The transmission of a car centres on the gearbox. It is essential that the gearbox functions correctly for your car to go anywhere. Whilst it is expensive to have car gearbox problems repaired on your vehicle, it can change the way your car drives completely. By understanding the basics of how your gearbox works, you can transform your driving style and reduce the need for gearbox repairs.
The car is propelled forward when gears are changed as the engine’s speed is transformed into torque. How it does this depends on whether you’re driving a manual or an automatic car.
In a manual car, the clutch has to be pushed down by the driver so that the sliding gear can disengage from its original position, slide up and down the gearbox and thus change to a higher or lower gear. Whilst the driver selects the appropriate gear and takes action to move into this gear in a manual car, the transmission system in an automatic car chooses the gear instead. The gear is chosen based on the amount of pressure in the engine, measured by a hydraulics system which detects fluids in the engine. A torque converter engages the sliding gear rather than the clutch like in a manual car.
Now you know a little about how gearboxes work, it will be easier to understand how your driving style can damage it and make gearbox problems an unpleasant reality. A good clutch and a good driver can get thousands of miles out of their gearbox without needing replacements or repairs. Even a good clutch might need maintenance if an aggressive or inexperienced driver uses it continuously, and there are some cars with weak clutches to begin with. Gently moving from gear to gear and taking more time in changing gears will lengthen the life of your clutch.
I am a pretty able person, and like to do things myself, but gearbox maintenance should be left to the professionals, even if it is just for an oil replacement. When you need the services of a gearbox mechanic, look for one who offers a pick up service and a courtesy car as this will help you whilst you’re waiting for your car to be fixed.
Finding a gearbox and clutch specialist is the best way to ensure that your car is dealt with by the best.