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Restoring Cars: Fixing Up an Old Clunker

Last year, I found an old car that looked a lot like the one I owned when I was in high school. Since I have some time and a little money to invest, I bought the car. While it was not in the best of shape, it struck me that restoring it would be a great project. Fixing up that old clunker was a lot of fun. Along the way, I learned things about exhaust systems and other car repairs that I never knew. My old car runs like new now, and I like to drive it around every weekend to show off my handiwork. If you are interested in restoring an older car, let me share what I've learned. A year from now, you'll also be out on the town showing off what you've done with your own two hands.

 

Restoring Cars: Fixing Up an Old Clunker

How Synthetic Fluid Can Benefit Your Transmission

9 April 2015
 Categories: Automotive, Blog

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One of the best ways to extend the lifespan of a transmission is with lubrication. While many car owners use petroleum-based fluids, it isn't the best choice you can make for your transmission. Synthetic fluids can do a much better job as a lubricant for the following reasons.

Synthetic Fluids Resist Oxidation Much Better

Since synthetic fluid's are engineered, the fluid's thickness can be altered so that it works best with your car's transmission. A synthetic fluid's viscosity is going to be better than any other petroleum-based fluid you can buy, as it resists oxidation.

Oxidation of transmission fluid is one of the primary reasons a transmission fails. The constant stopping of driving in the city can cause a transmission to work overtime, causing petroleum-based fluids to run hot. Synthetic fluids will keep the fluid temperature down, which helps extend the life of your transmission.

Synthetic Fluids Help Your Transmission Shift Smoother

When you use a synthetic fluid, your car's transmission will shift gears much smoother. A synthetic fluid will not change viscosity, which assists the transmission when it needs to shift gears in hot temperatures. All of the bearings and gears will be protected when a synthetic fluid is used.

Synthetic Fluids Save You Money & Time

A synthetic fluid does not need to be changed nearly as often as a petroleum-based fluid. You'll be saving money by not needing to change your transmission fluid as often, and saving your time due to taking your car into the auto shop less frequently.

Synthetic Fluids Resist Thermal Degradation

The chemistry behind synthetic fluids allows for it to be resistant to thermal degradation. Varnish deposits, carbon deposits, and sludge are less likely to form in the fluid, which will provide a much higher performance than a petroleum-based fluid.

Synthetic Fluids Prevent Corrosion & Rust

A huge benefit to synthetic fluid is that it does not leave moisture inside your transmission. Transmissions that are exposed to moisture can eventually form corrosion and rust over time, which will cause the gearbox and other components to weaken. Using a petroleum-based fluid can shorten the lifespan of your transmission for this reason.

Now that you are aware of several benefits of synthetic transmission fluids, you can make an informed decision about which one is best for your car. If you use petroleum-based fluid and find that your transmission has broken down, you will need transmission services as soon as possible.