by Auto Blish | Mar 1, 2023 | Performance |
While automatic cars outnumber manual cars on the road, stick shifts are still not extinct. The few people who still drive manuals in North America are generally passionate defenders of this type of transmission. While manual transmission options should not be overlooked, it should be noted that its benefits can sometimes be overstated. Here are common advantages of manual vehicles and how they stack up against automated vehicles:
Manual Cars Get Better Fuel Economy
When the automatic transmission first appeared, it was less fuel-efficient than manual transmission vehicles. However, with advances in technology, this is no longer always the case. Many examples on the market of automatic transmission vehicles are as or even more fuel-efficient than their manual counterparts.
Manual Cars Cost Less
Most of the time, the manual version of the vehicle will cost less, but not in every case. The cost of the BMWs Manual transmission is the same as the automatic. In addition, it may be difficult to find a manual version of the car you want. Only 9% of cars for sale in Canada today have a manual transmission – down from 35% in 1980.
Best Sports Cars Only Come With Manual Transmissions Technology
Depending on your definition of cool, this isn’t true all the time. There are many Porsches, Jaguars, Maseratis, Lamborghinis, and Ferraris that are made only with automatic transmissions. Yet, many people are stuck in the mindset that a manual transmission is the only way to be fastest. But, there is a reason why these flagship high-performance cars are no longer offered with manual transmissions.
Automatic is Always an Option Anyway
Some cars, mostly sporty, only come with manual transmission models. Some examples are the Fiat 500 Abarth, Audi TT RS, Volkswagen Golf R, and Mazdaspeed 3.
Teen Wants to Learn Driving
Many drivers who are just learning to drive have little or no contact with the stick, so they have little interest in learning to operate it. Most new drivers are satisfied with their automatic transmission cars and don’t want to be burdened with learning something new.
Manuals Deter Theft
Because fewer people know how to operate a stick shift, it is less likely to be stolen. However, there is little concrete data to support that claim. Thieves have varying degrees of intelligence and skill, so it is difficult to determine the exact factors that make one car more likely to be stolen than another. Newer models also have more sophisticated security systems that are also more difficult to bypass. At the end of the day, finding someone who drives a manual is more comfortable than going through a complicated anti-theft system.
Stick-shift Advantages
Most people agree that driving a manual is more fun than an automatic one. Driving stick is also a skill that can come in handy if you are a passenger in a manual-transmission car and the driver is incapacitated in some way. It is also convenient when you are approaching a location where only manual vehicles are available.
by Auto Blish | Mar 1, 2023 | Safety Tips |
Although you may love warm, fuzzy heat, your car needs to stay cool when the temperatures rise. An overheated engine can damage the vehicle and put your safety at risk. There can be many reasons why your car is overheating. The reasons are not limited to hot temperatures. Maybe your car is not working properly. Here are some commonly recognized problems that cause cars to overheat:
Coolant
Every car is equipped with a cooling mechanism to keep the engine temperature low. If there is a leak, block, or pump failure, this cooling system will not work efficiently. In this case, the engine starts heating up. It can also happen in colder temperatures.
Thermostat
The vehicle thermostat controls the flow of coolant through the engine. Broken and malfunctioning can cause the thermostat to work ineffectively.
Less Oil
Oil helps lubricate the moving parts in a car and conducts excess heat away from the engine. If your car is low on oil, it can cause your car to overheat.
Radiator Fan
The cooling fan must be switched on and off at the right time to cool the engine properly. If the radiator fan is not working properly, the engine is likely overheating.
Here are our top 10 tips to help you make sure your car doesn’t overheat in summer.
Parking in the Shade
The simplest way to make sure your car doesn’t overheat is to park it in the shade, away from direct sunlight. Direct sunlight not only heats up the engine but also causes discoloration on the interior upholstery of the car like the body and seat covers. You might also consider tinted windows to keep sunlight out of the car and keep the interior relatively cool.
