Transmission Service 101

Servicing your car's transmission is easy and inexpensive. The transmission fluid and filter are often overlooked or forgotten because they do not need to be changed as often as other fluids or filters. The average interval for replacement of transmission fluid and filter as specified by the manufacturer is generally around 50,000 miles. If you are experiencing problems with the transmission it is a good idea to have a specialist take a look at it. . If you have a few basic tools and a basic knowledge of mechanics you should have no problem changing your own filter and fluid.

The Passing of A Champion

In my last article I said that the next installement would continue with cooling system maintenance. Well, that topic will have to wait a few days. Instead this article is about the passing of a champion, the final act of a legend, the death of a man who had many nicknames and whose name was synonymous with stock car racing--Dale Earnhardt.

Cooling System Basics

Winter is almost over, at least here in Texas anyway, and pretty soon we're going to need to get our cars and trucks ready for the spring and summer ahead. One of the most important things to pay attention to is the cars cooling system. Cooling system does not mean the air conditioner, it is referring to the engine cooling system and the components that keep the engine running at normal operating temperatures.

Finding A Mechanic

I am often asked by customers moving to a new city: "How do I find a mechanic in my new town?" While there is no easy answer to this question there are a few things which one can do to find a new service provider. Depending on where you live has alot to do with finding a good machanic. If you're in a large metropolitan area you may have many repair shops to from which to choose. In a small town or rural area you can expect fewer choices and repair shops in these areas may have limited capabilities, but labor prices are generally lower.

Communication Breakdown--Communicating With Service Technicians

You've put off taking your car in for service long enough, or you just can't stand listening to that rattle anymore or you come across a problem with your car that you just can't fix yourself. Now comes the daunting task of taking your vehicle into a service facility. But what do you tell the guy behind the counter? How can you be sure that he understands what your needs are? And how can you be sure that the shop won't try to sell you alot of parts and services that you may not need? The first step is clear communication with the service writer.

Farewell, Oldsmobile

Last week General Motors announced the death of one of its flag brands, Oldsmobile. Citing lagging sales the automaker stated that it would discontinue the line after the 2001 model year. Too bad. This was one of the best American made brands on the road, though in years past it had come under the cookie-cutter mentality that seems to dominate General Motors designs. Build a lot of cars, exactly the same, just slap on different front and rear panels and nameplates. For years Olds filled a niche in the auto market. People bought Oldsmobiles because they were stylish, innovative automobiles cheaper than Cadillac, sportier and more stylish than Buick and with more prestige than Chevy and Pontiac.

Buy the Right Part-The First Time

Look at your car. What is it? A Subaru? Dodge? Chevy? Look closer. What makes it what it is? What makes it a Ford or Nissan? The parts that are combined to make the whole vehicle. Many unique parts must be assembled in just the right way to make a specific make and model of car. After all, you can't install a Toyota alternator on a Honda and expect it to work. And you can't always buy a generic part for your car and expect it to work either. There are more companies making aftermarket parts than there are brands of cars these days. But how do you know which are best? You don't have to buy original equipment parts to get quality, in fact many brands of aftermarket parts provide service which is superior to OE components. However, you do need to know a few things to ensure that you are getting a quality part for your car.

Over the River and Through the Woods

The holiday season is upon us and that means that many of us will be travelling by car to one place or another. It may be just a short trip to the mall or a thousand-mile, cross-sountry trak to visit relatives. Wherever you plan to travel this holiday season there are a few things that you should remember before you leave. Things that could help you to have a safer trip and make sure that you reach your destination woth as few problems as possible.

October is National Car Care Month

October is National Car Care Month and it's a good time to take car of any overdue maintenance or just get your car ready for the winter ahead. Whether you live in the frigid North or the more temperate South there are steps you can take to ensure that your vehicle remains dependable and in good working order with as few problems as possible in the months ahead.

10 Steps to Choosing the Right Vehicle

What Kind of Vehicle Do You Need.How Much Can You Afford to Spend.Will You Buy the Vehicle or Lease It.Decide on Which Vehicles You Wish to Consider .Find the Vehicles . Research the Vehicles .Find the Market Value of the Vehicles .Schedule a Test Drive .Negotiate the Price .Close the Deal .