Expert Advice

Common Causes of a Check Engine Light

Tue, 20 Jan 2015 20:38:00 GMT

Common Causes of a Check Engine Light

New The “check engine” light is the last thing drivers want to see. The good news is that an illuminated check engine light doesn’t necessarily spell disaster for your car or your wallet. On the other hand, the fact that it can caused by any number of issues means that you won’t know what’s behind the check engine light until the problem is diagnosed and pinpointed by an automotive professional. Before you schedule a vehicle inspection in Brookhaven , read this brief article to learn about some of the common causes of a check engine light

Faulty Oxygen Sensor

An oxygen sensor monitors the unburned oxygen from the exhaust. A faulty sensor can cause a decrease in gas mileage, and may eventually lead to a busted catalytic converter. Over time oxygen sensors get covered in oil ash, which reduces the sensors ability to change the oxygen and fuel mixture. A vehicle inspection and check engine light diagnostic in Brookhaven can determine whether a faulty oxygen sensor is the problem.

Faulty Mass Airflow Sensor

Another important sensor is the mass airflow sensor, which tells the car’s computer to add the proper amount of fuel based on the air coming through to the engine. A faulty mass airflow sensor can increase emissions, cause the car to stall, and decrease gas mileage. Most mass airflow sensor problems are the result of improperly installed air filters. Replacing the mass airflow sensor is not terribly difficult to do on your own, but the process is quick enough you may want to let a mechanic handle the project to inspect for other issues that may be related to the faulty sensor.

Old Spark Plugs

Old spark plugs are another common cause of check engine lights. Spark plugs seal the combustion chamber and provide a gap for a spark to jump across and initiate combustion in your engine. When plugs begin to fail, the spark plugs can misfire, causing fuel economy and vehicle performance issues.

A Look at the Transmission Rebuild Process

Tue, 13 Jan 2015 21:02:00 GMT

During your free transmission diagnostic service at Dr. Nick’s Transmission in Brookhaven, you may find out that the problems you are experiencing are beyond a simple repair. One way to approach transmission repairs is a transmission rebuild. First, the transmission is removed and disassembled. Each part is carefully inspected, cleaned, and replaced (if necessary). The transmission is then reassembled to factory standards and tested once again to ensure the highest level of performance. If you are experiencing transmission problems, visit a transmission shop in Brookhaven to determine whether a rebuild is the best option for you. Buying a replacement transmission can be very costly, and therefore a rebuild is anRead More...

How to Tell if Your Clutch is Going Bad

Tue, 06 Jan 2015 21:18:00 GMT

How to Tell if Your Clutch is Going Bad

Although there are many benefits of driving a manual transmission, the added cost of maintenance and repair isn’t one of them. One component in particular that is susceptible to wear and tear on a manual transmission is the clutch. In fact, it’s not so much a matter of if the clutch will go out, but when—and the longer you wait to visit a transmission repair shop to fix a worn-out clutch, the more damage will be done and the more expensive the repairs will be. Luckily, there are a few signs to look for that will tell you exactly when to bring your vehicle in for clutch repair.New Paragraph

Gear Slippage

One of the most obvious signs of a bad clutch is gear slippage. The clutch uses a pressure plate system to transfer power from the engine and transmission to the powertrain and wheels. As this pressure plate wears down over time, the clutch will begin to slip. If the clutch feels as though it is not fully disengaging or engaging, visit a transmission repair shop and have your clutch inspected.

Unusual Shift Noises and Movement

The opposite of a slipping clutch is a clutch that won’t release properly after engaging the next highest gear. If you hear a grinding noise or experience jerking motions from the shifter during gear shifts, visit a transmission shop as soon as possible. The longer you drive on a worn-out clutch, the worse the problem will get.

Burning Odor

Although you may notice a foul burning odor as the result of “riding the clutch” or driving aggressively, a persistent foul smell could be a sign of a clutch that is totally worn-out. If you notice a burning odor in conjunction with slippage or difficulty shifting gears, schedule an inspection at a Brookhaven transmission shop as soon as you can.

What to Expect from a Performance Check

Thu, 18 Dec 2014 21:22:00 GMT

What to Expect from a Performance Check

If you want to know the true condition of your vehicle, visit Dr. Nick’s Transmissions for a free transmission performance check . This comprehensive examination consists of many different steps that help the professionals at Dr. Nick’s Transmissions diagnose any problems with your transmission that you may or may not be aware of. A performance check includes a fluid inspection, lift inspection, pan examination, and road test.

If the performance check reveals any problems with your transmission, your transmission repair professional can recommend and take action from there. A more in-depth diagnosis may be needed if a major issue is discovered. Stop by Dr. Nick’s Transmissions today or call in to arrange your free transmission performance test.

