TRANSMISSION - AUTOMATIC & MANUAL

There are many kinds of transmissions in cars and trucks these days. What is a transmission and what does it do? Transmissions basically come in two designs, manual (shift it yourself) and automatic. Transmissions are the component that takes power from the engine and transfers it to the wheels. It's what makes your car or truck move. Without a transmission, your Sunday drive would be pretty boring. Transmission problems will leave you stranded on the side of the road too. Don't forget regular transmission maintenance.

Automatic transmissions vary from old 2 speed power glides from GM up to more common 4 or 5 speed automatics. The 3 speed auto transmission is very common and was used in most vehicles from the 1960's through the 80's. Most newer vehicles are 4 speed or 3 speed overdrive. The extra gear is for highway driving to increase fuel economy and save wear and tear on your engine because it's turning slower.

The modern automatic transmissions use onboard computers to calculate optimum shift points, vehicle speed, and controls many other internal functions of the transmission and engine combination.

Manual transmissions are very popular in trucks of all sizes. Usually an automatic transmission can't take the abuse of towing very heavy loads like horses, car haulers, travel trailers and fifth wheels. Most people that are planning on towing with their truck still prefer a manual transmission for longevity. There are some newer automatic transmissions that will hold up to this kind of work load, but they haven't been on the market very long. Manufacturers that used to only make automatic transmissions for large vehicles like motor homes and buses, are getting into the light truck game. Allison is one of these companies.

Manual transmissions use a clutch disc, pressure plate and release bearing to transfer the power from the engine to the transmission and on to the wheels. Releasing the clutch pedal allows the clutch disk to sandwiched between the pressure plate and the flywheel, allowing the engine's crankshaft to start spinning the transmission input shaft. Clutches in these vehicles are operated with metal linkage, cables or hydraulically. Any failure in these systems will not allow the clutch to function with the clutch pedal. The only maintenance a manual transmission needs is an occasional gear oil change and a clutch replacement when it wears out.

Trucks aren't the only vehicles that benefit from a manual transmission. High horsepower cars, "muscle cars" or "street cars", are commonly known to sport manual transmissions because the driver decides when to shift, and the transmissions can take a lot of abuse from burnouts and racing.

Automatic transmissions require regular transmission services that include fresh fluid, a new transmission fluid filter and generally a new gasket on the transmission pan. See your vehicle's owner's manual for service intervals. Not servicing your transmissions on a regular basis will greatly shorten it's life span, and will probably cost you a large amount of money for a transmission replacement. Call us now to make a transmission service appointment for your vehicle.