New Automotive Transmission Technology 2020
A lot of new discoveries have been introduced in 2020, taking new steps forward in the automotive transmission industry! With new ideas every day and new cars on the market every year, this industry is one that constantly strives for improvement, productivity, efficiency, speed, status and power!
Here are just a few of the new technological advances in the automotive industry so far in 2020:
• Ford’s New & Improved Automatic Transmission – Ford developed a new version of their 10 speed transmission (first produced in 2017) for the Mustang. With this new transmission, the torque converter does not need to disengage between transmission shifts. The clutches are activated by integrated solenoid valves, to improve shift time! This new system increases clutch pressure accuracy and delivers faster and smoother gear changes. The new transmission will be available on the rear drive, 170ps Transit, paired with the EcoBlue engine.
• Transmission Software Updates – Tests were conducted in the South of France that showed that Allison’s FuelSense 2.0 software hit 12% of fuel savings on its collection vehicles. The key to the software’s effectiveness is the way it continuously assesses driving conditions to adjust the gear changes at the right time. The software considers different factors when switching gears, such as vehicle weight, road gradient and frequency of stops. Upgrading vehicles to FuelSense 2.0 registered between 2014-2018 in the UK could reduce carbon emissions by 27,000 tons every year!
• Volkswagen’s Single-Speed Transmission – VW’s ID.3 transmission has been designed to cope with all driving situations. When in reverse, the car’s electric drive system direction is also reversed. The gearbox has a 2-stage design with two smaller cogs instead of one big cog. The electric drive motor in VW’s ID.3 gives maximum torque of 310Nm. Noise is also a major factor that was considered in the creation of this transmission. To ensure noise-reduction, the workings of the 1-speed gearbox are very carefully made and checked!
• Hyundai and Kia Introduce Connected Transmission Shift Technology – Both of these top car companies have developed information and communication technology that works well with a transmission shift system in a vehicle. This enables the car to shift automatically to the optimal gear depending on the weather, road, and traffic conditions ahead! This new transmission smart system should deliver improved fuel efficiency and a comfortable driving experience!
- Published in Transmission
Questions to Ask a Mechanic Before a Transmission Rebuild
It is important to shop around and compare different mechanic’s styles and pricing when needing a new transmission. When choosing the right one, it is okay to ask questions before you sign on the dotted line!
- Are you rebuilding my existing transmission or replacing it with a new one?
A rebuilt transmission is a very complicated piece of machinery. It requires great workmanship. A new transmission that was rebuilt in a professional transmission shop is the most reliable! Ensure your rebuilt transmission goes through serious inspections and tests before you commit. Installing a re-manufactured transmission will reduce the cost of your transmission.
- Does the rebuild include warranty?
Most auto shops will offer a quote for a transmission rebuild, replacement, repair or any other services. It is reassuring to know your transmission can be fixed or replaced for free if something goes wrong!
- What does the warranty cover?
The terms of your warranty should be thoroughly explained in detail. The length of the warranty is another important aspect to consider. The most common warranty lengths are 30,000-50,000 miles in coverage. The best warranties extend to the life of your vehicle!
- Do I have to get my transmission serviced here to use the warranty?
The fine print is important to pay attention to. Strange clauses could indicate the warranty is void if you service your car somewhere other than where you received your new transmission. If something goes wrong with your transmission on a long road trip, the cost of getting your car back to that original repair shop can get extreme!
- What do you recommend as preventative maintenance for my new/rebuilt transmission?
After your transmission is installed, it is imperative to maintain it properly. The factory where the transmission was built will have a list of recommendations to follow such as maintenance, service and inspections. If not available, ask for general guidelines to maximize the life of your transmission!
It is vital to ask as many questions as you can when it comes to your new, rebuilt transmission. Even though a rebuilt transmission is new-to-you, that does not mean that it is brand new. Something could go wrong and it is important to know how to take care of your transmission and know where to get it serviced when your warranty is still in effect! The crew at Transworks Transmissions will work with you and make sure you feel nothing but comfort when it comes to your rebuilt transmission!
- Published in Transmission
Why Is It Important to Check Your Transmission Fluid?
It is very important to check your transmission fluid frequently. Allowing your fluid to go bad and waiting too long to get it changed can cause a lot of problems for car. Transmissions can be very expensive to fix and is even more expensive to replace. Check your transmission every 50,000 miles or so, just to be safe. One of the best times to get your transmission fluid checked by a professional is during a routine engine oil change. Our specialists are always happy to check it for you and let you know the condition of your transmission fluid.
If you want to check your transmission fluid yourself, here are some simple steps to help:
- Put your vehicle in park, set your parking brake and make sure you are on level ground.
