Posted on 3/30/2023

If you're new to the world of trucks or SUVs, the term "4x4" might sound a bit confusing. Essentially, 4x4 refers to a type of drivetrain system that powers all four wheels of a vehicle. This is different from a standard 2-wheel drive system, which only powers two of the wheels. In a 4x4 system, power is sent from the engine to the transfer case, which distributes that power to both the front and rear axles. When this happens, all four wheels work together to provide maximum traction and power, especially in off-road or low-traction situations. 4x4 systems can be found in a variety of vehicles, from trucks and SUVs to some high-performance cars. They are beneficial for drivers who regularly drive on rough terrain or through challenging weather conditions, as they can provide better grip and control than 2-wheel drive systems. However, it's important to note that driving a 4x4 vehicle requires some additional knowledge and skill. For example, you'll need to kno ... read more
Posted on 2/28/2023

A complete transmission replacement is a major automotive repair that is necessary when the existing transmission fails to operate properly. The transmission is a vital component of your vehicle, responsible for shifting gears and transferring power from the engine to the wheels. When a transmission starts to wear down or experiences problems, it can cause serious issues with the performance of your vehicle. In such cases, a complete transmission replacement may be necessary to restore proper function and performance. One of the most common reasons for a complete transmission replacement is the wear and tear of internal components, such as gears, bearings, and shafts. Over time, these parts can become worn and cause the transmission to fail. Other common reasons for a complete transmission replacement include physical damage, such as a collision, or internal failures such as a broken gear or shaft. The process of a complete transmission replacement involves removing the old transmiss ... read more
Posted on 1/30/2023

Did you know that the color of a vehicle's exhaust smoke can help to diagnose common issues? Vehicles do not usually produce visible smoke, so if it is emitting from your exhaust pipe it's time for vehicle maintenance. Here is a brief look at what different colors of smoke exhaust mean - White Smoke If you see opaque white smoke emitting from your tailpipe while driving, you should immediately pull to the side of the road, stop the vehicle and have it towed to the garage. This indicates damage to the head gasket, cylinder head, or engine block, which can affect the safe operation of the vehicle. Blue or Grey Smoke An exhaust pipe that blows blue or grey smoke is leaking oil somewhere in your engine. Although oil is crucial to smooth engine operation, it should not be spilling into the combustion or leak onto the ground. The problem could be wear and tear on the engine or even a hole, or it could indicate a need to replace piston rings or valves. Car engine oil eats quickly ... read more
Posted on 12/30/2022

You know your engine is overheating if steam comes from the bonnet, the engine temperature gauge lights up, and the car gets a strange smell. In this situation, you have a few minutes to react and prevent your engine from getting irreparable damage that could cost you thousands of dollars. Being prepared whenever your engine overheats is the best way to avoid damaging the engine when it overheats. Here are a few things you should do when your engine overheats. 1. Pull Over It is impossible to drive with a plume of steam covering the windscreen, making it impossible to see the road ahead. The best cause of action is to pull over in a safe spot and cut off the engine. If your bonnet is not producing steam, but the engine light is on, it is still advisable to pull over. Do not pop the hood immediately because it will undoubtedly be hot and cause burns. 2. Add Coolant If, after 15 minutes, the engine light is still on, try adding a coolant to the radiator to speed up the cooling proce ... read more
Posted on 11/23/2022

Whether you are planning to travel to see family over the holidays or go to a cabin for a winter getaway, your car should be in good shape to handle all hazardous conditions. Planning a road trip can be challenging and stressful, which is why we want to take a load off your hands. The team at Transmission Hero will gladly inspect your vehicle to ensure it is roadworthy for long drives. A vehicle inspection is one of the best pre-trip measures that can help prevent unwanted breakdowns. Even if we don’t find anything wrong, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that. During a pre-trip check, our techs will carefully inspect all major safety components and systems to ensure they are in working condition. This includes the braking system, car battery, tires, lights, wipers, and fluids. We recommend having this service performed at least a week before a major trip to allow for extra time for repairs. Either way, the team at Transmission Hero in Clay County always fixes problems q ... read more