Transmissions have evolved since the early days of motoring, but one type of transmission that may not be immediately familiar to you is the continuously variable transmission (or CVT). First marketed in 1989, CVT systems power many of today’s vehicles, including the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, Ford C-MAX Hybrid, Subaru Forester, and a range of Nissan and Infiniti models. But how does a CVT work, and how does it compare to traditional automatic transmissions? Let’s have a look.

Gears vs CVT: How They Work

The job of any transmission is twofold—to transfer power from the engine to the wheels of your vehicle, […]

Now that the beach umbrellas and lawn chars are put away, it’s time to think about prepping your car for the harsher conditions to come. Autumn brings more volatile weather, leaf-covered roads, and for some, the first snows of the coming winter season. October is Fall Car Care Month and the ideal time to give your vehicle a fall fitness checkup.

Here are a few car care tips to get you ready for fall…

Check Your Tires

The quality and condition of your tires are critical to road traction and safety. When autumn leaves fall, they coat the pavement and roadways, often […]

Summer vacation season is almost upon us, and if you’re like many Americans, you’ll likely be using your vehicle to tow a trailer, boat, or popup camper at least once during the vacation season. Whether you’re taking your speedboat to the launch or pulling a heavy camper up a mountain, heavier than usual workloads can put added strain on your car’s transmission.

Let’s take a quick look at some of the ways heavy hauling can damage your transmission. Then we’ll look at a few simple things you can do to keep your vehicle operating at peak performance.

Heavy Loads Can […]

Most drivers don’t think about their auto transmissions until a problem arises. And by then, the only fix may be a costly transmission rebuild or replacement. That’s why it’s so important to keep up with regular maintenance and to recognize the early signs that your transmission might need some TLC.

Like your vehicle’s engine, your transmission relies on sufficient lubrication to function at its best. When transmission fluid is low or in need of replacement, your car’s transmission can suffer increased friction and decreased efficiency. Left untreated, the problem can lead to transmission failure and a major repair […]