OWsmoble 115 Josephine St. Wingham Ontario 357-2323