Last updated 7 months ago
Scheduling regular maintenance appointments for your transmission is critical to keeping your vehicle operating smoothly. Also, you can learn more about transmissions and some common repair issues from these helpful links:
If your transmission is in need of repair or servicing, contact Miramar Transmissions of San Diego at (858) 457-3777 to schedule an appointment.
Last updated 8 months ago
Your vehicle contains many marvels of engineering, but few are as vital as the differential. You may never have considered this device, but as this video explains, your car’s drive wheels couldn’t operate without it.
Drive wheels need to rotate at different speeds and distances as they turn. The differential was the first device that solved this rotational problem. In doing so, the differential enabled automobile manufacturers to produce a two wheel-drive vehicle for the first time. The video also gives you a glimpse of the inner workings of a differential.
For more than twenty years, San Diego area drivers have trusted Miramar Transmissions to get their vehicles fixed fast and efficiently. We can repair any problems that occur with your differential, transmission, or other engine parts. If you need assistance with your vehicle, call us at (858) 457-3777.
Last updated 8 months ago
Anyone who has operated both a manual and automatic transmission knows that there are significant differences between them. However, there are several additional types of automotive transmissions available to drivers. Keep reading to learn more about the unique benefits each type of transmission offers.
Automatic Transmission Automatic transmissions are the most common type of transmission found in vehicles today. An automatic transmission moves itself between a defined set of gear ranges to ensure that the motor operates continuously in an appropriate range of revolutions per minute (RPMs) as you drive. Once you put the transmission into drive, everything else is automatic. The clear advantage for many drivers is that the automatic transmission offers simplicity and ease of use.
Manual Transmission With a manual transmission, the driver must continuously select an appropriate gear. Some drivers prefer a manual transmission because changing gears require drivers to pay close attention to the engine’s performance. A driver operating a manual transmission may also be able to accelerate or slow the vehicle quicker than would be possible with an automatic transmission. Today, almost all vehicles are offered with an optional manual transmission.
Dual or Double-clutch Transmission A dual-clutch transmission utilizes two clutches to switch gears. A computer controls the process, anticipates gear shifts, and can change gears in under a second. This process enables the vehicle to accelerate faster and smoother than is possible with a conventional automatic or manual transmission. Dual transmissions are expensive and are featured mainly in high-performance sports cars.
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) A CVT has fewer moving parts than an automatic transmission, so less can go wrong. In fact, the CVT relies on two pulleys instead of actual gears to transfer power from your vehicle’s engine to the driveshaft. The process produces smoother acceleration, eliminates any engine hesitation while driving up steep inclines, and delivers improved fuel savings.
No matter what type of transmission is in your vehicle, your transmission must be properly maintained. This means that your transmission fluid should be checked regularly and the transmission should be serviced at regular intervals. Trust Miramar Transmission of San Diego to expertly handle all of your transmission maintenance and repair needs. To schedule an appointment, call us at (858) 457-3777 or visit our website.
Last updated 8 months ago
It is reasonable to be concerned anytime your “check engine” light comes on while you’re driving around the San Diego area. Unfortunately, this little warning light won’t communicate exactly what requires attention. It might indicate a superficial problem, like a loose gas cap, or something more involved, like your vehicle requires immediate transmission repair. To help you be better prepared, here is a closer look at some of the most common issues that might trigger your vehicle’s check engine light.
The Gas Cap is Loose Many vehicles have a sensor in the gas tank that may trigger the check engine light if it detects a dramatic change in gas tank pressure. If your gas cap is loose, cracked, or missing, the sensor may detect low pressure. If the cap is loose, the check engine light should go off within a few days after it’s tightened. Otherwise, your mechanic can easily attach a new gas cap to your vehicle.
The Spark Plugs Need Replacement Over time, your vehicle’s spark plugs will burn out. This too can trigger the check engine light. A related problem can occur if the wiring connected to your spark plugs frays. These are also easy and inexpensive problems for a trained technician to repair. If you vehicle is misfiring or not performing as it normally does, visit your local auto repair shop to see if there is a problem with the spark plugs.
An Oxygen Sensor Becomes Impaired Your vehicle is equipped with multiple oxygen sensors. They measure the oxygen level in your vehicle's exhaust gases, helping your engine to run as efficiently as possible while also limiting harmful emissions. If an oxygen sensor becomes impaired, it can also lead to decreased gas mileage and increased emission output. Your mechanic can run a diagnostic test to identify and replace the faulty sensor.
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated computer that will store a diagnostic code detailing any trouble with your vehicle. At Miramar Transmissions, we utilize a special diagnostic tool to retrieve this code, which then enables us to pinpoint the exact problem and get it fixed quickly and efficiently. So the next time your check engine light comes on, don’t panic—just Miramar Transmissions of San Diego at (858) 457-3777.
Last updated 8 months ago
Our recent blog posts have covered key aspects of transmission care, including proper driving habits and techniques. If you would like to learn more about maintaining your transmission or any of your car’s other crucial systems and components, take a look at the sites listed below.
Edmunds.com clears up several myths about driving manual transmissions in this informative feature.
Visit Yahoo! Autos to learn how frequently you should change your transmission fluid.
Read this pamphlet from the National Safety Council to learn what to do if your car overheats.
Take a look at this guide to driving a manual transmission from DMV.org.
Learn about the inner workings of a manual transmission from HowStuffWorks.com.
If you live in San Diego and you want to keep your vehicle in tip-top shape, call Miramar Transmission at (858) 457-3777. Visit our website or call us today to learn about our transmission and auto repair services.
