Tag Archives: fluid

Do Transmission Fluid Additives Work? John Baker| Feb 26, 2024 9:04 AM Walk the aisles of most auto parts stores and you’ll find multiple “mechanic-in-a-bottle”-type additives that claim to restore transmission performance. The claims made typically include some variation of the following: • Frees stuck valves to improve shifting • Fixes transmission slipping • Restores smooth […]

How Often Should I Change Front or Rear Differential Fluid? John Baker|May 04, 2021 4:05 PM How often you should change front and rear differential fluid depends on your vehicle, driving conditions and differential fluid quality. That’s a vague answer, but it’s true. If you drive your truck primarily on the highway in temperate conditions […]

What Kind of Transmission Fluid Do I Need? John Baker|Jan 13, 2021 8:14 AM Finding out what kind of transmission fluid you need can be a challenge. Take a look at just a few of the dozens of automatic transmission fluid (ATF) specifications on the market: ATF+4 ATF DW-1 DEXRON VI DEXRON ULV MERCON V MERCON […]

Automatic Trans Fluid & Manual Fluid Differences John Baker|Apr 09, 2019 11:06 AM Back in 2006, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) offered buyers the choice between an automatic and a manual transmission in 47 percent of new cars. Fast forward to 2018, when only 2 percent of vehicles sold had a manual transmission, according to edmunds.com.  […]

Hydraulic Power: Common Problems and Solutions Andy Arendt|Oct 26, 2016 2:04 PM In the simplest terms a hydraulic power system consists of a sump, motor, pump, valves, actuators and hydraulic fluid. This combination can be configured into millions of applications to transfer power and reduce mechanical complexity. If properly maintained, hydraulic power systems offer exceptional […]

Beginner’s Guide to Choosing the Right Snowmobile Lindsay Premo|Dec 12, 2017 8:42 AM Having grown up in the country, snowmobiles were a common form of transportation. When I was little my dad would tow the toboggan behind our late ’80s (don’t even try to guess my age from that!) machine to the local bar for […]

Transmission maintenance requires a shift in thinking Like motor oil, transmission fluid must now do more. Matt Erickson | TECHNICAL MANAGER – PCLT PRODUCTS AND MECHANICAL R&D What’s more important to your vehicle, the engine or transmission? It’s a trick question; they’re equally important. You’re not going anywhere without either one. But which do people […]

Common Fixes for a Transmission that Jerks or Hesitates John Baker|Dec 19, 2016 9:06 AM   Here are a few common reasons why your transmission may shift erratically, jerk or hesitate. • Low fluid level • Depleted fluid frictional properties • Poor cold-temperature fluidity Start with the easiest fix There’s an old adage when troubleshooting: […]

How to Check Transmission Fluid (and What Type Do I Need)? John Baker|Aug 01, 2016 8:50 AM It’s a good idea to check your vehicle’s transmission fluid about once a month to monitor fluid level and condition. Check the fluid immediately if the transmission jerks, hesitates or shifts hard. 1. Obtaining a correct reading on […]