Debunking Car Transmission Myths

There is a lot of mystery and misinformation surrounding automatic transmissions, even within the automotive industry.  While some of these myths might have been true decades ago, modern technology has helped to level out the performance disparity between automatic and manual transmissions. Today’s blog is going to take a closer look at common transmission myths and the facts that will debunk them. 

 

Automatic transmissions are sealed units that are neither serviceable nor repairable.

It all depends on finding the right technician. Even though it seems like the only fix for a problem with an automatic transmission is a complete replacement of the unit, they are repairable and can benefit from being serviced. Those who don’t work with automatics can find the task daunting and nigh impossible, but for those who do, the task is still difficult because it’s easy for things to go wrong. The reason for this is that automatic transmissions contain a lot of small parts that are easily forgotten, so many mechanics don’t like to work on them. 

 

Cars with manual transmissions always cost less than their automatic counterparts.

While cars with manual transmissions tend to cost less, this isn’t always true. Consumer Reports notes that buying a car with a manual transmission can help consumers save between $8,000 and $12,000, but a number of cars on the market today, such as BMWs and GM models, cost the same regardless of their transmission. The maintenance cost of automatic transmissions may be higher, but better design has helped them to last the life of the vehicle, so long as the driver is taking care of it. Manual transmissions tend to not last as long and may need a few replacements during the car’s lifetime. Of course, this depends on the driver’s behavior and other variables as well. 

 

Automatic transmissions are less fuel-efficient than manual transmissions.

This claim is unfortunately true, however, manufacturers are closing the gap in fuel efficiency between manual and automatic transmissions. That being said, manual transmissions tend to beat automatics in fuel efficiency by a small margin in most cases. At its simplest, the problem boils down to weight and friction. Automatics are heavier than manual transmissions, which require more work and thus require more fuel. Depending on the abilities of the driver, though, automatics can be more efficient at times by switching gears at the most efficient time as opposed to manual if the driver isn’t good at hitting the optimal shift time. 

The Biggest Changes Coming to the Automotive Industry in 2019

carl-turnley-automotiveUntil recently, the automotive industry has been in a slump. It seems the early 2000s brought design changes that would move the industry forward; however, it was simply a new standard was set. Only a few innovative companies have been pushing the industry forward. Even a few newcomers – like Google and Tesla – have brought new technology to the automotive world in recent years. 2018 saw some interesting changes, and 2019 seems to have a lot in store as well. Below are some of the trends – some carrying over from last year and some new – for the automotive industry in 2019.

Electric Cars

Electric cars aren’t going anywhere. They may not be ideal for all areas of the world, but they are great in the cities. You won’t see many electric cars on the planes of Kansas or the mountains of Colorado, where you’ll often have to travel 100 mile round trips to visit certain points of interest; however, they are perfect for short commutes.

Ferrari’s New CEO

One of the many predictions for 2019 relates to Ferarri being under new leadership. We know that Ferrari has announced 15 new models to be released in the coming years, but they may not be what we expect. If the upcoming Ferrari Purosangue is anything to go by, Ferrari could be transitioning heavily into the crossover world. It all depends on how successful the Purosangue is. We could even see a low-cost crossover from Ferrari.

Subscription Services

Leasing or buying? This has been the question for anyone looking for a new car up until now. BMW and Porsche already have projects like these, but considering the cost, they will remain exclusive clubs for the wealthier citizens. However, if other companies hop on the trend, we could see subscription services like these that will rival the cost of leasing or buying.

Self Driving Vehicles

The innovative self driving car has met some speed bumps in the last few years, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t pushing forward. Only available in certain cities, like San Francisco and Phoenix, self driving cars could really be the future. Ideally and under perfect conditions, self driving cars would be the safest way ever invented to travel.

Debunking five enduring myths about car maintenance

carl-turnley-maintenanceCaring for our cars and trucks can often be frustrating. There are so many myths and rumors that it’s difficult to know what is the right thing to do for your vehicle. While a specific problem may require the assistance of a mechanic, these five tips can help you keep your car in a healthier state for longer.

You Probably Don’t Need Premium Fuel

Most people go for the higher octane fuel when they gas up at the pump, because they think it’s better for their car. This is just another urban myth. Unless your owner’s manual specifies the need for a higher octane fuel, regular unleaded will be just as good.

You Don’t Need to Change All Four Tires at Once

This is another car care myth that has been passed down through generations, but you shouldn’t feel obligated to follow it. What you do need to do is ensure all four tires are of the same brand and model. Also, check to make sure you’re always using the right size tire.

Leaving Your Tailgate Down Does Nothing for Fuel Efficiency

In a research project, Popular Mechanics tested the effects of driving various pick-up trucks with the tailgate down. This was in response to a theory that driving with the tailgate down helped conserve gas. In truth, this had no effect on fuel efficiency. However, the study did find that removing the tailgate altogether did help conserve gas. This was true even when the tailgate was replaced with mesh netting.

An Oil Change Isn’t an Excuse to Change Coolant

Many mechanics recommend changing coolant fluid and air filters, during an oil change. While this certainly benefits the mechanic, it doesn’t necessarily do much for your vehicle. Instead of taking your mechanic’s word for it, consult the vehicle owner’s manual to find out exactly how long your vehicle can go without changing coolant fluid and air filters.

An Electric Car is a Fire Risk

There’s a rumor going around that the new electrically powered vehicles are more likely to catch fire. Some people actually avoid buying electric cars, because they fear a random electrical fire. According to a report published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, electric cars are no more likely to catch fire than gas-powered vehicles.

Since most people aren’t mechanics, it’s easy to come across a multitude of myths and rumors about proper car care. Before buying into anything that you hear, it’s a good idea to research the rumor for yourself. Often consulting your owner’s manual can help you settle questions or concerns you have about your vehicle.

Debunking halo device myths

carl-turnley-halo

Formula One (F1) Racing has been going through some big changes lately including the changing of their historic logo to the addition of a safety guard on the cars above the driver’s heads known as “the halo”. This has led many to begin passing around some myths about the sport that couldn’t be further from the truth. So what are these myths and what is the truth? The myths are as follows:

  • The Halo Device Goes Against The Rich History Of F1 Racing
  • It Will Permanently Destroy The Aesthetics Of The F1 Cars
  • The Halo Device Could End Up Trapping Drivers After A Wreck

The Halo Device Goes Against The Rich History Of F1 Racing

F1 racing fans are proud of the rich history of the sport. F1 racing represents the very best in both driving and engineering that the world has to offer. This is one of the biggest reasons that they seem to be so against the change in the design of the car. Although there has always been an element of danger in the sport, there is nothing more important than the safety of the drivers. This has been reiterated year after year as additional safety measures are taken so that fans can enjoy the sport while minimizing the risk of injury to drivers.

It Will Permanently Destroy The Aesthetics Of The F1 Cars

This myth is based on the misconception that the halo will remain in its current form for eternity. In fact, F1 racing officials are actually very open to the idea of racing teams designing their own halo guard systems and presenting them to a committee for consideration. The only caveat to this is that all teams would have to be given access to the designs so as to not give one team an unfair advantage over another.

The Halo Device Could End Up Trapping Drivers After A Wreck

While this is a very valid concern, all tests indicate that the halo device would actually aid drivers in getting out of the car easier if it were to flip onto its roof during a race. This is because the halo will keep the nose of the vehicle up higher thus allowing more room for a driver to escape before emergency responders arrive.