Learn About Gearbox Problems

27th September 2009

The central component of a car’s transmission is the gearbox. If you want to use your car, the gearbox has to be working properly. Whilst it is expensive to have car gearbox problems repaired on your vehicle, it can change the way your car drives completely. By understanding the basics of how your gearbox works, you can transform your driving style and reduce the need for gearbox repairs.

The engine’s speed is converted into torque, which propels the car forward as you change gear. The precise workings of the gearbox depends on if you drive an automatic or a manual car.

In a manual car, the clutch has to be pushed down by the driver so that the sliding gear can disengage from its original position, slide up and down the gearbox and thus change to a higher or lower gear. The transmission system in an automatic car however, chooses the right gear for the car to move into, the driver is not required to do anything. A hydraulics system detects the pressure of fluids in the engine and chooses the right gear based on this pressure. Instead of a clutch, a torque converter engages the sliding gear.

Now you know a little about how gearboxes work, it will be easier to understand how your driving style can damage it and make gearbox problems an unpleasant reality If you buy a car with a good clutch on, it can last for thousands of miles, and a good driver will get a lot of use out of their clutch before it needs any maintenance. Even a good clutch might need maintenance if an aggressive or inexperienced driver uses it continuously, and there are some cars with weak clutches to begin with. If you are gentle when changing gears and take more time over it then you should get more miles out of your gearbox.

I am a pretty able person, and like to do things myself, but gearbox maintenance should be left to the professionals, even if it is just for an oil replacement. If you do need work doing on your gearbox, look for a mechanic that offers a courtesy car and a pick up service as this demonstrates that they are professional and offer a good service.

Finding a gearbox and clutch specialist is the best way to ensure that your car is dealt with by the best.