I thought it would be a huge leap from Club Super Sprints to racing and I wondered if there was a slightly “smoother” way to transition. I had heard of the AROCA 6 Hour Relay Classic held every year in Eastern Creek (AROCA stands for Alfa Romeo Owners Club Australia). It is a relay race, which means that a team of drivers (a minimum of three and a maximum of six) and their cars compete for a line of honor or a handicap victory.

The race was 6 months away and I didn’t think much about it and, furthermore, I didn’t feel even close to being ready to race. As the months went by, the lap times were starting to drop, but more importantly, they were starting to show signs of consistency.

A month before the event, I emailed a couple of club members who seem up for anything when it comes to the track: Anthony Kosseris and Indiran Padayachee. Both Anthony Kosseris and Indiran Padayachee came to Phillip Island a few months earlier. We were all complete rookies when it came to racing and after a short email exchange we had our minimum of three drivers. I thought if I had to make the effort to build a team, then we had to at least try to finish on the podium. I did some research on the race and found out that a Lotus team had won it the previous year (2005) after completing 177 laps on a dry to wet track and that the average lap times for each car were between 1:46 – 2: 10. . While going through Natsoft’s files, I couldn’t see a Porsche team victory since 2002, when James and Theo Koundouris (along with David Guigni) won the race after completing 191 laps. I thought if no other Porsche team showed up, we could win!

I raised the team’s hopes with a couple of enthusiastic emails and then set about filling the team’s remaining spots. I thought we would need an experienced broker to clean up the mess made by newbies and several names were proposed and subsequently contacted. We end up with the following equipment:

Team Leader: Wayne Jones.

Radio: John Ramage and Amelia Jones.

Driver A: David Jellins – ’04 GT2

Driver B: David Reynolds – ’04 GT2

Driver C: Aaron Zerefos – ’04 Turbo X50

Driver D: Indiran Padayachee – ’04 GT3

Driver E: Anthony Kosseris – ’03 GT3 Cup Car

Driver F: David Reynolds – ’03 GT3 Cup Car

The team manager recommended that we “cross over” David Reynolds in two cars in order for him to come out and finish the team race. We were able to do this because we had five drivers instead of the maximum allowed of six.

Qualifying for the race consisted of simply driving six laps of the circuit on Saturday. Once all the drivers on our team had completed their minimum six-lap qualifying period, we (along with the team principal) nominated our own minimum lap times for the race. Race rules stated that no car may go below its own designated lap time or 98 seconds (1:38), whichever is greater. If a driver goes under this time, a penalty of one lap is applied. Another reason for designating a lap time is to allow handicap positions to be determined. A couple of our drivers needed more practice on slicks than their six laps allowed and were ordered to go back until their lap times were reduced. Indiran Padayachee almost ran out of fuel as he got used to the new tire.

Our team manager had ordered us to be on the track well and early the next morning before the race. The departure at 10 in the morning came very quickly and we were off before we knew it. David Reynolds had gained a 40-second lead in the first 20 minutes of the race, however the safety car was removed and our lead disappeared. Our team enjoyed the lead for most of the day, however “Team 20 Something” briefly took the lead in the second hour of the race. I spent most of the day interfering with the team manager’s work and in the minutes before each driver left, telling each driver not to turn under any circumstances. Naturally, I was the only one who turned. However, I will not make excuses if someone is thinking of using Cup Car tires (with different front and rear bearing diameters) on anything other than a Cup Car, then forget it! I managed not to hit anything, but the unfortunate incident cost the team around 15 seconds.

There are some drivers who say that Super Sprints are tougher than racing because each lap in a Super Sprint is like a qualifying lap. I can testify that the nervous energy associated with the drama, excitement, anxiety, and cost of your first run will make a Super Sprint feel like a Sunday trip.

All of the rookies had their personal best lap times at Eastern Creek during the race and it was only during the last hour of the race that our entire Porsche team began to show signs of a clear advantage. The final 15 minutes of the race seemed to last forever with the entire team huddled around the small timing screen in hopes that David Reynolds would pull off a drama-free victory.

