Car Mechanic in Kissimmee Florida

Perhaps the tool that is most required by all workshops that are serious about carrying out repairs on a wide variety of vehicles is the standard transmission jack. These flexible and versatile lifting systems have many uses, and are essential for a wide range of different repair and servicing jobs.

Unlike a conventional jack, which raises a vehicle using either the chassis, or the axles, a transmission jack is positioned centrally, and lifts the transmission. Generally, the procedure for removing a transmission or gear box from a vehicle begins with positioning the transmission jack under the box. It is then raised to take the weight of the transmission, so that it can be safely detached from the engine block. Once this has been achieved, the jack can be raised the rest of the way up in order to allow the complete removal of the transmission ready for servicing.

There are numerous different styles and models of transmission jack available, and although their purpose is the same, the different versions are designed for different kinds of vehicle. Most cars and light weight utility trucks have fairly lightweight transmission systems attached to the engine block. These can generally be handled effectively by a transmission jack rated up to 1000lb capacity. A unit like the OTC 1728 jack is perfectly suited to such tasks. It is small enough to be easily moved around by a single mechanic, and yet hard wearing enough to be used every day without fear of failure. The unit comes with a lifetime guarantee, and thanks to its precision construction is a very reliable tool.

As with all tools, the OTC 1728 Transmission jack is designed with a specific purpose in mind, and features many enhancements to a basic design to make it easy to use. A gas lift piston to raise the transmission block when the jack is in use is combined with a manual release for easy detachment when the job is complete, and in use, the OTC 1728 is intended to be as simple as possible.

For larger jobs, a heavy duty transmission jack is required. If your workshop deals with a lot of trucks and larger vehicles, then you will require a much more powerful jack in order to support the heavier weight of the transmission and gearbox in a bigger vehicle.

In general, transmission jacks for larger vehicles such as trucks are rated to carry up to 2200lb in weight, and do so effortlessly. Heavy duty transmission jacks like the OTC 5019 are intended to be completely stable under even the largest weights, and are easy to manipulate when in use to ensure that transmission removal is as simple as possible, even with a particularly heavy unit to deal with.

Aside from the weight capacity of a transmission jack, the other major consideration is whether you require a high or low profile device. If your workshop is large enough to have hydraulic vehicle lifting platforms, then a high profile jack will be easier for you to use, while in a more restrictive environment, you are better off with a low profile model that can be slipped into place for ease of use.

The actual cost of a transmission jack will vary depending on the level of quality, weight that it can carry, and the manufacturer, and since there are so many different options on the market, finding the one that you want can be bewildering to say the least.

Prices start from around $825 for a low profile trolley style transmission jack rated up to half a ton, but you can easily pay in excess of $1800 for a full ton high profile device designed for trucks and heavier jobs. What is important is buying a tool that will last well, perform reliably, and last for as long as you need it.



By: Cooper Miller

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Car Mechanics in Kissimmee

If you have ever had your mechanic give your car a tune up, you know it is not cheap. Most people who are not mechanics themselves assume they have no choice but to pay somebody else to do it. Not true! A do it yourself car tune up is something every single car owner should know how to do just because it makes you more independent…but it also can save you money.

There are some things you simply can’t do yourself, like check the complex electronic sensors in today’s advanced engines. You’re stuck paying your mechanic to do that. But you can keep your car humming along yourself without paying through the nose. Here are seven easy things every car owner should know how to do (yes, even you ladies who don’t fancy yourselves grease monkeys). Your car owner’s manual will tell you where to find the engine parts you need to touch and tune up.

First, change your fuel filter. This can improve your gas mileage and prolong the life of your engine. You ought to change the filter once per year.

Second, change your oil filter. Oil lubricates your engine. The oil filter keeps your oil clean so it can do its job well. Replace the filter every time you change your oil, which will probably be about every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.

Third, change your own oil. This is one you should know how to do, but that you won’t always do yourself (disposing of used motor oil is a bit of a pain in the neck, and your mechanic is all set up to do it). You will probably pay $25-50 to have somebody else do it, and you can do it yourself on most cars. That’s a simple way to save money.

Fourth, replenish your fluids. That includes the windshield washer fluid and your motor oil. Learn how to check your own oil with the dipstick. There’s no excuse for not knowing how to do that on your own. Why pay somebody for an hour of labor just to do something you can do yourself in about three minutes while you’re filling up your gas tank?

Fifth, check your belts. You should let your mechanic handle the timing belt, but if others are worn, you can change them yourself.

Sixth, service your own battery. You might need to add distilled water (your owner’s manual should help you know) from time to time. But you can always keep the cables clean and check the terminals for corrosion.

Seventh, change your wiper blades. This one wins the “easy” award. Almost any auto parts store (AutoZone, etc.) will have the right blades for your car, or can get them. Follow the instructions on the package and you will have a clean windshield in all weather, and you’ll improve your road safety.

A do it yourself car tune up is not hard, and it is not expensive. You can not do everything yourself (and it is not worth your time if you could), but doing a few little things can save you a bundle next time you visit your mechanic.

By: Paul Ransom

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Car Mechanics Kissimmee

I have taken my car in for a variety of reason over the last year and asked many mechanics at lots of places about the same problems and I always get wildly different stories about what’s wrong, sometimes they even contradict each other. They also have wildly different price estimates.