Far different than your alternator or fuel pump, your transmission is an intricate construction that relies upon multiple parts working together. Each component has a specific job. As long as they perform their jobs, your car can shift gears properly. If any of the parts wear down and malfunction, your tranny might “slip” or refuse to shift. Given enough time, it will be necessary to have the entire assembly either replaced or overhauled.

In this article, we’ll take a brief tour through the various components within your transmission. I’ll describe their responsibilities and explain how they fulfill them.

Planetary Gearset

The planetary gearset is designed to provide the gear ratios. It consists of an outer ring gear, a central sun gear, and at least two planet gears that form a bridge between the ring and sun gears. Pinions intersect the planet gears while the ring gear is connected to an input shaft. The input shaft is powered by the engine, which causes it to turn. As the ring gear turns, the planet gears turn, which turn the sun gear.

Hydraulic System

The hydraulic system has a simple duty: to send pressurized fluid to every area of the transmission. The fluid lubricates the parts and cools them down. In doing so, it provides more shifting control. Even though the hydraulic system’s job is a simple one, its design is complex. There are many tubes through which the fluid is sent. If any of those tubes suffer a reduction in pressure, it can cause the entire system to break down.

Torque Converter

The torque converter is found on automatic transmissions. It is tasked with the responsibility of supplying power to the tranny and sits between it and the engine. A turbine sits inside the torque converter and connects to the input shaft. A pump and a part called the stator work with the turbine to move oil in a consistent circular direction through the converter. The turbine powers the sun gear (mentioned above) which supports the turning of the planetary gearset.

Keeping The Fluid Flowing

Front and rear seals are used to prevent fluid from leaking from the transmission. The front seal keeps fluid moving through the torque converter. The rear seal keeps it from leaking from the output shaft. Both are made from rubber and as a result, will deteriorate with time. When they do, they should be replaced as soon as possible. There are also several other smaller seals (for example, the O-ring) that are located throughout the assembly. Gaskets also help to keep the fluid from leaking.

The above are the main parts that are found within your transmission. It’s worth noting that they cannot do their jobs properly without the contribution of other components. An oil pump, a series of clutches, modulator, and solenoid pack all play important roles. Fortunately, the entire assembly will usually last for years before problems emerge.

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My husband is from California and I’m from Utah, and just the other day we tried to figure out if we needed to get safety and emissions this year or not. We spent a good amount of time arguing before we decided to look it up and find out. Since safety and emission testing is different in every state we finally figured out in Utah what we needed to do for our car.

Most people think that when you get your safety done you get your emissions done too. Most of the time that is correct but it can be different depending on the year of your vehicle. The year of your car is the deciding factor on when it needs to be checked out and inspected.

The timing for safety testing is rather simple. If your car is 1-8 years old, you only are required to come in every two years to get it inspected. If it is 9 years or older, you are then required to come in every year.

Emissions testing are only slightly different. If your car is 7 years or older it needs to be brought in every year for testing. If it 6 years and younger it only needs it every other year.

You should do everything you can to have safety and emissions done before the registration date is over. You’ll have to get a temporary registration if you go over so that you can drive and get your safety and emissions done. If you let it go over you can get a ticket for driving it around, and most shops wont work on your car.

Don’t be upset if your safety or emissions inspection comes back a negative, meaning you need to get some work done before it will pass. A lot of times it can be just little problems that need to be taken care of. It might seem stupid but every tiny little thing needs to be in working order for it to pass.

You can prevent this from happening if you are taking really good care of your car and doing maintenance work on it. Even little things like a flashing light can fail your test.

If you have now realized that this is your year for safety and emissions, get right on it. Don’t wait till the last day because that is usually when you forget.

Master Muffler is Utah’s leading muffler, brake and auto repair shop, and has 13 locations from Brigham City to Provo. Visit or call one of their locations for a free quote on how to improve your miles per gallon up to 30% for your car, truck or van. Visit their website at www.mastermuffler.net.