The flagged flag finally fell at the six-hour mark and we had won the race! Our team had completed 194 laps, three laps ahead of the next team (Team 20 Somethings) and four laps ahead of the team after that (Jeff’s Lotus).

We were all excited about the victory and there was a little presentation after the race. When I got home that night, I walked around the house flexing my biceps declaring that I knew what it felt like to be Schumacher. This feeling of euphoria lasted for over a week and when reality finally returned, I began to realize how difficult it would be to repeat our performance in 2007.

The history of the automobile emphasizes luxury, comfort and aesthetics over performance, power, speed and safety. This is true for your original need: transportation and transportation. However, if we consider buying a car with more horsepower that is safe for everyday use and offers more mileage, gasoline cars are the best option, both for roads and racetracks.

The theory is not simply wild speculation or a desktop projection, it is a simulation of the real world. UC Davis recently launched the “EV Project” which allowed car users to simulate their journey in an EV (Electric Vehicle) compared to a gasoline vehicle. The project found that a 50-mile round trip could save an electric 2014 Chevrolet Volt owner about $ 1,000 in annual fuel costs compared to driving a gasoline-powered 2014 Ford Focus. However, pure electric cars are more expensive than their gasoline counterparts. For example, a 2018 Ford Focus costs less than $ 18,000, while the 2018 Chevrolet Volt will cost consumers more than $ 34,000 and the all-electric Chevrolet Bolt will fetch more than $ 38,000. Solving the equation in this hypothetical scenario, it would take over 17 years for a Chevy owner to recoup the additional costs of purchasing an electric. In other words, electric vehicles are not suitable for users who plan to hold the vehicle for a long period of time. Electric vehicles also cost more upfront than gasoline cars. They need a supporting charging infrastructure, plug-in accessibility, and specialized maintenance shops, which are not yet adequate to meet growing consumer demand.

Additional concern is flavored when it comes to mileage and range. On a single charge, most elite electric vehicles like the Tesla Model X, Model S, Model 3, Chevrolet Bolt, and 2018 Nissan Leaf can run just 225 miles on average in an ideal setting. This number can be as low as 170 on hot or cold days with the heating or air conditioning running at full blast. Hybrids and gasoline-based cars are better options in this case. To harness the full potential of hybrids, some car buyers opt for plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). A 2018 Chevrolet Volt, for example, has 53 miles of electric range and a conventional gas tank for longer trips of up to 420 miles.

It is true that electric vehicles are environmentally friendly, but not necessarily clean, since electricity is generated in some way. It is comparable to using the same fossil fuel, just cleaner. Electric vehicles run on a lithium-ion battery, which must be pulled out of the ground. Chemically, lithium is a corrosive alkali metal that removes dangerous gaseous by-products when it comes into contact with moisture, increasing environmental pollution. In application, this can cause EVs to emit dangerous gases or even catch fire if stored in cold weather or not properly maintained. The current electrical infrastructure of such technology does not foresee the reuse of batteries or the recalibration of disposal costs. Fuel-based cars can be easily rebuilt, their engines changed, and fuels filtered; but not currently with an electric.

The “Transport of the Future” technology is still young and expensive than its gas-based cousins. Electric vehicles may be easier to charge, but they cost more in the medium and long term. Even the most advanced electric vehicle batteries wear out over time and need frequent replacement. For such a replacement, the Tesla Model 3 battery pack costs $ 190 per kWh and the Chevy Bolt battery pack costs $ 205 per kWh. Charging stations are another link in sustaining electric vehicles. In a state of euphoria, consumers can skip filling stations and ‘fill’ their electric vehicle from a charging station on the way to work or via an additional solar panel at home. In reality, while gas stations can be found every 1 mile on a normal highway, electric vehicle battery charging stations may not be found as often. People who live in apartments or condos may find it difficult to obtain charging add-ons. At a high cost, plugins are now available only in the most advanced countries, such as the US and Western Europe. Not to mention, this becomes a deal breaker for many new buyers and gives car owners a headache in developing countries.

