The Citizen, 1986-03-26, Page 13THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 1986. PAGE 13.
Regular transmission fluid checks prevent problems
A car equipped with an automa-
tic transmission offers consider-
able convenience over manual
transmissions. However, as with
most convenient devices, there are
no free rides.
An automatic transmission rep-
resents considerable cost when
purchased as an option and is one
of the most expensive items on the
car to repair or replace. Fortunate-
ly, major repairs are typically not
required unless the transmission is
not maintained.
Recent surveys indicate that
motorists are not paying proper
attention to automatic transmis-
sion fluid (ATF) condition and
levels. A transmission depends on
ATF to lubricate, cool and provide
the power transfer from the engine
to drive axles.
The life of AFT can be severely
reduced when overheated, and
transmission damage can result.
Overheating is typically caused by
severe usage such as heavy
stop -and -go driving; pulling a
trailer; spinning the wheels in
mud, snow or sand, and low ATF
levels.
Remember to check the ATF
condition and level periodically
when you stop for refueling. If you
need to add fluid, consult the
owner's manual to determine
which type of ATF is required.
If the fluid appears dark brown
or has a burnt odor, it may need to
be changed. If you must add fluid
frequently, it may mean that the
transmission has a leak which
should be repaired. Faulty gaskets
or seals usually cause leaks.
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
PAYS
For normally operated vehicles,
many manufacturers do not recom-
mend ATF changes until 100,000
miles. However, cons;dering the
cost of transmission repairs or
replacement, an ATF change and
filter replacement at 25,000 to
30,000 miles would be cheap
insurance against failures due to
burnt or contaminated fluid.
Typical preventive service to
transmissions costs between $20 to
$50; on the other hand, overhauls
range between $200 and $1,200.
If you operate the vehicle under
severe conditions or tow a trailer,
you might want to have an auxiliary
transmission fluid cooler installed.
Auxiliary coolers are easily install-
ed and inexpensive.
If you are driving a late model
car, you may have noticed that the
transmission shifts frequently.
Tips for air
conditioner
care
Is your car's air conditioner
keeping you completely cool this
summer? If not, says Car Care
Council, check it out.
The two most common problems
that turn up in car air conditioners
are refrigerant leaks and inopera-
tive compressors. These problems
can hinder a system's performance
and cause it to falter when it's
needed the most.
Most leaks occur at fittings
where lines are joined together or
where a line connects to another
component. Leaks can drain the
system of the refrigerant needed to
maintain sufficient charge. If the
level is low, the leaks should be
repaired and the system recharg-
ed.
While leaks account for the
majority of car air conditioner
problems, an additional area not to
be overlooked is the efficient
operation of the system's com-
pressor. Itsdrivebelt should be
inspected for wear and adjusted for
the proper tension.
A worn belt should be replaced
by a service technician, who also
can check the operation of the
compressor's magnetic clutch.
Your car might also have additional
selector positions on the gear shift.
This means that the vehicle has a
lock-up torque converter or over-
drive function built into the
transmission. This allows the
engine to turn slowly while driving
the wheels much faster.
This is particularly effective for
improving fuel economy. Be sure
to consult the owner's manual on
the proper way to drive a car!
equipped with such modifications.
Improperly using overdrive at slow
speeds or with heavy loads can
damage the transmission.
Listowel Chrysler Knows Price Sells Cars
Compare The Prices, Test Drive The Competition
We're Sure You'll Agree We've Got The
EQUIPPED AS FOLLOWS:
2.2 litre fuel injected
engine, automatic
transmission, power
steering & brakes,
P175/80R13 w/wall radial
tires, electric heated rear
window, AM electronic
clock radio, trunk dress up,
insulation pkg., light group,
wheel covers, wide
bodyside moulding,
intermittent wipers
r
N
-4
0
m
r
n
N
r'
m
U1
m
r
cnr
TI
0
.53r
m
N
N
FINANCING * *
ALSO AVAILABLE • FREE AIR CONDITIONING
WITH APPLICABLE PACKAGES ON SE & LE MODELS
LYLE JOHNSON
CLIFF HALPENNY
GARY LUCAS
754 Main St. E., Listowel - Phone 291-4350
Open Daily till 9:00 p.m., Sat. till 5:00 p.m.
* Rebates and discounts are included in sale price, transportation and sales tax extra
" * Based on 36 month term, rebate does not apply with financing
Limited Time Offer
LISTOWEL CHRYSLER SELLS FOR LESS