Author: Michell Erickson

Automatic cars do not have flywheels like manual cars do. Instead, they have flexplates that serve a similar function. The flexplate is bolted to the engine, allowing the starter to turn the engine over. While automatic cars may not have traditional flywheels, flexplates still play a crucial role in the powertrain system. They connect the engine with the transmission and help transfer power to the wheels. This distinction is critical for those curious about the inner workings of automatic cars and how they differ from manual vehicles. Flexplates Vs. Flywheels: Key Differences In the world of automatic transmissions, you may…

You can tow a front-wheel drive car backward, but caution must be taken when using the transmission. For manual transmissions, put the gearbox into neutral. However, with automatic transmissions, lifting the drive wheels off the ground is recommended to avoid transmission damage, especially for longer distances or higher speeds. How To Tow A Front-wheel Drive Car Backwards When it comes to towing a front-wheel drive car backwards, it is possible but has specific considerations. For manual transmissions, just put the gearbox in neutral. With automatic transmissions, lifting the drive wheels off the ground is essential to avoid transmission damage, especially…

When your car shakes when you hit the brakes, it could be due to out-of-balance or warped brake rotors, worn brake pads filled with dirt and debris, or other factors depending on your driving conditions. These issues can cause your vehicle to jerk to a stop or vibrate rapidly, leading to an uncomfortable driving experience. It is important to identify and address the underlying cause of the shaking to ensure the safety and performance of your car. By examining and potentially replacing the brake rotors and pads, as well as maintaining clean brake components, you can resolve this problem and…

No, you cannot add oil instead of getting an oil change as it can lead to dirty oil overall and potentially cause engine issues. Adding new oil will only dilute the dirty oil, and it may also cause leaking. It is important to get the oil completely replaced through an oil change to ensure proper lubrication and maintenance of the engine. If an oil change is overdue, it can lead to complete engine failure and the need for a brand new engine or a new vehicle. Therefore, regular oil changes are necessary to prevent costly and potentially catastrophic engine problems.…

The main difference between a flexplate and a flywheel is that flexplates are much thinner and lighter than flywheels. Flexplates are used in vehicles with automatic transmissions, where they connect the torque converter to the engine’s crankshaft. On the other hand, flywheels are found in manual transmission vehicles and serve multiple purposes, including providing a mounting point for the clutch assembly and a ring gear for the starter. Flexplates do not have a friction surface and do not store energy like flywheels do. If you have a bad flexplate, you may experience clunking or grinding noises from the rear of…

Tow trucks can tow parked cars by using strong winches to pull the car onto the flatbed or by lifting one end of the car and placing dollies under the wheels if needed. The winch is used to drag the car onto the truck’s bed, while a hoisting method involves lifting one end of the vehicle and using a wheeled cart for support. Towing a parked car in park mode may seem challenging, as the transmission is locked and the wheels cannot turn freely. However, tow truck operators have various techniques and equipment to safely tow cars in the park…

No, you should not mix synthetic brake fluid with regular brake fluid. Synthetic and regular brake fluids have different compositions and mixing them can result in reduced brake performance and potential damage to the braking system. Understanding Brake Fluid Types Yes, you can mix synthetic brake fluid with regular brake fluid. Both types of brake fluid start from the same base stock, polyethylene glycol, but synthetic brake fluid is synthesized to have better and more consistent molecules. However, it is important to note that silicone brake fluid cannot be mixed with other types of brake fluid. Different Types Of Brake…

To put a car in neutral without the key, first, put your foot on the footbrake, press a small button marked “Unlock” or “Lock” (usually on the console near the lever), and then move the selector lever into neutral. Alternatively, you can put your foot on the footbrake and simply move the selector lever into neutral. By following these steps, you can put your car in neutral without the key. When faced with a situation where the key is missing or not working, knowing how to put a car in neutral without the key becomes essential. Whether you need to…

Mixing engine oil from different brands is not recommended, even if they have the same viscosity, as the additives and compositions may differ and could lead to compatibility issues and damage to your engine. It is best to stick to one brand of engine oil for optimal performance and protection. Trusting and using a single brand ensures that the oil is specifically formulated to work well with your engine’s requirements. Mixing different brands of engine oil can compromise the lubrication properties of the oil and potentially harm your engine. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid mixing engine oil from different…

Symptoms of a Bad Flywheel in an Automatic Transmission include abnormal noise when the starter motor is engaged, rattling noise when depressing or releasing the clutch, grabbing when engaging the clutch, slipping out of gear or into neutral, shaking or vibration felt through the clutch pedal or floor of the vehicle, and a burning smell from the clutch. A bad flywheel in an automatic transmission can cause various symptoms that indicate potential issues with the vehicle. From abnormal noises to a burning smell, these symptoms can range from minor inconveniences to potentially serious problems. We will explore the common signs…

Cars can stop on train tracks due to the road settling or the tracks becoming higher because of trackwork, causing the car to get stuck. This can lead to dangerous situations as trains require a longer stopping distance than cars and cannot easily swerve from the rails. It is important for motorists to always yield to trains and never stop on the tracks. Additionally, vehicles should slow down and look both ways before crossing railroad tracks to ensure safety. Credit: www.amazon.com Poor Road Conditions One of the main reasons why cars may stop on train tracks is due to poor…

Ethanol-free gas is best for performance vehicles, carburated vehicles, and small engines. It can improve fuel efficiency and reduce the risk of engine damage in outdoor power equipment. However, ethanol-free gas typically costs more than ethanol-blended varieties and is not available at every filling station. It is important to use the appropriate fuel for your car’s engine type to avoid potential harm. Mixing ethanol and non-ethanol gas can also damage the engine in the long run. Pure gasoline without any ethanol can last up to six months before degrading, while ethanol-blended gas can absorb water and cause moisture contamination. Therefore,…