The eternal debate gains a lot of force on the subject of car safety. In theory, electric vehicles consume less fuel than gasoline cars. However, once they catch fire, electric vehicles are difficult to put out. In October 2017, a Tesla Model S caught fire after crashing into a concrete barrier on the Ahlberg Expressway in Austria. The incident required 35 firefighters to extinguish the blaze. Recently, on March 23, 2018, a Tesla Model X collided head-on into an unshielded median on Highway 101 in California and caught fire. The fire closed the road for 5 hours, which became a nightmare for firefighters. EV engines are not responsible for such disastrous accidents. The powerful villains are lithium-ion batteries that can fuel hotter fires and release intense heat and are more difficult to extinguish. Battery fires also generate a variety of gases, fumes and toxic gases that pose a greater danger to commuting and the environment. Today, only a handful of staff members at electric vehicle manufacturers have the expertise to address such hazards and electrical emissions. State firefighters and travelers in general are not always aware of this ‘tech savvy’ as EVs don’t come with a detailed ‘101 manual on how to put out your electric vehicle fire’!

The recent crashes are bringing back the debate about whether electric vehicles are safer than diesel and gasoline vehicles when it comes to safety. In black and white, the Tesla Model X may have a perfect score for the crash test safety rating. But practical experiences and records always turn out stronger than rainbow promises and whitewashed lab results. With technological advancement, electric vehicles may herald the transportation revolution for decades to come. The replacement cost of battery packs can drop to as low as $ 73 per kWh after 2030 and current range anxiety may become a thing of the past. Hybrids and electric vehicles can offer greater options and more convenience for the demanding consumer and new business configuration. But at this stage, if we consider road safety to travel without tension, it is easier to bet on ‘combustion’ engines than on battery-powered engines.

Overheated semi truck brakes are something no driver wants to have to deal with. And often, this type of problem can be completely prevented. However, there are cases where the brakes overheat – and sometimes even catch fire! – before the problem is identified.

It’s important to get regular checkups to make sure your brakes are in good condition. This will reduce the possibility of the brakes overheating while driving, which is dangerous for you and other drivers on the road.

What are the most common reasons for brake fires?

There are several reasons why your truck’s brakes can overheat and catch fire. These reasons include:

Bad braking method

Not all drivers use the correct braking method. Are you ever guilty of this? If so, you should work to get used to braking properly! If you see or smell smoke after braking, you should stop and turn off the truck immediately. If you are on a downhill slope, get to the bottom of the hill and stop there.

Drag brakes

Brakes that drag while driving can cause problems like overheated brakes. Not only that, but also wheel bearing failure or wheel grease fires that can even get into the truck tires. This type of problem is most common on the rear trailer of the semi-trailer.

Badly balanced brakes

An imbalance in the brakes can cause the disc brakes to overheat. This can cause the grease in the bearings to catch fire. Poorly balanced brakes most often occur on a multi-trailer semi-trailer when not all trailers are braking properly, hence the imbalance.

Wheel bearing failure

As noted above, drag brakes can cause wheel bearing failure. This means that the wheel axle is off the axle center line. When it is off-center and the brakes are dragging, an overheating fire can occur. Also, when one is off-center, another could soon follow, causing even more problems.

What You Can Do To Reduce The Chances Of Overheating

It is important that you have regular maintenance checks with a truck tire repair service or 24-hour truck tire repair service to reduce the chances of experiencing serious problems on the road. It is also important that if you notice anything strange while driving, you stop and do your own inspection or call a mobile truck repair service or 24-hour truck repair service to help you and make sure your truck is safe. lead.

You can do your own inspection by looking at the brakes, wheels and tires, checking for broken wheel seals and other potential problems. You must also ensure that there is no accumulation of oil or grease around the wheels, axles, and engine.

What to do if a fire starts in your truck

If any part of your trailer catches fire, use your fire extinguisher to attack the base of the fire. Then you need to call a trucking service company for help.

Everyone who drives wants to be behind the wheel of a luxury car. Luxury brands like Mercedes Benz, Porsche, and Audi make vehicles that have high-quality features and are extremely pleasing to the senses. These are not the only manufacturers of luxury cars. Companies like Hyundai and Toyota also have high-end luxury models. Associating luxury brands with a name like Mercedes Benz is still an American fixation, but around the world that is slowly changing. Manufacturers build a range of vehicles, from economy to luxury, and people are learning to recognize luxury as separate from the brand name.