- Locate your transmission filler tube under the car (if your car doesn’t have one, see a specialist).
- Remove the dip stick and clean it with a dry cloth.
- Reinsert the dip stick all the way and then take it back out to see the level of the fluid.
- If the color of the fluid is not clear and has a burnt odor, it is time to get it changed!
Without changing your transmission fluid on time, your transmission will be lubricated with metal shavings and other contaminants, shortening your transmission’s life. Transmissions can fail even after you already changed the fluid because the damage has already been done by waiting too long get new fluid. Without being proactive, a hefty penny is needed to get a replacement.
A transmission changes the gears of your engine. It transfers the engine’s power to the wheels allowing your car to move. Changing the transmission fluid on a regular basis will make sure the fluid stays clean and will keep your car running smooth! Changing the fluid in your transmission can be a complicated mess so if you are even a little uncomfortable doing it yourself, let the professionals do it for you!
- Published in Transmission
Cars That Still Have a Manual Transmission
Our world and the auto industry evolve more and more every day. Technology continues to improve, making our lives easier. In today’s auto industry, you may think that manual transmissions have become less popular. While that is true, there are many makes and models that are still being made with manual transmissions today. Many people believe an automatic transmission is easier and more convenient when driving. On the other hand, a lot of people also believe that the exhilaration and adrenaline of a manual transmission is unmatched. The ability to control the speed of your car while hearing the roaring sound of the engine is still attractive. Here is a list of cars that still use a manual transmission!
The Honda Civic Type R
It surprises a lot of people when they learn that Honda Civics are still made in stick shift models. This car is known for being reliable and safe, but this Type R (R for racing) is equipped with a manual transmission for full control!
The Dodge Challenger
The Dodge Challenger has become the perfect example of a muscle car over the past several years. The reason this car is one of the most popular muscle cars is for its strong, reliable build that gives the driver complete control with a manual transmission.
The BMW 2 Series, M2
German car companies have always been in their own category. BMW has developed a great reputation for producing the world’s most iconic luxury cars. The BMW 2 Series M2 is one of the many reasons why. This car still comes with a manual transmission that gives anyone who drives it the feeling of power and luxury that is unrivaled.
The Subaru WRX
This reliable Japanese car uses a stick shift that allows the driver to control the engine in an unparalleled way. The WRX is one of the few an affordable cars now-a-days that offers manual transmissions.
The Chevrolet Corvette
Chevrolet has made MANY reliable cars over the past 100 years. Including the most famous, the Camaro. But the Corvette is Chevrolet’s most known model and is a beacon of innovation and technology in the industry from its inception to today! Chevrolet has moved many models away from manual transmission, except for the Corvette. This car still comes with a stick shift that allows the driver to feel the power that has made the Corvette so famous.
While there are only a few cars on the road today that still use manual transmissions, it will never fully go out of style. Anyone who loves cars appreciates the thrill and control of a manual transmission!
- Published in Transmission
5 Transmission Problems Not to Ignore
Cars are intricate, complex machines that usually offer some warning signs when something is not going right. It is important to not ignore those signs when you have an automatic transmission, and get your car looked at by a specialist immediately. Here are five warning signs of transmission problems to never ignore.
- Transmission Slipping
When driving, if you hear a pitch change for no apparent reason as your car shifts gear, your transmission may be slipping. Often times you can sense when your car is struggling to accelerate and feels under powered. If you have any sense of this happening, get your car checked by a professional.
- Transmission Fluid Leaks
If you notice any type of leak spots in your garage or driveway, it could mean a leaky transmission. A way to be sure is to place a piece of cardboard on the ground under your engine and determine if the fluid is a reddish color. If the answer is yes, visit your auto shop right away.
- Transmission Rough Shifts
Your gear changing should be smooth and seamless. If you are changing the gears in your car and it is not as smooth when it shifts, it could mean something is wrong with the transmission.
- Transmission Delayed Engagement
When you shift out of “park” and into “drive”, a delay occurs if there is something wrong with the transmission. You’ll notice the delay when you would expect the car to start moving as you give it some gas.
- Transmission Warning Light
A warning light does not always mean something is wrong. A car’s system is a complex computer that may be having a malfunction. But a warning light in combination with other warning signs and indicators that your car is acting abnormal, could mean that you have a transmission problem. Any time your “check engine” light comes on, it is important to have it diagnosed by a professional just to be safe.
A faulty transmission will cause many problems to your car. Some that are very noticeable and some that aren’t quite as obvious. If you are noticing any of these signs, it is imperative to have it looked at by an expert. None of these problems are normal to experience in your car and in most cases, the longer you wait to have your car problems fixed, the worse they get!
