Q. Must we warm up an engine before driving?
A. Never drive until the engine warms up. For your transmission to perform properly, the fluid must be at operating temperature. So warming up the engine a few minutes will give you better and longer service.
Q. I see my parents leave the shift lever in the park position without the parking brake on. Is this wise and a common practice?
A. A very common foolish practice. If another vehicle were to even tap yours in the front or back while parked it could cause a part in your transmission (the parking pawl) to breakup and leave your vehicle to roll down the street unattended. So put on the hand parking brake as a habit.
Q. I often see younger drivers drag racing. They speed off burning rubber at stop lights so to speak. Is this wise?
A. Unless your vehicle is a racing 'sporster' specifically designed for racing purpose ordinary vehicles cannot sustain that form of abuse. You run the risk of damaging all the driveline components. Also, tires wear out easily in drag races.
Q. Can we downshift to "brake" while waiting at stop lights?
A. A forced downshift at high engine revs per minute (RPM) causes excessive wear on the transmission friction components like clutches and bands.
Q. Can one place the shift lever in drive or reverse when the engine is in "fast idle"?
A. This again like the previous question can cause abrupt transmission engagement leading to the early failure of clutches, bands, gear sets, driveline components and engine or transmission mountings.
Q. Sometime we get stuck in snow, sand or mud. Does it affect the car if we rock the car to get out?
A. Never rock your car in mud, sand or snow. Dig your car out or have it towed. Both are less expensive than the damage you may cause by quick shifting between Reverse (R) and Drive (D) over and over again. The excessive heat and wear and tear that is caused by such actions can burn out a transmission in a short time. After a big dig in the snow, sand or mud, go get a free check out of your transmission by Tigard Transmissions.
Q. What about the tow truck towing your vehicle? Are there anything to watch out for?
A. Never let anybody to tow your vehicle with the drive wheels on the ground. Rear wheel drive vehicles must be towed with the rear wheels off the ground. Front wheel drive with the front wheels in the air. All wheel or full time four-wheel drive vehicles should be flat towed (all four wheels off the ground). Improper towing can cause serious damage to your precious transmission!
Q. We have to stop suddenly sometime in an emergency. Yet, my dad says for me not to brake hard and make abrupt stops. Is he right?
A. Father's knows best most times. Like fast starts, quick sudden stops can damage drive train components like engine and transmission mounts. These can lead eventually to transmission damage and failure. After any sudden emergency stop to avoid an accident, it would be most wise to have your mounts checked by Tigard Transmissions.
Q. How often do we change transmission fluid?
A. High stress conditions such as in heavy stop and go traffic, hilly terrain, hot weather, or after heavy towing can cause transmission high heat. .Transmission fluid cools, cleans, and lubricates the internal transmission parts while providing the hydraulic pressure to make all of the components work together. When the fluid loses its ability to perform those tasks efficiently breakdown cannot be far away. The above conditions will shorten the effective life of transmission fluid. So, after a few high stress occasions go change the transmission fluid (a minimum of twice a year) at Tigard Transmissions.
Q. How long will it take for Tigard Transmissions to service or repair my vehicle?
All minor repairs, services, and adjustments can many times be done immediately, while you wait. Major services involving the removal and repair of the engine, transmission, differential, or other major component can take as long as one or more days depending on parts availability and complexity.
Q. What types of warranties are available on major repairs in Tigard Transmissions?
A. The standard limited warranty is 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. But there are extended warranties available depending on the level of service chosen. The Manager at Tigard Transmissions can elaborate further the details.
Q. My brother-in-law says I can save money by letting him check, buy the parts from the parts company and fix my car transmission in my garage. Should I?
A. Never let your brother-In-law (or any other unqualified person) ever attempt to fix the transmission in your driveway. He may do more harm than good and cost you much more in the long run. Go make an appointment and see a professional like Tigard Transmissions.