With so much said about luxury vehicles, owning one is still a distant dream for most, unless you do the math, buy one with a hefty loan, and sell it in a few years, when the market value is still appreciable. Another option is to buy used luxury cars that are in good condition. Finding a company that not only sells you the luxury cars, but also provides related services such as shipping, car certification, car warranty, as well as attractive service contracts, financial assistance, this would make all the project was more significant.

Prices are a fraction of the current model price, and models are up to ten years old. For example, a 2007 Acura TL is available for around $ 7,500, while the current 2017 model is priced close to $ 35,000 at a dealership showroom. Acura is the brand of cars manufactured by Honda in Japan. Most cars have low mileage and are in good condition, although it may be worth reminding the buyer that low mileage is not exactly a good thing. A car must always be in working order. But the thing about luxury cars is that they are only brought out on special occasions when there is the option of a second car. This is the reason why most luxury cars for resale have low mileage.

Here are some things to consider when buying a used luxury car

· Get ​​an inspection by an expert. This may cost money, but it is worth it because there is a chance that the vehicle was damaged in the past and that is why it was sold.

· Choose a dealer wisely. Each dealership has its own standards for the type of used cars it will stock and sell, just as a manufacturer has its own standards for the product manufactured. Compare between a couple of dealers and don’t just go for the lowest priced one just for that, a low price, sometimes a low price doesn’t mean it’s a good deal.

Do your research on the model, when it was released, what were the customer reviews? You can get the car’s VIN number and check with Carfax.com for any previous accidents. You can ask the dealer to help you with this.

Once you’ve taken care of these three factors and are satisfied with the car, go ahead and get behind the wheel of that luxury car. Problems can arise, but they can be solved and there’s nothing better than sitting in a custom-made soft leather seat in the opulent expanse of your new luxury car.

This is your one-stop-shop information on any of the following: Auto Auctions, Truck Auctions, Government Auctions, Police Vehicle Auctions, Public Auto Auctions, IRS Auctions, DEA Auctions, Police Truck Auctions, Police Auctions FBI, State Auctions, Local Auctions, Tax Filing Auctions, Bank Repositories, Sports Cars, Luxury Cars, SUVs – Pickup Trucks, Trucks & More!

If you are looking to buy a luxury car, dream car, SUV, minivan, sports car, or pickup truck for a fraction of the book value, this is the source of information for you. Buying vehicles seized by the police at auto auctions will save you time and a lot of money by giving you incredible purchasing power. Generally, seized car auction websites give you the opportunity to shop at local and online seized car auctions. Seized car auction websites generally cover all guaranteed US cities and states, plus Canada, Europe, and Australia.

Every month, thousands of cars are repossessed through various default, impound, tax, and overage laws. The constant influx of new vehicles and the huge expenses required to store them lead to deep discounts! Go straight through the sources to find your offer. Offers start at a discount of 95% of book value.

The seized car auction includes: Police Car Auctions, IRS Auctions, DEA Auctions, Customs Auctions, Auto Auction Sites, Auto Auctions, Acura, Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Catera, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Eagle, Ferrari, FIAT, Ford, General Motors, GMC, Honda, Hummer, Hyundai, Infiniti, Isuzu, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Lotus, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mercury, Mini, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Oldsmobile, Opel, Peugeot, Pontiac, Porsche, Renault, Saab, Saturn, Scion, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo, Pilot, Corolla, Camry, Accord, Durango, Mustang, Tundra, Explorer, Expedition, Ranger and more! Offers start from $ 100 or even less!

Seized vehicles from more than 250,000 listings include cars, trucks and SUVs that are available in all makes and models. Start your search today and get the car you want from cheap seized car auctions.

One of the signs of great new cars is that their doors swing upwards. This article will look at three great sports cars whose signature style is the door that opens upward.

The Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster is the ultimate exotic car. You can lower the top on a hot summer day. Batman used the Bat Roadster in his last movie. It has a 6.2 L V12 engine with all-wheel drive and 580 horsepower. It has doors that open upwards. Many children dream of owning a Lamborghini and put posters of the cars on their walls. This new version of Lambo is the best yet. Wherever you go, people will want to take photos with their Lamborghini. This is the ultimate in cool new cars.