- Published in Transmission
How to Know When It’s Time to Change Transmission Fluid
To maintain an operational transmission, you should change transmission fluid regularly. This is one of the most basic car maintenance tasks. You should keep track of the fluid level and put more in when it gets too low. Many car owners do not realize that you also need to change the transmission fluid entirely. This is a more substantial job, but luckily it does not need to be done very often. At TransWorks, we can offer the transmission repair in Madison you need.
How Often You Should Change the Transmission Fluid
There are varying reports of how long you should wait between transmission fluid changes. This is because the best amount of time to wait actually varies depending on several aspects, such as the way you drive, the size of your vehicle, and whether it is manual or automatic. Generally, manual cars need the fluid changed more often, and lots of city driving with its constant stop-and-go may make the transmission fluid deteriorate faster. The general recommendation is to have the fluid changed either once every 50,000 miles or every other year, whichever comes first. Your car’s manual might have a more specific recommendation.
Signs to Look for
Although it is rare, sometimes problems may arise that signal a needed fluid change, regardless of the regular maintenance schedule. If you notice any of these signs, seek transmission service in Madison immediately:
- A grinding noise when shifting gears
- The gears slipping or difficulty shifting
- The vehicle surges forward or backwards
- There is a movement delay after shifting
These are all signs that the transmission fluid is low or dirty. You should check the level immediately, and if it is not low, then it is time to have it changed. You can count on us to take care of your transmission in Madison. Give us a call at 608-742-5136 or request an appointment.
- Published in Transmission
5 Symptoms of Low Transmission Fluid
5 Symptoms of Low Transmission Fluid
Keeping an eye on your transmission fluid is vital to a well-maintained vehicle. Otherwise, you could end up paying for transmission shipping and replacement. If you notice any of the following signs when driving, it’s time to take a look under the hood.
Slipping
Transmission fluid is responsible for transferring engine power to the transmission, which means that if you’re low on fluid, you’re not going to be able to shift gears effectively. This can manifest as “slipping,” when your vehicle enters a higher gear, only to fall back out. Your shifts may also be erratic or accompanied by a grinding noise.
Overheating
The second purpose of transmission fluid is to absorb heat generated by your car’s moving parts. Low fluid means heat gets trapped in your car’s inner workings, which can result in damage such as the following:
- Hardened seals
- Varnish on metal parts
- Slipping transmission bands and clutches
- Transmission failure
Signs of overheating include smoke and a burnt smell. If you notice either of these signs, you need to pull over immediately. Continuing to drive can further the damage and have you considering rebuilt transmissions.
Delayed Gear Shifting
You may need to top off your fluid if you notice a distinct pause before gear transition when changing between Reverse and Drive. Hydraulic pressure is responsible for producing this shift and low fluid means low pressure.
You may also notice a “hard” shift when driving. This stems from the same issue, resulting in a lurching or rough gear engagement when changing speeds.
Leaks
If you have a leak, you may notice marks on your driveway. Transmission fluid should be a bright red color and usually smells sweet. However, if your levels are low, the remaining fluid may be dark or smell burnt as a consequence of absorbing heat. If you notice either of these signs, you need to have the issue addressed right away.
No Shifting
One of the worst scenarios you may encounter is your car simply refuses to shift gears. This indicates that there’s no fluid left and may be resolved by filling your reservoir. However, you should still have your vehicle checked, as it may have suffered internal damage.
If you’ve fixed any leaks and refilled your transmission fluid, but your car still exhibits these issues, it’s likely time for a replacement. Trans Work Transmission can help you get your vehicle back into shape by shipping a rebuilt, new or wholesale transmission to replace your failed machinery. Find out more by calling us at 608-742-5136 or going online.
- Published in Transmission
Choices Faced When Looking for the Right Transmission in Madison WI
When you are trying to select the right transmission type, you will have an abundance of options. At TransWorks Transmissions, we are experts on refurbished and remanufactured transmissions. We are here to help whether you are seeking a wholesale purchase for resale or searching for a transmission retailer for your own car. We specialize in transmission shipping (they’re heavy), and we can walk you through every step of the ordering process. Here we will briefly go over some of the different types of transmissions you may not be familiar with and provide information that will help you determine which one is right for you.
Recently Developed Auto Transmissions
Three basic kinds of automatic transmissions are currently popular on the market. Depending on your driving habits and common road conditions on which you drive, one of the broad types will likely be better suited for your needs.
- Automated Manual: This type is similar to a conventional manual transmission. The significant difference is that they employ computer circuitry to engage the clutch automatically when gears require changing.
- Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT): CVTs use a belt to give a wide array of gear choices depending on the driving conditions. These transmissions can accelerate quickly, but they cannot deliver a substantial amount of power.
- Dual-Clutch: An advanced form of the automated manual, the dual-clutch arrangement allows this transmission type to provide high-performance shifting while delivering smooth operation and better fuel efficiency.
There are many decisions that you must make when selecting a replacement transmission. With a generalized understanding of the different transmission types, you will be better equipped to choose the right one to suit your or your customer’s needs.
Let Us Be Your Guide
TransWorks Transmissions is your expert when it comes to procuring the right transmission. If you are planning a DIY job, we can drop ship your rebuilt or refurbished transmission right to your front door. For our pro mechanic friends, we’ll get it directly to your shop. Call us today at 608-742-5136 or contact us online to find out how we can get you moving in the right direction with your transmission repair.
- Published in Transmission
3 Reasons Why Your Transmission Is Slipping
You may not know much about transmissions, but if you’ve ever had a problem with yours, you may know it’s time to get it checked out. A delay when you try to accelerate, any difficulty changing gears, or a burning smell can all be indications that your transmission needs a little help. Sometimes your transmission woes are more obvious, such as an indicator light on your dashboard or a puddle of red fluid underneath your parked car. Let’s look at three of the main causes for a slipping transmission that go beyond the symptoms of a larger problem.
A Little Low
While modern cars may have a sealed transmission system, they can still develop leaks, resulting in not enough fluid to keep the transmission working properly. Low transmission fluid should not be ignored because it could lead to expensive repairs. Those sealed systems usually do not have a dip stick, so you may need to take your car to a transmission dealer to get it inspected.
Breaking Up the Band
Most transmissions have bands that keep the gears moving smoothly. Like any moving part, these bands can wear out or break over time, which means transmission repair or replacement may be in your future. This type of repair is best left to a professional.
Let Out the Clutch
Another reason the transmission may be slipping is broken or worn out clutch pads or a dragging clutch. If your transmission has trouble switching gears or makes a grinding noise, it could be a sign of a problem with your clutch or the gears themselves. A transmission dealer can replace your clutch kit and get you back on the road.
Of course, these three issues are not the only causes of a slipping transmission, which is why taking your car to Trans Works should be your next step. We can inspect your vehicle and replace your system if needed. Contact us to make an appointment for your newer model or vintage car.
- Published in Transmission
Symptoms of Low Transmission Fluid
Keeping an eye on your transmission fluid is vital to a well-maintained vehicle. Otherwise, you could end up paying for transmission shipping and replacement. If you notice any of the following signs when driving, it’s time to take a look under the hood.
Slipping
Transmission fluid is responsible for transferring engine power to the transmission, which means that if you’re low on fluid, you’re not going to be able to shift gears effectively. This can manifest as “slipping,” when your vehicle enters a higher gear, only to fall back out. Your shifts may also be erratic or accompanied by a grinding noise.
Overheating
The second purpose of transmission fluid is to absorb heat generated by your car’s moving parts. Low fluid means heat gets trapped in your car’s inner workings, which can result in damage such as the following:
- Hardened seals
- Varnish on metal parts
- Slipping transmission bands and clutches
- Transmission failure
Signs of overheating include smoke and a burnt smell. If you notice either of these signs, you need to pull over immediately. Continuing to drive can further the damage and have you considering rebuilt transmissions.
Delayed Gear Shifting
You may need to top off your fluid if you notice a distinct pause before gear transition when changing between Reverse and Drive. Hydraulic pressure is responsible for producing this shift and low fluid means low pressure.
You may also notice a “hard” shift when driving. This stems from the same issue, resulting in a lurching or rough gear engagement when changing speeds.
Leaks
If you have a leak, you may notice marks on your driveway. Transmission fluid should be a bright red color and usually smells sweet. However, if your levels are low, the remaining fluid may be dark or smell burnt as a consequence of absorbing heat. If you notice either of these signs, you need to have the issue addressed right away.
No Shifting
One of the worst scenarios you may encounter is your car simply refuses to shift gears. This indicates that there’s no fluid left and may be resolved by filling your reservoir. However, you should still have your vehicle checked, as it may have suffered internal damage.
If you’ve fixed any leaks and refilled your transmission fluid, but your car still exhibits these issues, it’s likely time for a replacement. Trans Work Transmission can help you get your vehicle back into shape by shipping a rebuilt, new or wholesale transmission to replace your failed machinery. Find out more by calling us at 608-742-5136 or going online.
- Published in Transmission
