Marysville Auto Repair

The torque converter in an automatic transmission is one of those parts that you don’t often think about—until something goes wrong. It quietly handles the connection between your engine and transmission, allowing your car to shift gears and keep moving smoothly. But when the torque converter starts to fail, it doesn’t stay quiet for long. Knowing the signs of a worn or failing torque converter can help you act before it leads to serious transmission damage. If your car feels different during shifting or acceleration, here’s how to tell whether your torque converter might need replacing. Unusual Slipping While Driving One of the most common signs of torque converter trouble is gear slipping. You might notice your engine revving higher than usual without a corresponding increase in speed, especially when accelerating from a stop. This happens when the torque converter fails to transfer power efficiently between the engine and transmission. Sl ... read more

If your car hesitates when shifting, slips between gears, or feels rough during acceleration, you might assume the transmission is failing—but the real problem could be something much simpler: a dirty transmission filter. This small component doesn’t get much attention, but it plays a major role in how your transmission functions. When it gets clogged or worn out, it can mimic the signs of a much larger mechanical issue. Transmission filters are overlooked in routine maintenance, especially in vehicles with sealed systems. But when the filter gets dirty, it can absolutely cause shifting problems—and ignoring it can lead to more serious damage over time. What Does a Transmission Filter Do Your transmission relies on clean, pressurized fluid to operate smoothly. The transmission filter’s job is to trap any debris—like metal shavings, friction material, or contaminants—that circulate in the fluid. It keeps the fluid clean and prevent ... read more

Your transmission is one of the hardest-working components in your car, and when it overheats, serious problems can follow. Excess heat can cause fluid breakdown, lead to slipping gears, and even result in complete transmission failure if ignored. If you’re noticing burning smells, sluggish shifting, or warning lights, your transmission could be overheating—and waiting too long to fix it can turn a minor issue into a major repair. Are you sure your transmission is running at the right temperature? What Causes a Transmission to Overheat A transmission typically operates at a safe temperature range of 175°F to 200°F. When temperatures climb above this range, the internal components begin to break down, leading to premature wear and possible failure. Several factors can cause a transmission to overheat, and identifying the root cause is the first step in fixing the problem. Low Transmission Fluid One of the most common causes of ov ... read more

When you buy a car, the manufacturer provides a detailed maintenance schedule outlining when to service different components. Oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections—these recommendations are all mapped out in your owner’s manual. But is following this schedule really necessary, or is it just a way for dealerships and service centers to make more money? The truth is, factory-recommended maintenance isn’t just a suggestion—it’s necessary for keeping your car reliable and avoiding costly breakdowns. Ignoring these guidelines might save you money in the short term, but it can lead to poor performance and safety risks. Why Do Manufacturers Recommend a Maintenance Schedule Car manufacturers design their vehicles with precision and understand exactly how long parts are expected to last under normal conditions. The recommended maintenance schedule is based on extensive testing to ensure your car remains in top shape for as long as possi ... read more

When it comes to maintaining your car’s tires, you’ve probably heard about nitrogen inflation. It’s marketed as a superior alternative to regular air, promising benefits like improved fuel efficiency, longer tire life, and better performance. But is it worth making the switch? Let’s see what nitrogen inflation is, how it compares to regular air, and whether it’s the right choice for your vehicle. What Is Nitrogen Tire Inflation Nitrogen tire inflation replaces the standard air in your tires with nitrogen, a gas that makes up about 78% of the air we breathe. The key difference is that nitrogen used in tires is purer, containing much less oxygen and almost no moisture. While regular air is a mix of nitrogen, oxygen, and water vapor, nitrogen inflation minimizes the presence of these additional elements, which can influence tire performance over time. You’ll often see nitrogen inflation being promoted at service centers, especially f ... read more