Taking Care of Your Automatic Transmission

Thu, 11 Dec 2014 21:23:00 GMT

Taking Care of Your Automatic Transmission

The automatic transmission is a huge improvement in terms of convenience and ease of use over its manual counterpart. With an automatic, you just put the gear selector in “drive” and go. Unfortunately, this ease of use causes a lot of people to neglect their transmissions. It doesn’t cost much or take a lot of time to care for your automatic transmission, but it can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in transmission repair costs over the life of your vehicle. Here are some tips to keep your transmission in great shape. Even if you’re a do-it-yourselfer, bring your vehicle to a transmission repair shop for maintenance every couple of years to let a professional check the condition of your transmission.

Check Transmission Fluid Often

Fluid is the lifeblood of your transmission. Without the proper amount of clean fluid, your transmission will experience all sorts of problems that can greatly reduce its longevity. Develop a regular routine in which you check the level and condition of the transmission fluid. Low fluid could be a sign of a leak, and dirty, burnt-smelling fluid could mean trouble.

Change Fluid on Regular Basis

Fluid plays a critical role in how your transmission functions, so be sure to follow the transmission fluid change schedule in your owner’s manual. However, the interval is dependent on other factors. For example, you may need to change the fluid more often than the manufacturer recommends if more than half of your driving takes place in heavy city traffic with ambient temperatures above 90 degrees.

Don’t Ignore Transmission Problems

If you notice anything unusual pertaining to the transmission, such as how your clutch engages or how responsive your vehicle is, let a transmission repair professional have a look. Ignoring transmission problems won’t make the trouble go away, but will almost certainly make things worse over time.

Symptoms of a Transmission Problem

Thu, 04 Dec 2014 21:30:00 GMT

Symptoms of a Transmission Problem

In order to keep your transmission in great shape and avoid costly transmission damage, you need to recognize the early warning signs of transmission problems. Common symptoms include grinding, slipping gears in a manual transmission and missed shifts in an automatic. Watch this short video clip to learn more about the common symptoms of transmission problems and why it’s important to seek transmission service as soon as possible.

What Causes a Transmission to Slip?

Thu, 27 Nov 2014 21:34:00 GMT

What Causes a Transmission to Slip?

There are some car problems that are virtually undetectable, and then there’s slipping transmissions. When a transmission slips, the car spontaneously pops out of gear, which prevents power from reaching the wheels. A slipping transmission is unnerving at best, and potentially life-threatening at works. After all, the last thing you want is to lose power to your wheels when driving. Here’s a look at some of the common culprits of a slipping transmission and what to do when you experience this common transmission problem .

Low Fluid Levels

The most common cause for slipping is low transmission fluid levels. Low fluid can also create other transmission problems, including overheating and not being able to engage gears. Pay attention to the condition of the oil when checking fluid levels, as dirty transmission fluid may also be to blame for slipping. If you have low fluid, your transmission repair shop should check for a leak.Worn Transmission Bands

Bands are what connect the gears in the automatic transmission together. Sometimes these bands can become worn or broken, which can cause transmission slippage. The good news is that your transmission repair technician can replace defective transmission bands in no time so you can get back on the road.

Clutch Problems

On manual transmissions, slippage problems are oftentimes attributed to problems with the clutch. Worn out clutches simply cannot keep the gear engaged, which causes the transmission to slip and pop back into neutral. Clutch replacement is one of the most common services performed by transmission repair professionals on manual vehicles.

Defective Torque Converter

Your transmission’s slippage could also be caused by a defective torque converter. The torque converter is what adapts the engine’s power into torque that the transmission uses to turn the drivetrain. Transmissions slippage is a common symptom of a defective torque converter, so visit Dr Nick’s Transmissions to have the torque converter examined by a professional.

All About Dr. Nick’s Transmissions

Thu, 20 Nov 2014 21:40:00 GMT

Transmission for all of their transmission repair and service needs . Dr. Nicks’ Transmissions offers free towing with major transmission service and a complimentary performance check. Cutting-edge diagnostic tools and services help Dr. Nick’s transmission repair experts to pinpoint the exact cause of your transmission troubles and get you back on the road as quickly as possible. Dr. Nick’s Transmissions is independently owned and operated under Moran Family of Brands, a franchisor of automotive repair centers throughout the United States. With over 120 locations nationwide, the warranty you receive on your repaired or rebuilt transmission is honored throughout the country. You can even bring your vehicle in for routine transmissionRead More...

Taking Good Care of Your Transmission

Tue, 18 Nov 2014 21:43:00 GMT

Taking Good Care of Your Transmission

You rely on your car to get you from home to work to the grocery store and back home again. In order to make sure your car stays on the road for many years, it’s important to have preventive maintenance performed by the professionals. Your car’s transmission is one of its most important parts, and if you experience transmission problems, you need to get them checked out. Preventive maintenance at a transmission repair shop can help keep any small problems from getting worse so that you don’t have to be without your vehicle. Take a look at this infographic to see what routine maintenance is necessary to keep your transmission running smoothly. You’ll also learn about the common signs of transmission trouble. Please feel free to share this info with your friends and family.

