Wondering when is a Transmission Fluid Change Needed?

If you are starting to notice transmission issues (see the list below), you may find yourself wondering when is a transmission fluid change needed?  Although transmission fluid could remain in your vehicle for as long as you drive without changing it, most auto mechanics would tell you that the transmission fluid should be changed about every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.

If you recognize the purpose of transmission fluid, you will recognize why your auto mechanic may recommend scheduling a transmission service to flush the transmission.  The main purpose of transmission fluid is to lubricate surfaces and components of the transmission, which helps prevent excessive friction and overheating.  Also, as the transmission fluid, it is transmitting power from the engine to the transmission.  Eventually, if there are leaks in the transmission or there are worn-out or damaged components, the level of fluid can become dangerously low due.  

So how do you know when is a transmission fluid change needed?  Watch for these signs:

1. Delayed Shifting. The gears won’t engage instantly if there isn’t enough pressure in the transmission fluid. 
2. Difficulty Shifting. If there is a lot of dirt in the transmission fluid, the gears may change either too fast or too slow, too abruptly, or too erratically. You also may hear grinding sounds coming from the transmission or see unusually high RPMs before the gears shift. 
3. Slipping gears.  Although you know you changed gear, it seems to fall back out of that gear.  It is likely that the friction material on the clutches and transmission bands cannot securely hold the gear in place. 
4. Transmission Overheats. The transmission fluid keeps the automatic transmission from overheating.  If you notice a burning smell along with loss of power, pull over instantly and let everything cool down.

Try topping off the transmission fluid. If this doesn’t do the job and the above symptoms persist, you may be facing a major transmission repair. 

Are you looking for quality transmission repair? Consult our ASE Certified technicians at Proshop Automotive for more information about when is a transmission fluid change needed and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Colton, CA, and the surrounding areas.

What causes your headlights to not work?

With the longer days of summer, many customers may not think about their headlights and brake lights.  Though, make sure you keep an eye on them as they can burn out or stop working without you noticing.  It’s still vital that you have working headlights and brake lights so that you can be seen on those unexpected rainy days or for late-night driving.

So what causes your headlights to not work or seem extra dim?  There could be some reasons, including:

• Burned out bulbs:  If only one headlight is not working, the issue is usually a burned out bulb.  Have it replaced as soon as possible and then if it still doesn’t work, you will want your auto mechanic to inspect the wiring or fuses.
• High beam doesn’t work:  If the bulb isn’t the issue, it could be faulty wiring in the switch or relay.
• Electrical System:  If the lights dim only when the engine is idling and the brightness changes with the RPM, the issue may have to do with the electrical system.  This could involve an issue with a bad alternator or a loose belt.  If the alternator is fine, the accessories may be drawing too much power, such as aftermarket components.  In this case, a more powerful alternator may take care of the issue.
• Lights seem dim all the time:   The issue could be foggy lenses or worn out bulbs.  Over time, bulbs can lose their brightness so you may want to invest in a new set of bulbs.  Dirty, foggy, or oxidized lenses block the light.  Dirt is easy to clean.  Foggy lenses are an indication that water is getting into the headlight assembly.  It may want to be replaced.  Lenses that have oxidized can be reconditioned.  This involves removing the oxidation and then applying a protective coating.

In older model vehicles, the average person could replace burned out headlights or brake lights themselves.  But with the design of today’s vehicles, the lights are much harder to access.  Unless you have the right equipment, it is much smarter to go straight to your auto mechanic who has the right tools and diagnostic equipment to check the headlight system, inspect the fuses, switches and relays, and then either repair or replace as needed.

Are you wondering what causes your headlights to not work?  Call the ASE-certified technicians at Proshop Automotive for more information about headlights and brake lights and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Colton, CA, and the surrounding areas.

What Happens If You Neglect Regular Oil Changes?

New and inexperienced vehicle owners may not understand what happens if they neglect regular oil changes.  Experienced car owners may have experienced first-hand what kind of damage can take place in the engine if the oil is not changed on a regular basis.

In case you are confused about the exact oil change interval for your vehicle, and the type of oil to use, read your owner’s manual.  This is the guideline suggested by the manufacturer to ensure that your vehicle will keep running strong for lots of miles.

There are some benefits for keeping up with regular oil changes:

• Extends your engine’s longevity
• Optimizes your vehicle’s performance
• Prevents excessive engine wear and tear
• Keeps engine parts lubricated
• Prevents engine overheating

So what happens if you neglect regular oil changes?  With use and time, oil deteriorates and loses its effectiveness. It’s time for an oil change if you see any of the warning signs below:

1. Dark and dirty oil.
2. Noisy engine because of lack of lubrication
3. Oil change warning light comes on.
4. Smoke coming from the muffler.
5. Oil smell inside the car, combined with gas or exhaust fumes.

Even though oil changes are relatively quick and cheap, because of schedules and budgets, it is easy for people to put off the needed oil change.  Because auto repair technicians really do want their customers to be driving safe vehicles, lots of auto shops offer oil change coupons to make this service more affordable.  Ask your auto mechanic or go to your auto shop’s website and find their oil change coupons. 

Are you wondering what happens if you neglect regular oil changes? Call our ASE Certified technicians at Proshop Automotive for their oil change coupons and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Colton, CA, and the surrounding areas.

When Should Wheel Alignment Be Done?

Have you noticed that toddlers often put their shoes on the wrong feet?  Their toes are pointing the wrong direction!  This is a little example of driving with wheels that are not correctly aligned.  The wheels of your car aren’t pointed in the same direction as the steering wheel.  

