Is Transmission Service Really Necessary?

The short answer is yes.  The real question is when should you change your transmission fluid?  When you search the internet you will find hundreds of different answers as to when you should replace your transmission fluid.  Most of the information you find will be from people who claim they are experts, but they are not.  Forget about spending hours surfing the net only to wind up being more confused.

In three minutes you can go to your glove box, get out your Owners Manual and look in the maintenance schedule section and find out the truth.  Most car makers are now posting owners manuals on the web so you may not have to get out of your chair to look it up.  Don't take the dealers word for it.  Don't take the quick lube shops word for it.  Follow the manufacturers recommended service schedule, it is that simple.

See what the Owners Manual says about "Normal Diving Conditions" vs. "Severe Driving Conditions".  There are two schedules in almost every Owners Manual.  Read the manufacturer definition for extreme driving conditions carefully and you will find that a majority of people will fall into the "Severe" category.  If you are not sure, go with the "Severe" schedule.

The service intervals for later model cars and trucks are getting longer due to advancements in manufacturing and fluid technologies.  This is a good thing.  Also, if you are not using synthetic fluids, you might consider switching for a couple of reasons.  Synthetic fluids cost a little more than conventional fluids but they do not break down as fast and tend to run cooler.  Additionally, synthetics are man made so there is a slight environmental advantage to using them.

Transmissions are very sensitive to the type of fluid they use, so be sure that correct fluid is being used.  Any shop, whether it is a dealer, quick lube or independent, can tell you what type of fluid you need and have different formulas of Friction Modifiers to ensure you get the right mixture. 

Go green without buying a new car

Regardless of their position on global warming, everyone I talk to seems to agree on one thing, they want to try and do what they can to lessen their impact on the environment.

In today’s economy, with high fuel prices and food costs going up, it is difficult for most people to get a new, more fuel efficient car.  Generally, a more fuel efficient car is the first thing people think about when considering how to reduce their impact on the environment.  I propose that keeping your existing vehicle or buying a used one, and keeping it maintained, may very well be the best way to reduce your environmental impact.

There are considerable environmental costs to producing a new vehicle and also the disposing of the old one.  Studies have shown that up to 28% of a vehicle’s lifetime carbon dioxide emissions are generated before the consumer ever drives it off the lot.  Other studies put the number at around 12%.

Regardless which number you use, it is really not that important, because the true comparison, since the vehicle you have has already been produced, is the impact remaining from your current vehicle versus the production, delivery and the usage impact of the new vehicle.

Even Hybrids, which do have ultra-low emissions, can take a toll.  The environmental impact from producing a Hybrid is much greater than producing a non-hybrid.  In addition, the batteries used in Hybrid vehicles are not environmentally friendly when it comes to manufacture and disposal.

If you are not dead set on having a new vehicle and you want to lessen your impact on the environment, the best way, ironically, is the easiest on the wallet.  Keep your car and keep it well maintained.  Be diligent about regular oil changes, air filter replacement, tire pressure etc... And you will have done your part!

Another easy way to reduce your impact is to have your car washed at a professional car wash that recycles, reuses and filters their water before it goes into the drain.  The average car wash in your driveway takes about 150 gallons of water versus about 40 gallons at a professional car wash that recycles.  It’s that easy to make a big difference. 

What you can do right now to reduce the impact of skyrocketing gas prices on your personal finances

Gasoline prices are on the rise and it appears they are going to continue to rise, some experts say to $5/gallon by mid-summer.  If you can’t afford to buy a more fuel efficient car right now, there are things you can do to soften the blow.

 

Some things are obvious.  Instead of running one or two errands each day, consider grouping those errands into just one or two trips per week.  For example, if you need to get the dry cleaning, go grocery shopping and get some new shoes for the kids, instead of making a special trip to do these things one at a time, plan the most efficient route, make a list so you remember to grab everything you need from the store, then get it done in one outing.  In addition to saving gas, you’ll save yourself some time.

Less obvious, but just as important, keep your car maintained.  A properly maintained vehicle will give you improved MPG’s and a safer car.  Proper maintenance includes regular oil changes, filter changes when appropriate, and properly inflated tires.  Depending on the specific vehicle you drive, the savings can be significant.  The by-product of a properly maintained vehicle is lower emissions, so you save money and reduce your cars impact on the environment at the same time.

Following these simple tips will save you money to help offset the skyrocketing price of fuel.

Drive Safe! 

Save by using Synthetic Motor Oil

How can I save money by using more expensive oil you ask?  Granted, synthetic motor oil is significantly more expensive than standard motor oil, however, the benefits can save you money.  Synthetic oil does not break down nearly as fast as conventional motor oil so you can go longer between changes.  Lower operating temperatures, cleaner running engines and better fuel mileage are all benefits of using full synthetic oil.

A full synthetic oil change will cost around twice as much as a conventional oil change.  In exchange, you need fewer oil changes and it can help extend the life of your engine.  As I mentioned in my first blog, that extended life is where you will get the biggest reward....No New Car Payment!  Stay tuned........

Protect your investment!

OK, I am new to blogging so I am not ashamed to admit, I stared at this editor for an over hour before I even came up with a title for this, my first post. Another hour passed before the first sentence was written so I decided to quit watching the clock and just write.


Since I am being honest, the purpose of this blog is two-fold.  I am promoting my new business My Pit Crew (mypitcrew.com).  And second, to share what I have learned about protecting what turns out to be the largest investment most people make excluding their home.  According to 2008 study, in the USA the average number of cars per household equals 2.28 ( see article).


The average price paid for a new vehicle is approximately $25k and I am guessing that the average person gets a new car every 7-10 years minimum. Over the life of a 30 year mortgage I think it is safe to assume that the average household spends $150k on personal vehicles alone.  Compare that with the average home price in the USA (I know some of you live in areas where real estate is much higher), $293k according to Home Buying Institute (see article).


Wow!  The average amount paid for vehicles over the same 30 years you pay for the home is around 1/2.  You take the time to change the filters in your home ventilation system, you mow the lawn (or have someone do it) and you get new flooring, unplug the drains etc..


The point is, if you regularly maintain your car you can easily get another 50% of quality life out of it.  Over those 30 years you can easily save $50k-$75k.  In the coming weeks, I will amaze you with cost effective maintenance tips.  In the meantime, start thinking about exactly what you are going to do with all of the money you are going to save!