Superior Transmissions

Watch: How to Check Automatic Transmission Fluid Level

Nearly every system in a vehicle uses some type of fluid. Motor oil is the most commonly recognized fluid because it is changed the most often. It lubricates the engine to prevent wear, and increase efficiency. The transmission in a vehicle uses its own type of oil, which functions in similar ways.

Transmission fluid’s main purpose is to lubricate all the parts inside of a transmission for the same reasons as engines need motor oil. The fluid in automatic transmissions also works as a hydraulic fluid. The fluid will lose these properties over time because of exposure to heat and pressure. This is why changing transmission fluid on set intervals is a necessity. It’s also important to check the fluid to make sure it is at the correct level. Watch the video above for an explanation and demonstration of how to properly check transmission fluid.

Head to Superior Transmissions to have your fluid checked, filled, or flushed. Schedule an appointment by calling us at (301) 358-6288.

Breaking Down the Components of Your Manual Transmission

Manual transmissions are not as complicated as automatic transmissions, but they are by no means simple machines. Learning the major components that make up a manual transmission comes in handy when trying to understand what the transmission repair shop mechanics are telling you. Read about the following components to get a better understanding of what they are and how they function.

Clutch
There is a large metal plate called a flywheel attached to an engine. This plate spins with the engine, and the clutch plate is pressed against it when the clutch pedal is released. Another component, the pressure plate, works in tune with a diaphragm, throw-out bearing, and release fork which is connected to the clutch pedal. Pushing the clutch pedal in pulls the clutch disk away from the flywheel to allow gears to be changed.

Gears
Most modern vehicles with manual transmissions have five or six gears. Each gear changes the output ratio to the rear wheels. In lower gears, the driveshaft spins at a fraction of the speed of the engine. The second to last gear usually spins the driveshaft at the same speed, and the final gear allows the driveshaft to spin faster than the engine, allowing increased fuel economy at higher speeds.

Shifter
The gear selector fork—or shifter—is what the driver uses to change gears. In neutral, the transmission is spinning, but the driveshaft will not spin because no gear is selected. When a gear is selected, the shifter pushes a collar towards the gear.

Collar
Each collar is a ring connected to the driveshaft. They have teeth on them that correspond with teeth on the gears. When one is pushed towards a gear, the teeth will lock together, and the driveshaft will then spin with that gear when the clutch is re-engaged.

Synchronizers
To prevent the collars and gears grinding when they mesh they use synchronizers. The gears have an extended piece of shaft that fits into the collar before the teeth meet. The synchronizers are corresponding pieces inside the collars that help the collar and gear match speeds before engaging.

To learn more about transmissions or any of these components, contact Superior Transmissions. Reach us online or by phone at (301) 358-6288 today!

Looking For More Transmission Information? Click On These Links To Get The Facts You Need!

The transmission in your car is one of the most expensive and intricate components of your car’s powertrain. To be sure that your transmission lasts for many years and miles, it’s important to stay on top of transmission maintenance and repair. Learn more about your car’s transmission and what it needs by visiting the following websites. For more information, contact Superior Transmissions at (301) 358-6288.

• The most important auto maintenance items, including an inspection of your transmission’s fluid, should be performed on a monthly basis. For a complete car care checklist, visit Dummies.com.

• The importance of replacing your transmission fluid is outlined at Cartalk.com.

• To get the basic gist of what’s involved in an auto to manual transmission swap, read this article by Mustang Monthly.

• Find out how manual transmission cars work and what a synchro does by going to HowStuffWorks.com.

• Learn more about synchronizers and find out if yours are worn out by visiting AxleFacts.com.

Bored With Your Automatic? Learn The Basics of Automatic to Manual Transmission Swaps

Are you getting bored with your automatic transmission? Are you craving more control over your vehicle, more powerful acceleration, and less maintenance? Swapping the automatic transmission in your car for a manual transmission is easier than you might think. To learn more about transmission swaps, continue reading.

Who Gets an Automatic to Manual Transmission Swap? 
It’s quite common for owners of vehicles made in the last 25 years to consider a transmission swap. People who are looking to upgrade the performance potential of their imported car—especially Hondas, Toyotas, Nissans, Volkswagens, or BMWs—are often looking for an automatic to manual transmission swap. Many drivers opt for a transmission swap after purchasing a used automatic transmission vehicle and realizing that they want to get more out of their car.

What are the Benefits of an Automatic to Manual Transmission Swap? 
Automatic to manual transmission swaps are fairly easy for a professional technician to perform, and they provide a variety of benefits. Added control, increased fuel efficiency, fewer maintenance requirements, quicker acceleration, and a more engaging driving experience are just a few of the main advantages that a manual transmission offers over an automatic.

How is an Automatic to Manual Transmission Swap Performed? 
In order to swap out your current car’s automatic transmission for a manual one, auto repair technicians must install a shift linkage, a shifter and shift boot, a flywheel, a clutch, and, of course, a transmission. Since a transmission swap requires a wide variety of tools and a great deal of experience with how transmissions work, it is best left to specialty shops and expert technicians rather than the average mechanic.

To get a high-quality automatic to manual transmission swap for your vehicle, take it to Superior Transmissions, a family-owned and -operated transmission service and repair shop located in the Washington D.C. area. For more information on our transmission swap service, give us a call at (301) 358-6288.

Why Consider a Standard Transmission Over an Automatic?

There are numerous benefits to driving a manual (or standard) transmission car over an automatic. To find out what some of the main benefits are, watch the video clip.

Manual transmissions are generally more fuel-efficient than automatics. They are also quicker to respond, thanks to lighter weight components that are less likely to slip during shifting. In addition, manual transmissions do not require transmission fluid to operate, which makes them more efficient than automatics. Lastly, modern manual transmission cars are easy to operate and are cheaper to maintain than an automatic transmission.

If you are looking for a place in the Washington D.C. area to get your transmission serviced or repaired, visit Superior Transmissions, a family-owned and -operated transmission repair shop. Give us a call at (301) 358-6288 for more information.