Canopy
Finding shade to park your car has become a luxury, especially in cities like Toronto and Mississauga. If you know your car is going to be in the sun for long periods of time, it’s a good idea to bring sunshades with you.
Hot Air Exhaust in the Car
Leaving a car parked in an open parking lot with the doors and windows closed can trap a lot of hot air inside the car. It may be a good idea to leave the car windows down a bit so that air can circulate evenly throughout the car interior.
Opening Floor Vents
When entering a hot car, it can be tempting to turn on the air vents to blow the AC directly at you. However, when hot air rises up, experts recommend directing the airflow towards the floor so that you can more easily push the hot air trapped in the car. Once the car is cool you can open the upper vents.
Use the Fresh Air Setting
Using the air circulation setting in a car with the windows closed means you are getting the same warm air that is circulating in the car. Be sure to use the fresh air setting so you can let warm air in and cool air out.
Temperature Gauge
Use the temperature gauge as an indicator of your car’s temperature. Make sure the device needle is pointing to the center. If it is showing signs of overheating, turn the car off and allow the engine to cool.
Engine Coolant
Be sure to check your coolant level and add coolant if necessary. Always wait for the engine to cool before counting the coolant. Before adding fresh coolant, have your coolant system completely drained by a mechanic every 40,000 miles.
Battery Replacement
If you’ve had your car for more than three years, chances are the battery is causing the car’s engine to overheat. Car experts can help you determine whether you need a replacement.
by Auto Blish | Mar 1, 2023 | Car Maintenance |
If you hear a loud rumbling noise coming from under or behind your vehicle, you likely have some problem with the muffler or exhaust system. If the byproducts of burning gasoline can’t exit the fuel system, you’ll notice a sharp drop in your mileage. Not addressing these problems can lead to more significant and expensive repairs or replacements in the future. It’s important to fix exhaust-related problems as soon as possible and avoid the resulting expenses.
Problem With Car Exhaust
As discussed earlier, one of the most noticeable results with your exhaust is a drop in miles per gallon. However, MPG can also be a sign of other potential issues such as a clogged fuel line or improperly inflated tires. Keep in mind that your car will not get efficient gas mileage if it doesn’t get rid of emissions properly. There are some easy ways to make sure the exhaust system is working properly.
Sound
If your car seems to be making more noise than usual, it could be a case of a damaged muffler. If your car is making too much noise, you could be ticketed for disturbing the peace in your neighborhood. If you hear a loud hum or noise the next time you drive your car, have it professionally checked by a trusted mechanic.
Vibrations
Another symptom of an underlying exhaust problem is if you notice a strange vibration when you depress the steering or gas. Controlling a vibrating car can be quite difficult. It’s best to fix the problem early.
It Smells Bad
If you notice that the car smells bad, it could be a sign that something is wrong with your vehicle. While there are many different smells that indicate something is wrong with your vehicle, they can potentially be more harmful than you realize. Get it checked immediately if you notice any foul smell or odor.
Dealing With Exhaust Problems
One of the biggest deterrents to fixing exhaust problems the ‘DIY way’ is that there are many different issues that can result in exhaust problems. Mostly it can arise due to blockage or leakage. However, it can be quite difficult to predict the spot and pinpoint the exact location of the problem. Incidentally, even if you get the spots right, you won’t be able to solve the problem unless you’re comfortable using a welder’s torch. It’s best to let a trained mechanic handle exhaust issues. They have the skills and tools needed to locate the problem, fix it, and as long as it’s not a problem with your catalytic converter, hiring a mechanic isn’t that expensive either. Ignoring the problem or causing further damage due to improperly done DIY work can be very costly.
by Auto Blish | Mar 1, 2023 | Transmission |
The transmission in your vehicle is what transfers power from the engine to the drive wheels. If the transmission and its components like the computer and sensors aren’t working, you won’t go anywhere. Vehicles have automatic or manual transmissions. Manual transmissions are usually sealed units, so you don’t need to add or check transmission fluid directly. However, you should replace it as recommended by the manufacturer. You will need to check and replace the automatic transmission fluid. Apart from this, you may face various other transmission problems such as
Drain
Like any other vehicle part that contains fluid, transmission leaks can occur. If you lose enough fluid, your transmission will not function as it should. A transmission needs fluid to be well-lubricated and run smoothly. If you’ve ever noticed that your vehicle accelerates fine in drive but doesn’t rev well in reverse, it’s usually a sign that it’s low on transmission fluid. You have to fix the leak.