The Ferrari Enzo is the fastest street legal car ever made. At over $ 1 million, it’s not your “average” car; But if you can afford it, who wants the average? This Ferrari is eye-catching in person, has unique doors that open upward, and is eye-catching from miles away. It has a 651 horsepower V12 mid-mount engine (the engine is right behind the driver’s seat) and world-class handling.

With a 627 horsepower mid-mounted engine and a top speed of over 240 mph, the McLaren F1 V12 is extremely fast and very light. It is such an exotic racing car. The F1 is made primarily of carbon fiber to reduce weight. No expense was spared to build the F1, expensive carbon fiber and exotic materials were used throughout. Because it is such a good heat deflector material, gold was used on the engine compartment cover. This car looks amazing in pictures and people will want to take pictures with their car. The driver sits in the middle of the car, for the best possible driving experience with 2 folding seats on the right and left behind the driver.

Those are 3 of the cool new cars you can consider if you have a good amount of cash on your hands and you want to drive a fancy car.

SUVs are considered by many to be the perfect vehicle for families. But this type of vehicle is also preferred by many people belonging to the same population. So what makes the SUV a popular choice with a lot of people? There are several factors and characteristics that contribute to the popularity of SUVs. On the one hand, they are chosen for the power of their engines. SUVs also offer ample legroom and storage capacity. Finally, many car reviewers say that SUVs provide better control and can be handled better in all weather and terrain conditions.

If you are also interested in buying your first SUV, there are certain considerations and tips that you should take into account to ensure that you are investing in the right one. Here are some of these key tips and considerations:

Consider the size of the SUV. SUVs are classified into three types: compact, medium and large. The bigger the SUV, the more expensive it is. However, keep in mind that a larger vehicle also offers more cargo space. In terms of size, auto experts recommend that you find something that works for you and / or your family.

Determine if a truck or car-based SUV is the best option for you. A truck-based SUV will allow you to tow much more weight and activate additional off-road mobility. They are stronger and heavier than car-based SUVs. Car-based SUVs or crossovers, on the other hand, tend to handle better, are more fuel-efficient, and provide a quieter, more comfortable ride with more interior space.

Get details on the vehicle’s fuel economy. If this is your first time shopping for an SUV, make sure you learn all about the engine. If you are leaning towards a compact SUV, you can choose the 4- or 6-cylinder engine. Industry experts say the 4-cylinder SUV is the cheapest because you could get it when it comes to SUVs, as this one can hit miles down into the mid-twenties. A sporty SUV model features the 6-cylinder engine and can also be found in the variety of 4 or 8-cylinder engines. Finally, the 6-cylinder option registers an average located in the upper adolescents.

Characteristics of the load capacity of the vehicle. Finally, no matter which model you choose, you can remove and fold the rear seats for additional cargo capacity. For a full and midsize SUV, you can expect up to 100 cubic feet of capacity when the rear seat is folded; for a compact SUV, up to 70 cubic feet.

Carlos Ghosn is the 51-year-old Brazilian who has been in charge of reviving the fortunes of Nissan Motors since 1999. He has defied typical American business etiquette by shaking hands with every employee he meets. She skips the energetic breakfast by staying home and eating with her four children. He also believes that it is possible for people to fall in love with a car based on how it looks at first glance. Attractive design is not just a stylistic element; it is a vital component that encourages people to get into the car. So it’s no surprise that the fourth-generation 2007 Nissan Altima has distinctive styling, a new DVT transmission, and is available with a hybrid engine. All of this, although it comes with an MSRP of $ 17,250 – $ 29,350, makes it a viable competitor to the Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Toyota Prius, and Toyota Camry at launch.

Carlos Ghosn’s ideal of positioning Nissan as a rival to BMW is working. Minimalist lines are used wisely to give the car an aggressive and meditative style. Dual pleats in the hood highlight engine performance, triple-cluster headlights make the front look clean and purposeful, integrated front and rear bumpers simplify the car’s minimalist appeal, and double-deck taillights are positioned higher. in the trunk giving it a performance because it feels. The ultimate goal is for the “sports-oriented” 2007 Altima to arouse more emotions than its predecessor.