Choosing the right sort of garage flooring is important mostly for reasons of reliability, performance and safety. In order to keep your home and garage well maintained, garage flooring is very important for a number of reasons and you should not overlook it.

Getting the right sort of flooring for your garage largely depends on the sort of area way you live and the weather that you expect to get. In the winter, it is particularly important to have the right sort of flooring in order to minimize the risk of slipping on the surface or getting unwanted dirt in your house.

Since garage floors are almost always made of concrete, they already fairly steady but may need some things adding to them to help enhance the practicality. Mats are a good way to start. You can put mats on the floor to help keep out any liquids and minimised empress in your garage.

It also saves a lot of time to have various garage floor mats, since he keeps things cleaner and easier to. You won’t have to spend so much time cleaning the stains and sweeping the garage in order to keep the place clean and well maintained. There are various other options available though.

Tiled flooring can also be a good idea. The tiled flooring will sit over the original concrete flooring, and dirt will be allowed to fall down between the cracks in the tiles. This will help to keep the service that you actually walk on and work on safer and less slippery. You will also be able to clean between the tiles with a vacuum cleaner when necessary.

You can also get various products which will help to seal the floor, making it easier to clean. These can be highly advantageous, since they can make for a much smoother and better looking floor. This will also make it safer and more practical, since you will easily be able to clean up spillages since they will not be absorbed by the concrete any more.

Considering that the vast majority of the dirt in the garage will come from the car itself, such as stains from oil and other things, you may want to consider having a mat to park your car on. These contain maps can be highly advantageous, since they will help to keep your garage safer and cleaner at all times. They are also easy to assemble and highly effective.

April Kerr owns website Garage Solutions Plus which has details of wooden framed garage kits and prefab garage kits at cheap prices.

The 2009 Toyota Sienna has received a great rating of 2 out of 8 when compared to other mini-vans. This van encompasses a plethora of star features, however some of its most noted are its safety, reliability, and comfort level over all.

The Sienna has received the award from US News for the Best Car for the money, and it truly is. Its impeccably sleek style makes this the perfect van for you and your family.

The 2009 Toyota Sienna delivers some of the best combination’s of power, interior space, as well as comfort. The 2009 Toyota Sienna is being noted as being the perfect vehicle for you and the family.

A lot of people are being drawn to the Sienna simply for its accelerated power feature that was recently added. The Sienna has a hard hitting V6 engine that will allow your mini-van the opportunity to stand up against all the rest. The Sienna truly has the right tools to deliver optimum power when you require it the most. Minivans are no longer just a vehicle for families.

The Sienna also has some great safety features as well. In fact many people agree that this mini-van is one of the safest on the road presently. Your vehicle is well equipped with the right amount of airbags that you need. There are front, side as well as side curtain airbags to ensure that you and your passengers will always remain safe even in the face of adversity.

As far as crash tests go, the Sienna ranked four out five stars and received an adamantly good rating. This van encompasses so many great features that are perfect for a family or perhaps a teenage driver.

The Sienna also comes with its own great warranty options. You can choose the basic warranty which comes with a 3 year or 36, 000 mile warranty. You also have the option to purchase the extended warranty for your vehicle that is for the course of 5 years or 60, 000 miles.

Don’t you believe that your guests should be comfortable while they are driving around with you? Doesn’t your family deserve a vehicle that matches up in some of the greatest aspects of comfort and safety?

In predicted reliability tests the Sienna scored a 6 out of 10, which is inadvertently a great score. The 2009 Toyota Sienna is the best vehicle for you and your whole family it encompasses all the features that a vehicle should and so much more!

Andy Zain is the admin of Toyota Sienna Forum , a place where fans and owners can get the right information for tuning, customization and general discussions on anything about Toyota Sienna. Get the information you need when you visit Toyota Forums

TomTom is a company that is widely recognized for its TomTom GO models that have gotten better every year at providing the most sophisticated technology for accessible and reasonably priced appliances. Even though they haven’t produced any upgraded TomTom GO devices this year, people still keep buying the existing products because they live up to their standards in terms of performance and ease of use. The only problem that certain GPS fans face is the price tag. Another model to consider is the Garmin 7200 StreetPilot GPS.

