Features
Car Maintenance: Transmission fluid /oil change for vehicle longevity
Maintaining a car takes various forms and it may mean different things to different people at various points in time. A cursory survey and conversation with some private and commercial drivers have necessitated this auto-education.
Most people, when asked about car maintenance and what it meant to them, indicated regular engine oil change when the stipulated duration is due. Others added the regular checks of car tyre pressure, change of tyre when there is wear and tear, topping off and or adding coolant to their cars regularly while some ignorant drivers just replace water with coolant but still check regularly. This practice is quite bad as water tends to boil faster than coolant and relatively takes a prolonged time to cool down, hence the primary cause for most engine overheating. The reverse applies to coolant, hence water is not the best replacement for coolant, however, an in –depth conversation of water and coolant interchange would be for another day.
From the survey conducted changing or checking transmission fluid and or oil wasn’t mentioned in the interactions by any driver. Perhaps, this may be due to the structural design and location of most gear box covering (Mostly hidden or requires special tools to access) hence, making it next to impossible for motorists to check oil level on their own. Now the most important question to both new and old drivers; Ever heard of the transmission fluid change? Do you make a conscious effort to check the level of your transmission fluid aside the regular car maintenance tactics?
Transmission fluid/oil change is an important aspect of maintenance that most car owners ignore. Mind you, most of the cars sold in Ghana are not brand new or tear – rubber cars and while owners are aware of the importance of changing engine oil, most remain unaware about the transmission oil/fluid. So now the question; what is the Transmission fluid / oil and why should a driver be mindful of it?
Image source: Autochimp.com
There are two types of transmission; Manual and Automatic transmission – and both require lubrication to operate efficiently.
Transmission fluid, required in automatic transmission vehicles, serves as a lubricant for parts of the transmission to ensure their smooth operation and performance, providing hydraulic pressure and friction to make the internal parts of the vehicle work effectively/efficiently. It aids with functions like lubricating mechanical parts, conditioning of gaskets, gear lubricating, clutch friction, Torque converter operation cooling, preventing rust, and maintaining fluid pressure. The transmission oil, used in manual vehicles, also performs similar functions. This oil aids in the smooth shifting of the clutch and shifter during gear change. In short, the transmission fluid/oil allows for the smooth shifting of a vehicle’s gear without wearing down some internal parts.
When to change the Transmission Fluids and Oil
Transmission oil change is not meant to be done regularly, however, there is the need to change it. Just like the engine oil, the fluid can deteriorate, get clogged or dirty and its ability to work efficiently might be compromised. When changing, car owners need to ensure that the right fluid/oil is used. A sample survey organised in some local oil change workshops around indicated that most operators do not even know the types of oil hence go with the “Colloquial , unprofessional” way of identifying the oil based on colour. Most often, what is heard is; “Your gearbox either uses red or white oil”.
Warning signs that transmission fluid/oil needs changing include, fluid/oil puddles forming under the car which might be a sign of fluid leakage, roaring, whining or buzzing sounds when accelerating, over heated transmission, vehicle chattering or jerking during take offs and last but not least difficulties when shifting gears which in my opinion is one of the evident red flag. Most of the gearbox issues tackled by Andcorp Autos over the past two years stem from customers ignoring the change of transmission fluid or oil. Some of these cases included a customer who drove her car for six years straight without change of transmission oil causing the vehicle to lose mobility, damaging some gears in the transmission system. Another case at Andcorp Autos was a customer’s car losing power and the capability of moving beyond 40mph.
From the above cases, it is recommended that, transmission oil, depending on one’s style of driving, the type of transmission used and even the type and make of car should be changed at intervals – 30,000-60,000 miles for manual cars and 60,000- 100,000 miles for automatic transmission. In general, customers may always refer to Manufacturer’s Manual to determine the recommended transmission service interval for their car. In situations where second hand car owners don’t have access to the hardcopy car manual, it is advisable to check the internet for them as most manufacturers post them as free resource.
In a nutshell, always endeavour to check the transmission fluid/oil level regularly as failure to change it can cause permanent damage which could likely result in costly repairs and/or replacements. Remember regular checks prevent avoidable accidents and save resources.
The author is a Communications Professional and a
Managing Partner of Andcorp Autos, a fully owned
Ghanaian automobile company and on-demand
auto purchasing company,
Author’s email address: essahjanice@gmail.com
By Janice Osei-Essah Anderson
Having initiated programs to ensure a foundation of morality, the next step is to have a picture of what success looks like. I keep saying that if you do not have a destination in mind when travelling, you can never arrive.
We therefore as a people, need to set up a development plan which all parties shall ascribe to so that no matter which party is in government, the execution of the plan will not be derailed.
