It is always recommended that you check the car’s transmission fluid at least every month or any time that the transmission is not shifting smoothly. This is important because it will help in the optimization of the performance of many components of the car. It is advisable to look up the manual so as to determine the intervals that you are required to change the fluid. Therefore to change your transmission fluid, consider the following steps.

You should start by first parking the car on a level ground. This should then be followed by starting up the engine and then the gear should be left on a neutral or park. You should then leave the engine to warm up. It is advisable to leave the engine running all through this process unless the manual states otherwise. You should then get the dipstick from the back of the engine. The dipstick resembles the engine dipstick even though it is normally shorter. Read more

You may know nothing about auto repairs but this does not mean that you can be easily scammed by mechanics and technicians who may only after your money. Even if you may not know what an alternator is, you can still be able to tell if you are given a fair estimate or not. Here are some tips on how to achieve this:

• Find out what repairs should be made to your car. Let the mechanic do his own diagnosis of the problem.

• If some parts have to be replaced, then learn the cost of replacing these parts. If the parts needed are original equipment / parts made by the car manufacturer, then you have to make sure that you do not pay more than the manufacturer’s recommended price. Take note that you can save money by using used parts instead since they have a wider price range. Read more

The Tremec TKO is a great choice for retrofitting into the old muscle cars, but it isn’t quite a direct bolt-in replacement for a four speed. There are a few areas that will require modification and/or custom parts for a TKO conversion into any muscle car.

The Tremec TKO’s three rail internal shift mechanism is positioned at the top of the transmission, making it taller, wider and flatter across the top than most of the old four speeds that were common in the 1960s and 1970s. Some cars such as the 1967-1981 Camaros and Firebirds typically have ample room to install a TKO without any tunnel modifications. Other muscle cars have transmission tunnels that are barely big enough for the old four speeds, and will interfere with the TKO. Body mounts that are in bad condition will make things worse, so make sure your body mounts are in good shape before installing a TKO. Some cars can get by with just dimpling the transmission tunnel in a few areas, but on others there just isn’t any way to get around cutting the tunnel and reshaping new sheetmetal around the transmission. However, the modifications can almost always be covered by the factory carpet, and with a console may be completely invisible from inside the car. Read more

An engine coolant is an important fluid for the car. It performs two primary functions in the car. During hot weather, the the coolants remove heat from the car combustion area to prevent it from over heating. When the weather is very cold, especially for regions that have extreme winters, the coolants prevent the car engine from failing. These coolants usually come in liquid form and are mostly made up of specific fluids. The coolant should be replaced regularly because they enable the engine to function well. Don’t forget that coolants should also be treated regularly as they help eliminate rust and dirt deposits from the engine that help the engine function well.

The first step is to check on the location of their coolant tank. Once the coolant tank has been located, check on the engine coolant levels of your car. This is relatively easy. There are car indicators that show the levels of the fluid in the car. If the levels are too low, then the owner is advised to fill it up. The vehicle owner should also check on the condition of the coolant fluid. Most engine coolant fluids by various manufacturers normally come in different colors. Engine coolant fluid that is in good condition is normally clear based on its original color. This color should be free of dirt and other particles. Engine coolant oil is added to the overflow tank of the vehicle and is sealed thereafter. This prevents any leakages from occurring. Engine coolants are also readily available in all gas stations. The vehicle user is advised to check on these levels when the car is cool, never when it is hot. Read more

Spark plugs are important components in system of a car. These plugs enable the proper functioning of a car engine and perform the function of compressing fuels by the use of an electric spark. Although spark plugs wear out gradually, the user should ensure that the plug is of high quality in order to ensure longevity in performance. A car user is advised to take his vehicle for regular engine servicing. Regular engine servicing enables the mechanic to detect on any impending irregularities in the car. The car user is also advised to replace plugs after every two years.

So here is what you do.

Spark plugs are important components in system of a car.

A clear indicator that the car has a faulty plug is when the engine slows down on its performance. This is an obvious sign that it is worn out. Before the user replaces the worn out plugs, they should first check the manufacturer’s description. The manufacturer’s description gives the exact specifications on the original car spark plug and alternative ones in case the user does not find the original type. In order to ensure that the plug is completely worn out, the user should test it first. Testing is normally done by the use of a spark plug gauge. Other areas to check on include plug cables which indicate any splits, cracks, rust in the engine, as well as any other damaged area of the engine. Read more