For those not familiar with vehicles and their operation, understanding the jargon and phrases used in the automotive world can be challenging. You may have found yourself in a situation where your mechanic used a transmission term or phrase to describe a part of your car or a specific action, leaving you feeling like they were speaking a language of their own. Whether you're a car enthusiast or not, it's useful to have a basic understanding of the transmission terms and components that make your vehicle operable, giving you a better chance of identifying issues in the future.

1. Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid, much like oil, lubricates the transmission's parts, ensuring efficient operation. Maintaining healthy transmission fluid is crucial to prevent potential damage, which could result in higher repair costs. We recommend discussing the quality and levels of your transmission fluid with your specialist during your next appointment.

2. Torque Convertor

Torque is a widely used term that extends beyond describing a component of the transmission. By definition, torque is a force that generates or tends to generate rotation, representing the twisting power that propels movement. In car's, the engine's twisting motion is what propels the vehicle forward. The torque converter is the link between the engine's power and the motion of the car in automatic transmissions, connecting the engine to the wheels and facilitating smooth acceleration.

3. Clutch

A transmsission term you have most likely heard before. Think of a car's clutch like a switch that seamlessly connects and disconnects the engine from the wheels. When you press the clutch pedal, you're essentially giving the engine a quick break from working so you can change the gear or stop the car. This pause is crucial, as you can't shift gears without engaging (pressing) the clutch. When you release the clutch, you're allowing the engine to start working again. The clutch is your tool for controlling how the engine's power flows to the wheels.

4. Gear Ratios

Consider gears in a car as differently-sized wheels. Larger wheels turn slower but handle more force. Similarly, your car has gears of various sizes to control wheel speed. When you start from a stop, you use a low gear (like a small wheel), which makes it easier for your car to move. As you gain speed, higher gears (like bigger wheels) enable faster movement with less effort. Gear ratios are like picking the right size wheel to ensure your car moves smoothly at different speeds.

5. Transmission Control Module

Transmission control modules (TCMs) are exclusive to automatic transmissions. Unlike manual transmissions, where the user decides when to change gears, TCMs decide when to change gears in an automatic car. Think of the TCM as the brain instructing the transmission. When you accelerate or decelerate, the TCM determines the gear for your car, ensuring seamless driving.

6. Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

Taking your new understanding of gear ratios into account, the CVT also functions as a gear ratio, but instead of fixed gear changes, it smoothly transitions through a continuous range of gear ratios. Imagine an automatic pedal bike that requires gear changes as you navigate hills, but imagine that the gears would change automatically without you noticing. Instead of those distinct gear changes, it adjusts seamlessly to match your speed.

7. Slipping the clutch

Slipping off the clutch occurs when the clutch neglects to fully engage (occurs when releasing) or disengage (occurs when pushing). This can happen from wear and clutch wear, erratic driving, or insufficient lubrication. This can lead to power loss during acceleration which can be dangerous if driving at high speeds.

8. Riding the clutch

Riding the clutch is a bad driving habit where the driver keeps their foot on the clutch pedal unnecessarily, similar to pressing the brakes while accelerating. This practice can cause accelerated wear and tear which can cause the clutch components to overheat and reduce the clutch lifespan. To avoid this, it's recommended not to sit too close to the steering wheel so that your foot does not rest on the clutch. Only touch the clutch when actively shifting gears.

9. Overdrive

Think of overdrive in a car like a bonus gear that saves gas on the highway. When cruising at a steady speed, engaging overdrive makes the engine work less, similar to switching to a super-easy gear on your bike when going downhill. This can help your car run smoothly while using less gas.

10. Transmission Flush

A transmission flush is like a spa day for your transmission, involving the replacement of old fluid with new, clean fluid to maintain efficiency. Similar to an oil change, this service is necessary in keeping your fluid free of debris that can be harmful to your transmission. Including a transmission flush in your regular maintenance check-ups is highly recommended.

Employ these transmission terms not only to impress your car-savvy friends, but also to help identify potential issues early and gain a deeper understanding of your vehicle and its operation. Remember, understanding your car extends to recognizing the importance of regular maintenance for optimal functioning.

Highway 97 Transmissions is one of the Okanagan's most trusted transmission shops. With years of experience, your transmission is in capable and caring hands.

Please contact us today at (250) 860-3871 for your vehicle needs.