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

Prevention is better than cure. You've probably heard that said plenty of times. The phrase is most often used to talk about health and medicine, but it is just as valid to apply it to vehicles. It's great if your problem can be sorted without much trouble, but even better not to have a problem in the first place. This is especially true when it comes to your vehicle's transmission, as this can be one of the more specialized parts to repair. Not all transmission problems require an extensive overhaul, but they will all cause at least some trouble and inconvenience. Avoiding transmission problems is clearly preferable to even the problems that are quickest and cheapest repair. This is why it is important to ensure you take good care of your transmission. This will help prevent problems and keep it working smoothly. Ideally, it will mean that it doesn't develop any faults at all. Even if it does eventually go wrong, however, it is entirely possible that good care will mean the fault is less serious and easier to repair than it would have been otherwise.

Your transmission suddenly isn’t shifting right. So what’s wrong with it? Do you need your transmission rebuilt? Good question. Unfortunately, the answer is: No one knows. At least, not yet. To find out what’s causing your transmission problem, a technician is going to have to perform a series of tests. Basically, these tests are designed to answer the simple question: “Is it inside or outside?” That is, is the problem inside the transmission, or in one of the many control systems that operates the transmission?

To keep your oil clean and your engine healthy, it's important to follow your vehicle manufacturer's maintenance recommendations.

Keeping your tires properly inflated and regularly checking the tread can save you money and keep you safe!

Your child has waited a long time for his or her driver's license and that time has finally arrived. Driving will change the way your child looks at the world and it will change your life forever. Safety is the most important consideration when it comes to new drivers, but there is more to it than merely knowing the laws. Here are some tips you can share with your child to help him or her become a true "roads scholar".

So your vehicle has become dirty enough to cause you just a little bit of shame. It happens. With a busy schedule and tight budget, cleaning a car is often the last thing on your mind. Luckily, the problem of a dirty car is completely fixable – and, even better, you can do something about it without breaking the bank. There are a lot of expensive car care products out there that will certainly make your vehicle gleam in the sun, and by all means use them if you want. But these tips are so easy on the wallet, you may already have many of the materials in your house.

Pro tip: While these recommended solutions are generally harmless, it's always a good idea to test on a small, unnoticeable area first to be sure it won't damage the fabric or paint on your car.

Jim Van Dyke's Automotive Center in Washington Court House now provides the Jasper Engines re-manufactured Toyota A750E (RWD) and A750F (4WD) transmissions. These transmissions are available for the 2004-2011 Toyota Tundra, Sequoia, Tacoma, 4 Runner, and FJ Cruiser transmission replacements

Each JASPER remanufactured Toyota A750E and A750F transmission is 100% dynamometer tested using a state of the art dyno software package eliminating the chance of shifting concerns and ensures a quality product for the customer. All wear areas of the valve body are reamed to oversize, where applicable, and vacuum-tested to restore the hydraulic integrity of the unit reducing the chance of low fluid pressure within the transmission, causing slipped clutches.

In addition to the value-added quality re-manufacturing steps to provide a perfect product, great care is taken to ensure each A750E and A750F transmission replacement option can stand up to the rigors of everyday life. Each transmission receives 100% new friction plates from the OE manufacturer to retain shift quality and durability. Converter linings are 100% replaced to reduce lock-up shudder and solenoids are 100% tested to verify proper operation before they are installed in the transmission.

The JASPER remanufactured Toyota A750E and A750F transmission is covered by a three-year, 100,000 mile, nationwide parts, and labor warranty. Talk to our team at Jim Van Dyke's Automotive Center in Washington Court House about your specific needs and any transmission replacement questions you might have for your Toyota, we'd be happy to answer them for you and see if a JASPER remanufactured transmission is right for you.

Ever looked at the bottom of your shoes and noticed that one area of the sole is more worn than another? The way you walk causes a wear pattern to occur as you put more weight on certain areas of your feet. The same thing happens with your car. Just imagine your tires are the shoe soles of the car. The act of driving throws the auto's weight around, leaving distinctive erosion patterns on the tires. In order to combat the inevitable uneven wear, you have to rotate your tires to different locations on your vehicle.