Automotive News & Information - Jim Van Dyke's Automotive Center

There are a number of things that may cause a transmission to fail; overheating, debris in the wrong place, or the natural wear and tear on transmission components, to name a few. However, these factors are not the leading cause of transmission failure. Take it from Jim Van Dyke in Washington CH - the number one cause is neglected maintenance.

The Holidays are just a few days away! If you’re like us, for many of you that means travelling this holiday season. Here are some travel tips from Jim Van Dyke in Washington CH to make sure your Holiday journey is a safe one.

“Water pump” is a term you’ve most likely heard in conversations about vehicles. But what is it, what does it actually do, and how do you know if you need a new one? At Jim Van Dyke in Washington CH, we know the answers to these questions, and soon you will too.

Great staff, and were able to get me in on short notice. They made me feel welcome and took care of my issue. Thank you so much! - Cody G.

Our goal at Jim Van Dyke in Washington CH is to provide you with the best transmission service possible. One way we do that is by helping you understand a little more about your transmission and the way it works. Knowledge about your vehicle and its systems allow you to catch problems when they arise and deal with them appropriately, saving you money and easing some of the stress of car ownership. You probably already know how to check your oil, and when to change it. Checking and maintaining transmission fluid is something people tend to understand far less about, however. Here’s what you need to know.

Your gas mileage mostly depends on what kind of car you drive; engine displacement and vehicle weight are the largest determining factors on gas mileage, and there’s not much you can do to change either of those. That doesn’t mean attempting to improve your fuel economy is a completely hopeless endeavor, however. With these tips from Jim Van Dyke in Washington CH, you might be surprised how much your fuel mileage can be improved.

“Winterize” is a term you see thrown around a lot at mechanic shops and auto parts stores. What does it actually entail though? As with most things, there are the basics, and then there are the above and beyond approaches. Depending on what sort of winter you’re expecting, and how much you intend to drive in it, should determine how you winterize your car. We at Jim Van Dyke in Washington CH have prepared some tips for you, to help you better understand what it means to winterize a car, and how to prepare for the months ahead.

Transmissions are complicated and intricate pieces of equipment. Many general mechanic shops won’t touch a transmission, if it’s anything more than simply installing a new one. Transmissions are one aspect of a vehicle that even experienced mechanics often don’t dare delve into, and is easily the most mysterious and misunderstood system in the automotive world.