You’ll forget that the 2007 Nissan Altima is a four-door family sedan once you get in the car. No matter where you sit, you will be amazed by the sculpted and supportive seats, motorcycle-inspired gauges, chrome accents and a closed gear stick. The dash features a sporty three-pod instrument layout and a neat center console. (It’s important to note that the new Altima has 103 cubic feet of space; trunk space is exemplary at 15.6 cubic feet.) There is ample room to transport four full-size adults comfortably around town. In addition, the 2007 Altima has earned 5-star safety ratings for its frontal impact protection. It would be nice if the manufacturer had included side impact airbags and traction control as standard equipment. We highly recommend that you consider adding them to further solidify the Altima’s position in side collisions.

Looking fresh when perfectly still, the 2007 Altima is powered by a 2.5-liter in-line four with 175 horsepower in the base model. The slightly more expensive 3.5-liter inline six engine has 250 horsepower at 249 pound-feet of torque. For even greater performance, the SE-R is tuned to further push the envelope to 260 horsepower at 251 pound-feet of torque. In our tests, the Altima performed well with excellent handling and acceleration with the 2.5 out of line-four. The new transmission (DVT) is extremely quiet and improves driving in the optimal position. The downside was the cabin a bit noisy; the Altima lacks the excellent sound insulation found inside the 2007 Toyota Camry. However, the new suspension and wider tires give the car a stiffer ride with a more robust feel. For buyers looking for a smoother, quieter ride, consider the Camry. For buyers who want a louder sports car with incredible handling, consider the 2007 Nissan Altima.

When the Altima was first introduced in 1993, it was available in two versions and came with the option of a 150-horsepower engine. Currently, it is available in six versions and four engines, including the hybrid. Under the tutelage of former Renault boss Carlos Ghosn, Nissan has managed to restore the “driving spirit” to its cars. The 2007 Nissan Altima’s distinctive styling, reputation for reliability, luxurious interior, and high coefficient of conductivity predict future popularity. The new car has been vastly improved. By 2008, Nissan wants to move 4.2 million vehicles per year worldwide. The 2007 Nissan Altima will be a big part of that equation because it significantly challenges what we expect from the four-door sedan.

This vacation give yourself a well-deserved gift. If you are looking for practical ideas, I suggest you consider purchasing a new or near-new vehicle. There are many great deals to choose from in today’s market, but used Jeep cars are among the elite when it comes to saving money and getting great value. Take, for example, the 2011 Jeep Cherokee, which just got a facelift, and frankly, it’s been given a full bumper-to-bumper facelift. Let’s take a closer look at this impressive vehicle.

Jeep Grand Cherokee used cars:

In 2009, Dodge announced that big changes were coming for the flagship vehicle of its ever-popular Jeep series. It was official; the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee was to take center stage. Jeep used cars have been a great seller for many years because of their reliability and affordable prices, and Dodge wants to keep it that way. The amazing changes both inside and outside have caused the critics, along with myself, to get very excited to jump into one. The biggest changes of all are under the hood, body, and suspension.

Three different models and finishes give the customer many options when deciding on used Jeep cars. The Laredo is well equipped with all-wheel drive and power windows and locks, but the base model is the cheapest way to do it. If you want more options and features, Jeep offers the limited edition Quadra-Trac II with Select-Terrain (if you get the 4×4), heated leather seats in the front and second rows, memory configurations, high intensity discharge with auto-level headlights, Command View dual-pane panoramic sunroof, reversing camera, rear parking assist, premium audio, automatic climate control, 18-inch aluminum wheels, Garmin® navigation, rain-sensitive windshield wipers and door handles of the bright gates.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit is available for those who want more luxury. Available in a unique Rugged Brown paint scheme (plus gray, white, gold and black), it has a chrome grille and fog light bezels, with 20-inch high-gloss polished aluminum wheels. The interior has real black olive knot wood trim mixed with the instrument panel, with a standard heated steering wheel and the upper front and rear door panels. The interior is two-tone, black and new saddle, with heated and ventilated Nappa leather seats and Berber floor mats with black and chestnut accent piping. Standard features include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear crossing detection systems.