The TomTom ONE GPS is the solution to this conundrum. The TomTom ONE is a different version for consumers who want to save money but like the TomTom’s options. TomTom ONE actually offers several models, such as XL models which are widescreen. However, only the original TomTom ONE is available in the US. The TomTom ONE has been known for its very low price, and also for its lack of applications and mediocre quality. Finally, the 2nd edition appeared with appreciable design and software developments, replacing the hopelessly inadequate model. This review will concentrate on the updated 2nd edition.

Look and Design

Looks could be everything, and TomTom ONE is able to look attractive with its small and clean look with a attractively curved top. The TomTom ONE GPS is compact enough to be carried one-handed and is able to slip into someone’s pocket. Only by looking at it, most people aren’t going to think that this TomTom ONE GPS is an inexpensive model.

Setup Process

The installation procedure is quite simple given its plug and play functionality, and therefore you should be able to work with the device directly after you unwrap it. You’ll encounter one part when you will be required to activate the device online, which isn’t covered in detail in the manual. However; you should be able to find everything you need in terms of activation in the complete manual found only on the CD. As soon as you activate the device, you are all cleared for takeoff.

Navigational Features

The TomTom ONE is quite accurate in the area of positioning and revising as you change locations. Occasionally you could notice it slightly confused by 25 to 50 meters, although it still calculates better than nearly all other entry level devices out there. This device’s routing capabilities are remarkable as well, and you won’t get too many of those annoying directives to make a U-turn very often. It won’t direct you to the quickest route available, but it will find a sensible one. The maps that are in your device include a large amount of POIs, although a small part of the signs aren’t found on the map, so take time to keep the maps updated.

Other Features

TomTom’s sound quality is acceptable even at top volume, during times that other devices lose clarity. The display and updated user interface are a refreshing change and can probably induce more people into giving TomTom’s upgraded model a spin. The battery life leaves much to be desired, running just above 2 hours, and it is provided with just a USB and car charger. Another solid car GPS unit is the Garmin 7200 StreetPilot GPS.

The TomTom ONE is offered for a great price and this GPS’s most significant functions perform quite well. Take a look at this device as your next GPS product if you truly need to save money.

Joseph Aaron is involved with an online project that helps his readers make educated purchase decisions on GPS Navigation Systems. Amongst the highest rated GPS units recommended on his website is the Garmin 7200 Streetpilot GPS Navigator.

Denny Hamlin ended a sophomore slump of sorts when he won the rain delayed Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono Raceway. The win was Hamlins first of the season and broke a 50 race winless streak. His last victory had come in 2008 at Martinsville Raceway.

After the race, an emotional Hamlin dedicated the victory to his grandmother who passed away late last week at the age of 91:

She understands the competition of the sport and she understands how much she means to me. Like today, she’s pretty proud. We definitely had some angels with us today.”

The unique triangle configuration track at Pocono bedevils many drivers, but Hamlin has always performed well here. He swept both races here as a rookie in 2006 and after the race his boss J.D. Gibbs made note of that fact:

I told him earlier, we’re going to lobby for a few extra races at Pocono”

Hamlin moved up to fifth in the NASCAR championship points standings after the victory. Tony Stewart increased his lead over Jimmie Johnson to 197 points with a top ten finish.

Juan Pablo Montoya finished second, moving him up to 8th place in the overall points standings. Clint Bowyer finished third and expressed pleasure with the solid performance in his postrace comments:

“Things haven’t been going our way all year long so it feels good to have something swing our way.

Former Indy Car driver Sam Hornish, Jr. took fourth”his best finish since coming to NASCAR. Kasey Kahne wound up in fifth place.

Points leader Stewart will have a good opportunity to increase his lead this weekend, as NASCAR heads to Watkins Glen, NY to race on the road course there. Stewart is considered not only the best road course driver among current NASCAR competitors, but arguably the best of all time.