The Importance of Changing Your Transmission Fluid

Thu, 13 Nov 2014 21:51:00 GMT

The Importance of Changing Your Transmission Fluid

The transmission is one of the most important components in your vehicle. It’s also one of the most expensive to replace, so extra care should be taken to keep your transmission in tip-top shape. Whether you perform transmission maintenance yourself or let a professional handle the knuckle-busting work, the important thing is that you make sure your transmission gets the service it needs. One important facet of transmission maintenance is inspecting and changing the transmission fluid. Here’s a look at how to perform this task and the importance for your transmission’s health and performance.

Signs That Your Transmission Fluid is Low

Thu, 06 Nov 2014 21:55:00 GMT

Signs That Your Transmission Fluid is Low

The fluid inside your transmission is responsible for lubricating, powering, and cooling the transmission. When transmission fluid gets too low, a number of problems can occur. If you are in the habit of checking your transmission fluid on a regular basis, look for dark, burnt-smelling fluid. On the road, any significant performance issues such as lurching, stalling, or slipping gears may also be an indication that your transmission fluid is low.

Watch this video to learn more about the signs of low transmission fluid. If you suspect that your vehicle’s transmission fluid is low, visit Dr. Nick’s Transmission Repair . A transmission flush will allow the mechanic to completely drain the old fluid and replace it with new fluid, while also checking for leaks and other signs of trouble in your transmission.

Common Signs of Transmission Problems

Thu, 30 Oct 2014 22:00:00 GMT

Common Signs of Transmission Problems

Even if you’re good with your hands and mechanically inclined, you’ll still need to bring your car in for professional service at the first sign of a transmission problem. That’s because the transmission is often considered the most complicated system in your vehicle. Hundreds of different components make up the transmission, and any one of them can affect your vehicle’s performance. If you notice any of the following signs, visit your local Dr Nick’s Transmission Repair before the problem grows and requires more expensive repair.

Leaking Fluid

Leaking transmission fluid is one of the easiest ways to tell that your transmission needs the attention of a transmission repair professional. Automatic transmission fluid is bright red, clear, and mildly sweet-smelling. If you see automatic transmission fluid on your driveway, bring your car in for a transmission inspection before a minor leak turns into a major problem.

Gears Slipping

When a transmission is working normally, the car stays in gear until you or the on-board computer system initiate a gear shift. If your car spontaneously pops out of the gear it’s in while driving, you definitely know it’s time to have your transmission examined by a professional in Brookhaven. Slipping gears may start out as a minor inconvenience, but the last thing you want is a transmission that doesn’t get power to the wheels when you need it most.

Check Engine Light

The “check engine light” is a great indication that something is wrong with your vehicle, and the cause may be linked to the transmission. In newer cars, sensors can pick up vibrations and early transmission problem that you may not be able to feel or see on your own. Whether it’s related to your transmission or not, bring your vehicle to an auto repair shop that has the diagnostic equipment needed to scan your car’s computer for a trouble code corresponding to the area of the vehicle causing the “check engine light” to be illuminated.

Expert Advice

Common Causes of a Check Engine Light

Common Causes of a Check Engine Light

Faulty Oxygen Sensor

Faulty Mass Airflow Sensor

Old Spark Plugs

A Look at the Transmission Rebuild Process

How to Tell if Your Clutch is Going Bad

How to Tell if Your Clutch is Going Bad ﻿

What to Expect from a Performance Check

What to Expect from a Performance Check

Taking Care of Your Automatic Transmission

Taking Care of Your Automatic Transmission

Check Transmission Fluid Often

Change Fluid on Regular Basis

Don’t Ignore Transmission Problems

Symptoms of a Transmission Problem

Symptoms of a Transmission Problem ﻿

What Causes a Transmission to Slip?

What Causes a Transmission to Slip? ﻿

Low Fluid Levels

Clutch Problems

Defective Torque Converter

All About Dr. Nick’s Transmissions

Taking Good Care of Your Transmission

Taking Good Care of Your Transmission ﻿

The Importance of Changing Your Transmission Fluid

The Importance of Changing Your Transmission Fluid

Signs That Your Transmission Fluid is Low

Signs That Your Transmission Fluid is Low

Common Signs of Transmission Problems

Common Signs of Transmission Problems ﻿

﻿ Leaking Fluid

Gears Slipping

Check Engine Light

How to Tell if Your Clutch is Going Bad

Symptoms of a Transmission Problem

What Causes a Transmission to Slip?

Taking Good Care of Your Transmission

Common Signs of Transmission Problems

Leaking Fluid