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What Does Transmission Fluid Do?

What Does Transmission Fluid Do?

If you didn't know already, your transmission is a vast system responsible for carrying the power generated by your engine to your car's wheels. It is a hydraulic system, which means it depends on a fluid to carry out its function (transmission fluid). The liquid is similar to engine oil for the engine; it is intended to keep the transmission system parts cool and lubricated to prevent damage. If your fluid becomes dirty and ineffective, your vehicle will take a significant amount of transmission damage. Transmission fluid is usually pink or red, and it passes through the system from the impeller to the turbine. Here are all the wonderful things it does for your car: Allows you to shift gears Provides hydraulic pressure Lubricates transmission parts Acts as a layer or barrier between moving components  It helps the clutch engage when needed Prevents wear, rust, and corrosion to important components Like the engine, the transmission endures a lot of strain. As a res ... read more

5 Signs It's Time for a Wheel Alignment

5 Signs It's Time for a Wheel Alignment

Maintaining your vehicle's performance at its peak requires proper wheel alignment. Wheel alignments unfortunately can be overlooked in favor of other maintenance procedures like oil changes and fluid top-offs. Driving a car that is out of alignment can be risky since it might be challenging to control. In addition to being difficult to drive, your automobile will wear out its tires more quickly than one that is perfectly aligned. Here are 5 indicators that a wheel alignment is necessary. The steering wheel of your car ought to be level and centered while you are traveling along a straight, level road. Your car requires an alignment if you notice that your steering wheel is slanted in one way. Your steering wheel should automatically revert to the center after you are through turning. Your car might need to be aligned if the steering wheel doesn't attempt to revert to the center position. It may be time for an adjustment if you find your car pulling to one side while you ... read more

Celebrate October Fall Car Care Month With Dickerson Automotive!

Celebrate October Fall Car Care Month With Dickerson Automotive!

Several maintenance items can go a long way toward improving your vehicle’s safety, performance, and longevity during the fall. With autumn finally here in Utah, the weather will cool down and the leaves will change colors. Fall weather tends to bring about many challenges for our automobiles. To avoid unwanted breakdowns or accidents, we recommend taking care of these 10 maintenance items to make sure your car is fit for the road.    In fact, October is Fall Car Care Month anyway. Show your vehicle some love, and it’ll treat you in return.  Here are our top 10 maintenance tips to follow! Top off vehicle fluids. Your vehicle relies on many different fluids, including motor oil, power steering fluid, brake fluid, transmission fluid, antifreeze/coolant, and even windshield washer fluid. At Dickerson Automotive, our team can take care of inspecting and refilling your fluids. We’ll even check for leaks too. Inspect belts and hoses. These are some of you ... read more

Top 4 Reasons Why Your Car Is Leaking Motor Oil

Top 4 Reasons Why Your Car Is Leaking Motor Oil

Getting your oil change and oil filter change is one of the most important (and quickest) auto maintenance tasks. Your vehicle is a major investment, and we understand that at Dickerson Automotive. That is why we strive to provide you with high-quality and clean engine oil so that your engine can run smoothly. Engine oil keeps your engine components lubricated, to minimize friction, and free from corrosion.    You can imagine that motor oil is constantly flowing throughout your engine. After a certain amount of time, the oil darkens and becomes less effective overall. If you wait too long in between oil services, you may experience leaks that can result in engine damage.    Some oil leaks are more obvious than others. The most common sign of an oil leak is if you notice a dark puddle underneath your parked vehicle. However, it is always a good idea to check on your oil if you hear engine knocking.   Reasons Why Your Car Is Leaking Oil Blown Head Gask ... read more

What Happens if I Ignore My Low Tire Pressure Warning Light

What Happens if I Ignore My Low Tire Pressure Warning Light

Most vehicles manufactured after 2008 are equipped with a warning light for low tire pressure called the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). The system alerts you if any of your vehicle's tires have low pressure using sensors to track the tire pressure. However, the sensor only shows when the tire pressure is below 25 percent of the recommended manufacturer's pressure for safe driving. You should, therefore, not substitute regular tire pressure checking with the TPMS. In most vehicles, the warning light is a yellow wheel's cross-section on the vehicle's dashboard. Some vehicles will also display a low-pressure message with the exact tire with low pressure. Why You Should Never Ignore the TPMS Warning Light Driving with a low tire pressure affects your vehicle's handling, performance, and, more significantly, your safety. Underinflated tires tend to flex more and generate more heat which may cause the tire's internal components to overheat and break down ... read more