Ross Everett is a staff handicapper for Sports-1 and an authority on NFL football betting. He’s a well known and widely published expert on sports handicapping , as well as personal finance and investing. He contributes to a number of online media outlets providing insight on how to bet on NFL football, MMA and boxing.

While we may not be seeing the over-four-dollar per gallon prices we saw last summer, the cost to fill up your tank isn’t cheap. Most experts agree we won’t be seeing prices below two dollars per gallon again. And there’s a good chance the prices will continue rising. Here are some painless ways to keep more money in your wallet.

1. Check your tire pressure. Tires that are under-inflated are “soft” and require more work – and more gas – in order to spin. Have your tires checked whenever you fill up, it doesn’t cost you anything.

2. Check tire alignment. Tires that aren’t in alignment make your engine work harder, which means burning more gas. Check your tires alignment every 6 to 9 months.

3. Check your brakes. You should have your brakes aligned and checked. Poorly aligned brakes mean you have to brake harder, and you lose or bleed off kinetic energy, resulting in lower gas mileage.

4. Make sure your engine is tuned. An improperly tuned engine can burn a LOT more gas than necessary. Have dirty or worn spark plugs replaced.

5. Limit idling. When you are idling, you are getting exactly zero miles per gallon. while it takes more gas to start your car than it does to idle, you can actually save gas by shutting off your engine if you are going to be idle more than 30 seconds.

6. Change your driving habits. Over-accelerating, stop and go traffic, congestion, these all burn unnecessary gas. Do your errands at night when there is less traffic so you can get to and from your destination in less traffic.

There are a lot of ways to improve gas mileage. Start be visiting sites like www.gasforlessmoney.com and start putting these gas-saving tips into practice. A gas mileage improvement of just 10% actually translates into a savings of $5-$10 by reducing how frequently you have to fill your tank!

The author is currently enrolled in Online LPN Nursing Classes.

The 2010 Ford Taurus is perhaps the reworked version of the older Ford Taurus, which at one point of time was considered an undisputed leader in its segment. The latest generation i. E. The 2010 Ford Taurus is a very up market version of its predecessor and is one of those models which will help Ford in stamping their authority in the up market car segment in the market. Lets read more about the 2010 taurus and how it brings good to the market.

This is a tactical move that Ford has taken with the new 2010 Ford Taurus, whereby they hope to cater to buyers who are looking at other similar segment car options which are priced higher. With the new 2010 Ford Taurus, Ford has raised the bar when it comes to setting benchmarks in terms of luxury offerings, safety features, driving experience and performance etc.

The design and detailing of the car is completely new and futuristic with care being taken to ensure that the car oozes a completely new look both under the hood as well inside.

Exceptional detailing has been done while over hauling or reworking the designs of the car. The detailing has been so minute that even the mirrors of the car, both inside and outside have been purposely incorporated and it does not feel that they have been installed as a separate piece.

All this has resulted in the new Taurus being propelled into a different league or segment of cars which has other established players. But the best part is that despite the competition being seasoned and established players; the 2010 Ford Taurus is bound to give them a run for their money.

There have been a slew of safety features which have also been added apart from the exterior design changes. The 2010 Ford Taurus now comes equipped with certain safety features like cruise control, collision control system and a few other rather unique and first of a kind features.

The same have been incorporated with various other changes internally. Apart from that the cars has a massive engine which produces 260 horsepower. Infact the 3. 5 liter Eco Boost V6 engine conforms to the strictest of emission norms and alternatively provides ample power to propel the beast.

The use of technology in 2010 Ford Taurus is such that people who are driving the car for the first time get intimidated with all the gadgetry and all other gizmos. They tend to forget to notice other things like drive quality and other performance parameters, such is the impact that 2010 Ford Taurus makes initially.

Andy Zain is the admin of Ford Taurus Forum , a place where fans and owners can get the right information for tuning, customization and general discussions on anything about Ford Taurus. Get the information you need when you visit Ford Truck Forum

Are you part of the new music generation? If you are then the Pioneer Car CD player is perhaps the right car audio system for you.