Pricing for these jeeps starts at $ 32,000 cnd up to $ 55,000. You can buy any of these jeeps in the US and use a few for a fraction of the price.

If you are Canadian and looking to find great savings on used Jeep cars, check out “youpaidwhat.ca”, they give Canadians an alternative option to buy American used cars. With the Canadian dollar so high, it only makes sense to buy American used cars for sale.

A silent killer of automatic transmissions or gearboxes is water or the mixture of coolant with automatic transmission fluid (ATF). This problem used to be seen in older vehicles with neglected engine cooling systems, but it is becoming common in later car and truck models that have followed their maintenance schedules. The result is always the same: the transmission must be checked or replaced completely.

Can contaminated liquid be cleaned before damage occurs?

Almost all automatic transmissions on the road use cellulose-based paper lined plates called clutches or frictions. These clutches act as brakes to move and stop different components within the gearbox. When the gearshift lever is put into gear or reverse, it is friction that is applied.

The paper that covers the clutch plates is a very delicate material that sticks to a steel backbone. Before gluing the paper to the plate, it has the strength and consistency of a graham cracker. Once the material is bonded, it becomes much stronger and can last for a long time under normal operating conditions.

The clutch material is hygroscopic. This means that when clutches are exposed to moisture, the paper material will displace the ATF through water. This moisture reaches the steel plates causing oxidation and breaks the glue that binds the paper to the plate. A study by International Lubricants Inc on the effects of water exposed to automatic transmission clutches states: “Testing indicated that water added at levels as low as 600 mg / kg migrated to the surface of the raw paper frictions and contributed to the loss of paper, coating and erratic torque transfer properties. ” In layman’s terms, that means less than a tablespoon of water or engine coolant in a transmission can cause a failure.

How did the water get there?

There are three ways that water can enter a transmission:

1. Through the engine radiator. From the 1950s until now, most automatic gearboxes are cooled with the same water-based system that prevents the engine from overheating. There is a separate tank in the radiator for the transmission fluid that allows the coolant to remove the heat from the ATF without mixing the two fluids. When a leak occurs between the ATF and the engine coolant tanks in the radiator, the fluids will mix with each other. It was more common in older vehicles that had eroded cooling systems due to neglect, but some of today’s newer vehicles use materials that fail due to pressure problems in the cooling system.
2. Exposure to deep water. Driving through large puddles during rain storms or driving off-road can expose the transmission’s breathing system to moisture. The best chance to prevent a failure is to check for water in the ATF after a vehicle has been in this type of scenario.
3. Ingress of moisture through the dipstick. Most vehicles have a dipstick where ATF is checked and added. Moisture can easily enter the transmission if the dipstick was sprayed with water while cleaning the engine or, in some cases, water that runs off from rain or a car wash drips onto the dipstick. GM and Chrysler have bulletins related to this problem on some models of their vehicles. Qualified stores will have access to verify these types of newsletters. A tell-tale sign of this problem is moisture or rust around the dipstick tube.

Replace or rebuild?

It depends on how much water was mixed with the transmission fluid, how long the vehicle was driven with the contaminated ATF, and the type of gearbox your vehicle has. The metallic and electronic parts inside the transmission will corrode quickly when exposed to moisture. If there is too much damage inside the gearbox, the cost of parts to rebuild the transmission will exceed the cost of replacing the unit with a remanufactured product. Some manufacturers like Nissan and Chevy have computers inside the gearbox that will fail when exposed to moisture. These computers or mechtronics cost up to $ 2,000 and that does not include rebuilding the rest of the unit. When parts cost this much, it is often a better decision to replace the gearbox entirely.

In short, if water gets into a transmission, there is no way around an expensive repair. Flushing out the fluid will only cost you extra money and can make the inevitable failure happen sooner. Check your engine’s cooling system regularly and ask a professional transmission mechanic if your car is a common one for this type of failure. If so, bypass the radiator with an external oil cooler.