Bad Clutches
If your vehicle’s transmission seems unresponsive, you may have worn clutches. The clutch consists of steel and friction plates. The plates eventually wear down so proper pressure cannot be exerted on the planetary gear which decides which gear you are in. If the transmission fluid level is correct but the transmission is slipping, you will need to reinstall the clutch. kit. When the transmission shifts, the engine spins up, but the vehicle does not spin accordingly.
Noise
If the transmission clunks or whines, you should have had it looked at sooner. The problem may be in the torque converter or planetary gears. Torque converters are easy to replace, but if the damage is on hard parts, it’s time for a new transmission.
Grind and Shake
This is something that occurs with manual transmissions, and it’s usually an issue with the gears. This can include wear and tear when you put the vehicle in gear. In most cases, the manual transmission clutch will need to be replaced.
Burning Smell
If you suspect that something is burning, you should have your vehicle checked immediately. The burning smell can come from any number of things, including burning manifold wire insulation, oil leaks on the exhaust manifold, or transmission overheating. If it is running hot, the fluid level may be low, or you may be using the wrong type of transmission fluid. Have you had your transmission checked by a professional immediately before it does more damage to your car?
Prevention Tips
Like any moving part, transmission parts will eventually wear out. By performing regular maintenance on it, you can get the most life out of your transmission. Make sure you flush the transmission at the correct intervals recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. You can flush it yourself, but it’s always better to have experienced professionals do it so you know it’s done correctly. Your transmission is one of the most important parts of your vehicle, so you don’t want to risk ruining it.
by Auto Blish | Mar 1, 2023 | Car Care |
Cold weather conditions are tough to deal with and vehicles especially require extra care and attention so that they operate safely in the winter season and you don’t have any problems.
In order for your vehicle to survive a deep freeze, there are a few things you need to remember to check so you don’t run into trouble. The first thing you should do is inspect your defroster as you will not be able to drive safely unless it is in good working condition. When the temperature falls, the moisture in your car will condense on the windows and affect your visibility. Your defroster should be able to blow warm, dry air onto the glass so you can see clearly and continue driving safely.
Next, replace your heater coils, because here in Canada, we experience some harsh winters and without a working heater, you and your car will not survive. If you find that your heater is not working properly, it may be time to replace the heater coil and while it can be an expensive component, it is well worth it as it allows you to stay warm and comfortable while driving. allows. allows. allows. allows. will allow. Another very important component is your car’s battery, so check it to make sure it’s in good working order and doesn’t need to be replaced. Battery-related problems are very common in the winter season and cold weather can cause battery problems, so if you notice that the car stalls or has difficulty starting, you may want to check your battery. Might be needed. The focus should be on change. Make sure the connections are tight and there are no signs of corrosion. Never charge or jump your battery if you see it is frozen as it could explode.
When it comes to your headlights, waxing them is a great trick because the slippery surface won’t allow dirt to build up and affect visibility. Winter weather causes poor road conditions and your headlights can become coated in dirt, which is dangerous, but a quick waxing will ensure optimum visibility.
Finally, you don’t want your coolant to freeze in cold weather, so you must use the right amount of antifreeze, and an equal split of 50/50 is ideal. It is very important to have the right amount of antifreeze and water in your radiator. If you’re worried about the ratio is wrong, you can use a pre-mixed solution to correct it and you don’t have to worry about your engine not running effectively.
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