This is the only way that we can make a headway in our developmental agenda. Once we have a plan we are following, it becomes a guiding tool to arrive at the destination we have set for ourselves. It becomes a project that given the necessary key milestones, will help us in monitoring progress.
The next step is to focus on pillars of development i.e. education, health, agriculture and the economy.
The common characteristic of developed countries is the level of education of its citizens.
A highly educated population provides readily available human resource for industrial growth.
A highly qualified population has the potential to innovate, creating value added products for export.
A healthy population is necessary for development. Proactive measures that can prevent epidemics for instance, must be put in place to ensure a healthy populace.
This would require a deliberate investment in health infrastructure as well as training of professionals in the health sector.
Food must be available and must also be affordable and there policies that can ensure the achievement of this objective must be vigorously pursued.
Agro-processing must be prioritised if not completely eliminate post harvest losses and also provide goods for export as part of the effort to stabilize currency.
The power of a nation depends largely on its economic growth. The reason why countries like the US and China wield a lot of influence in the world is because of their wealth.
The way out of poverty as a country, is to industrialise. We need to focus on deliberate effort to promote indigenous control over our natural resources so as to reduce repatriation of huge foreign currency out of the country.
Such initiatives will provide or make available funds for entrepreneurs to access for industrialisation. If we do not prioritise industrialisation, we will permanently not enjoy real independence as a nation because we will have to depend on them to assist in funds for our budget deficit.
Whoever controls how you run your budget literary controls you and therefore the countries who provide budgetary support, controls us. We need to get out of this situation so we can be truly.
The industrialisation cannot be established without companying infrastructure and therefore infrastructure development must be taken seriously into account.
Local expertise must be sought in the infrastructural development. The use of local expertise will help create jobs for the teeming youth the universities churn out every year.
I hope to complete this series next weekend. God bless.
NB: ‘CHANGE KOTOKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO KOFI BAAKO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT’
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AS the world becomes increasingly complex, the role of a president has become more demanding than ever.
The pressure to make life-altering decisions, manage crises, and maintain a sense of calm and composure can take a toll on a president’s mental health.
In recent years, innovative approaches like emotional surgery and emotional elysium have gained attention for their potential to support leaders in managing stress and promoting emotional well-being.
Understanding emotional surgery
Emotional surgery is a groundbreaking approach that utilises art to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
This technique involves the use of colors, geometric shapes, and abstract objects to communicate with the brain and induce a state of calmness.
By leveraging the brain’s ability to process visual information, emotional surgery can help individuals manage anxiety and stress, promoting a sense of calmness and well-being.
The benefits of emotional elysium
Emotional elysium refers to practices that promote emotional well-being and resilience.
This approach focuses on cultivating positive emotions such as gratitude, compassion, and love, to improve overall well-being.
For presidents, emotional elysium can be particularly beneficial in managing the stresses of office and promoting emotional balance.
By incorporating emotional elysium practices into their daily routine, presidents can improve their emotional regulation, increase their resilience, and enhance their overall well-being.
The impact on presidential performance
Both emotional surgery and emotional elysium have the potential to significantly impact a president’s performance.
By managing stress and promoting emotional well-being, presidents can:
- Improve decision-making: Emotional surgery and emotional elysium help presidents make more informed, rational decisions, rather than reacting impulsively to stress or emotions.
- Enhance leadership: Leaders who prioritise emotional well-being are better equipped to build strong relationships with their team and the public.
- Increase resilience: Emotional elysium practices, such as mindfulness and meditation, build resilience, enabling presidents to cope better with challenges and setbacks.
Prof. Agyeman Badu Akosa’s endorsement
Prof. Agyeman Badu Akosa, a respected figure in the medical field, has endorsed emotional surgery as a valuable tool for promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
According to him, emotional surgery can reduce anxiety, improve emotional regulation, and enhance overall well-being.
Conclusion
In conclusion, emotional surgery and emotional elysium are two innovative approaches that have the potential to significantly impact a president’s performance.
By prioritising emotional well-being and exploring these approaches, presidents can improve decision-making, enhance leadership, and increase resilience.
As global challenges become more complex, it is essential for presidents to safeguard their mental health — and these techniques offer a promising solution.
Recommendations
- Presidents should prioritise their emotional well-being: Recognising the importance of emotional balance allows leaders to manage stress effectively.
- Emotional surgery and emotional elysium should be considered: These approaches may offer promising solutions for high-end executives whose emotional well-being affects their performance.
By embracing emotional well-being and exploring innovative interventions, presidents can optimise performance, build stronger relationships, and promote overall well-being.
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