Check this out. The Pioneer Premier car CD player can do something that many other players can’t. Its satellite radio-ready. Wow! There’s probably a lot of people out there that didn’t even know about this satellite radio-ability. And all you’ve got to do is add an XM or Sirius Satellite Radio tuner and antenna.

Do yourself a favor and visit your nearest Pioneer dealer, and have some fun. Go in asking for the CD that plays the satellite radio stations. And make sure you go in with a few friends in with you, they’ll probably end up wanting exactly what you get. Its kind of cool to be a trend-setter.

But that’s not all of course. Another feature that makes the Pioneer stand out is that its iPod-friendly. The Pioneer can play your standard CDs and CD-R/RWs, including discs with MP3 and WMA files. Even better, its model DEH-P880PRS is compatible with iTunes AAC files burned to disc. This means, you can burn your iTunes library onto a disc and taken in the car. You don’t, of course, need to transfer all of your digital music to disc to enjoy it in the car. You’ve also got the option to plug in your portable digital audio player into the auxiliary input jack on the front panel.

The Pioneers Optical Digital Reference system is state-of-the-art. If you want your listening experience to be smooth and the music you listen to, to sound as close to the original source, then go Pioneer.

Music signals are transferred from the control unit to the amplifier with remarkable precision. The Sound Retriever automatically ‘upscales’ the compressed audio so that the quality closely matches that of the original source. That’s what happens when you’ve got an integrated 4-way DSP with auto time alignment and auto equalizer, you get unsurpassed quality.

So lets recap. Pioneer CD Player is ready for your iPod, iPhone and USB memory device – wherever your music is stored. Its affordable, offers superb quality, satellite radio, and much much more. And, it comes in a variety of attractive models. Go Pioneer, and be a trend-setter today.

To learn more about car cd players be sure to check out our site today.

If you want to explore off-road trails that bleed the desert sands, then head to the Middle East. The deserts and canyons are just what the avid Jeep Wrangler enthusiast wants – a place worthy to test his vehicle. With the whole area virtually made of sand and stone, you will definitely love taking your Jeep Wrangler there.

If you are looking for a more particular country to test your Jeep Wrangler, then check Israels desert trails. Off-road driving is among Israelis favorite past time and the desert is mainly the reason of that. But aside the desert heat and sands, most trails in Israel also exude historical significance.

However, bringing your own Jeep Wrangler with you might put a big dent to your expenses. The taxation on non-Israeli vehicles is very heavy indeed. Good thing there are many Jeep addicts here. Not only that, Jeeps are manufactured locally in Israel, mainly because the Jeep is one of Israels armed forces reliable desert vehicle.

If you are ready to roll against the desert winds, then the desert of Judea may be a good starting point. First off, you have to conquer dry river beds that are not only specked with boulders, but are steep and unpredictable as well. A lot of Jeepers have surrender to this place’s unforgiving terrain, which are most of the times almost impassable even to the experienced off-road driver.

The desert of Judea is only the beginning. The whole Israel is spattered with desert trails, and among those trails is one leading to the Big Maktesh. The trail gives any riders a lot of bumps and rocks and erosive craters along the way, but knowing that the end means the cool waters of the Spring of Ein Yorkeam, everything is worth it.

The Scorpion Pass is another trail Jeepers and off-road adventurers must not pass. You can use the Scorpion Pass, which was extensively used by the British Empire, to descend to the Zin Valley, another great location for off-road driving. f you want, you can check out the supposed burial grounds of the Biblical Aaron in a place called Hor Harhar.

Conquering all the desert trails the land of Israel can offer may take you weeks. eeping all the trails may be hard, but warm welcomes, great food, and cozy beds await you after you spend the day basking in the desert adventure. The kibbutz inns of Ein Akev and the ancient castles of the Arava Valley are just among the places that offer great hospitality after every rough ride in the deserts of Israel.

Are you roaring to roll into the desert trails? You can with our line of high quality and well-maintained Jeeps for sale. Visit our site and explore your options as we offer you an extensive range of choices that include Jeeps Commanders for sale and many more.