The simple act of hitting a curb or running through a pothole can damage your alignment as much as a major accident.  Wheels out of alignment will cause your tires to wear more unevenly and faster than normal.  Misalignment problems will also decrease your vehicle’s fuel economy as well as could be the cause of losing control of your car, especially in wet conditions.

There is no set schedule for having an alignment service.  Though, most auto mechanics recommend having the front alignment checked about every 6,000 miles (or every other oil change depending on your service interval).  And, keep checking your tires!  At the first sign of uneven tire wear, you should schedule an alignment service.  Also, it’s suggested to have a wheel alignment any time you have a new set of tires installed on your vehicle. 

A periodic wheel alignment service will restore your car’s handling and safety, increase fuel economy, prevent damage to vital vehicle components, plus extend the life of your tires. The price of an alignment service is relatively inexpensive compared to the cost of replacing tires or repairs to the suspension system.

If you have steering issues or notice uneven tread wear, have the front alignment inspected as soon as you can.  Don’t compromise the safety of your vehicle!

Have questions about a front alignment service?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Proshop Automotive for more information about when should wheel alignment be done and make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Colton, CA, and the surrounding areas.

What Are Signs Of Bad Struts?

What gives you a smooth and relaxed ride in your vehicle?  It’s the automotive shocks, depending on your vehicle!  The purpose of the steering and suspension systems is to keep your ride smooth and safe, working together in harmony.  But as the miles accumulate on your car, the components of these two systems will ultimately wear out.  

Just like most of the other parts and systems in a vehicle, automotive shocks and struts have a specific maintenance schedule. Your auto mechanic may advise to replacing these parts between every 50,000 to 100,000 miles.  Of course, the lifetime of shocks and struts will depend largely on how and where you drive.  Do you drive mainly on smooth straight roads, or do you travel over roads filled with ruts and potholes?  

So what are signs of bad struts or automotive shocks?

• Poor steering response.
• Swaying and leaning when turning and changing lanes.
• Vehicle bounces excessively when driving.
• Braking performance is unstable.
• Vehicle Nosedives when braking hard.
• Tire "Cupping" as the rubber wears off the tire every time it hits the ground.
• Hydraulic Fluid leaking from inside the strut or shock.

If you notice that you are struggling to control your vehicle as you drive down the road, check out the shocks or struts. For increased safety, stopping performance, vehicle stability, and control, it may be time to replace your car shocks or struts.  

Are you wondering what are signs of bad struts and automotive shocks?  Call the ASE-certified technicians at Proshop Automotive for more information about the suspension system and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Colton, CA, and the surrounding areas.

Wondering How Many Miles Should You Service Your Car?

There are several factors that will affect how many miles you should service your car:  These are:  

• The amount of miles you drive.
• The service history of your vehicle.
• The condition of the road you travel on.

So at how many miles should you service your car?  Many auto mechanics recommend that you have a basic car service every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.  If you drive a lot of miles during a year, you should try to have an interim service about every 6 months or 6,000 miles.  These services should include a inspect of all the fluid levels, oil and filter change, and lubricate all the moving car parts.  Of course, with the proficiency of your mechanic together with your owner’s manual, you should choose the best level of service for your circumstances. 

Most Modern cars have taken the guesswork out of knowing when to service your car.  Many cars today have an in-built computer that will flash on the dashboard when your car has reached its service interval.  If your car doesn’t have this service alert, ask your car repair expert about the specific servicing requirements for your vehicle. 

Remember:  Regular car service increases the safety, reliability and long life of your vehicle.  Small faults can be discovered early and taken care of before they become a major issue.  Moreover, research shows that vehicles that have received regular service have a resale value of up to 26% more than similar vehicles that have not received regular service. 

Are you looking for quality car repair?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Proshop Automotive for more information about how many miles should you service your car and make an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in Colton, CA, and the surrounding areas.

When Should You Change Transmission Fluid?

If you’re wondering when should you change transmission fluid in your vehicle, you may want to know just what is the purpose of transmission fluid.  First, it lubricates all the surfaces and components of the transmission system to prevent the friction that causes overheating, and secondly, it transmits power from the engine to the transmission. 

A topic of controversy among mechanics is when should you change transmission fluid?  Some say that transmission fluid should never want to be changed.  But some vehicle manufacturers recommend replacing transmission fluid about every 100K miles, while some say about every 50K miles.  Find your owner’s manual to see what it has to say, and then discuss the topic with a trusted auto mechanic.

In spite of the facts above, it is a fact that transmission fluid deteriorates over time.  Particular driving conditions raise the transmission’s operating temperature and put more strain on the transmission and the fluid, such as frequent stop-and-go city driving, hauling weighty loads, or towing.   If your vehicle has a lot of miles, it could be that the transmission could be developing a leak.  

So when should you change transmission fluid?  If the fluid has turned darker than usual it may be time for a transmission flush. Or, if you start to notice a burned odor, it could an indication that the transmission is developing issues, such as 

1. Delayed shifting. 
2. Difficulty and/or noisy shifting.
3. Slipping in and out of gear. 
4. Overheating and burning smell.

If you have the transmission fluid inspected about every month, you can keep tabs on its condition, and prevent an expensive transmission repair down the road. 

Are you wondering when should you change transmission fluid in your vehicle?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Proshop Automotive for more information about a transmission fluid change and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Colton, CA, and the surrounding areas.