A transmission flush is one of the more talked about items with customers and there are alot of misconceptions surrounding them. Typical questions include “What Is A Transmission Flush?”, “Why can’t you just top off the transmission fluid?” “Is a flush absolutely necessary?” Just like any other component of a car, you transmission needs regular maintenance in order for it and your car to continue to run smoothly. Here are some facts around what a transmission flush is, what it does and why you may need one. What is a Transmission Flush? This involves connecting your transmission and the fluid in it to a machine which totally flushes the transmission fluid out the of the vehicle using a solution. Once your transmission is clean and void of fluid, the transmission is filled with new clean fluid. Compare this to a …… ( more )

Road trip with friends? Weekend at the lake? No matter what your plans are this summer, it’s likely that you’ll spend a lot of it in your vehicle driving from all over Kansas and beyond. In addition to your regular year-around car safety must-haves in your car, below is a list of other helpful items every summertime road warrior should find handy.   Spare sunglasses – It’s hard enough to focus on the road during long road trips, but when the blinding sun bears down on your all day through your windows, it can become miserable. Keep a backup pair of sunglasses in your glove box, preferably polarized to help reduce glare. Quarters – Always keep a roll of quarters in your glove box for unexpected tolls, ice cream stops, and parking meters. You never know when you may need …… ( more )

What is transmission fluid? Transmission fluid flows inside your transmission. It functions as a lubricant for the moving parts in the system while keeping it cool. Over time, the fluid becomes thick and viscous, no longer able to perform it’s function efficiently. When should I replace it? How often? The manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule will tell you when and how often to replace the transmission fluid. Regular transmission flushes help to clean out old, corrosive fluid and replace it with fresh transmission fluid. This helps your transmission perform efficiently and helps prevent damage to the transmission system. Manufacturer recommendations range from every 30,000 to 100,000 miles. Check your owner’s manual, or call our transmission experts at 620.654.3445, to find the service interval for your vehicle. Changing the transmission fluid more frequently does no harm. In fact, fixing it right away at the …… ( more )

If you suspect a problem with your vehicle’s transmission, bring it into Nightingale Transmissions for an inspection right away. Without an inspection, you may not know how much danger your vehicle is in on a road trip. We do not recommend driving with a slipping transmission. A slipping transmission can be a serious problem. Signs of a Slipping Transmission You may suspect your vehicle has a slipping transmission if it does not change gears smoothly. You may even hear noises, like a clunk or thud, when the vehicle changes gears. If you notice grinding when changing gears, bring your vehicle in for an inspection. Causes of Transmission Issues A common cause of slipping transmission is low transmission fluid. You can check the fluid level using the dipstick or bring your vehicle into Nightingale Transmissions. If the fluid is low, it likely …… ( more )

We’ve heard from both old and young people in our community who have been ripped off by shady shops. We don’t want this to happen to anyone! Which is why we’re offering 5 tips to avoid auto repair scams. If you don’t understand, ask questions.Qualified and ethical shops, like ours, want you to understand the condition of your vehicle so you can make educated decisions. The advisors should answer any and all of your questions in a clear way you can understand – no technical mumbo jumbo. Avoid cheap parts.Our shop recommends parts based on original manufacturer specifications. Cutting corners with “cheap” parts may save a few dollars now, but can lead to damage, breakdowns, and more repairs over the life of your vehicle. Look for experienced technicians.Cheap prices usually mean cheap parts, cheap labor, or both. Inexperienced technicians do …… ( more )

The transmission is one of the most important parts of your vehicle, keeping you running smoothly on the roads in Kansas. When something goes wrong, it is often frustrating and expensive. Ignoring or missing a warning sign can lead to significant damage and costly repairs. As you drive on the roads in Galva, pay attention to subtle (yet obvious) changes to your vehicle’s performance.  These are signs that tell you it’s time to bring your vehicle into Nightingale Transmissions for an inspection or service. Look for these warning signs of transmission problems: Shifting delay. When your vehicle takes too long between gears, it may indicate an issue with the transmission. This will often happen shifting from neutral to reverse or drive gears. The car should adjust and catch the gear nearly immediately. If not, stop into our transmission repair shop …… ( more )

Cold weather can cause problems for your vehicle, especially your transmission. Problems that you may not have noticed during the summer can start showing themselves as the temperatures drop across Kansas. If your transmission starts slipping when it’s cold outside, it could be a sign of a few problems. Low Transmission Fluid. Transmission fluid acts as a lubricant inside the transmission. If there is a leak or the levels are too low, the transmission can slip as a result. Because oil expands when it is warm, you may have been able to get by without problems during the summer. You should not simply top off the transmission fluid when it is low. Doing so could mask a leak. A fluid top off may temporarily solve the problem, but it leaves you at risk for problems down the road if the …… ( more )

With Thanksgiving on the way, we’re thinking about the things we’re most grateful for so we can take time to say, “Thank you!” If you’re like most of us, you use your vehicle every day – getting to work, running errands in Galva, traveling to see your family. And yet, despite the frequency and intensity of use, it’s easy to neglect the small things that can take your car the extra mile. While your car may not appreciate a thank you note, there are a few ways you can show it your gratitude this holiday season: Give it a wash – Not only does washing your car keep it looking its best, but it will actually protect your investment! The reason to clean your car is not to keep it looking nice (which is an added benefit!) but to remove …… ( more )

When saving money, your vehicle isn’t something to overlook — especially when it comes to filling up. Here are a few tips to make those trips to the gas pump a little less frequent:   Properly Inflated Tires: If your tires aren’t in tip-top shape, you’re wasting around $2 every fill up. In fact, improperly inflated tires account for around 35 million gallons of wasted gas per year. It’s a good idea to have a tire gauge handy to check the air pressure in your tires. Knowing when to service them will save you money every time you fill up.   Using Correct Motor Oil Grade: The packaging on many oil cartons look similar. And if you’re not careful, or if you take your vehicle to a quick oil change place, you might be stuck with the wrong kind. So check your …… ( more )

While cruising down the roads of Kansas, enjoying your drive, you really don’t want to be worried about strange odors and fret over how to get rid of them. Some odors can indicate vehicle issues that will need further attention from a mechanic.  Others may simply need your attention to clean and remove. Gasoline – The smell of gas may indicate a leak in the fuel system.  Check your fuel cap.  If this is tight, take to a mechanic for inspection. Maple Syrup – This might sound odd, but a leak in the cooling system can often have this odor.  The cause could be radiator, heater core, cylinder head, or manifold gasket. Gym locker – That ripe smell could simply indicate you need a new cabin air filter. Treating the air system with an anti-fungal spray may be necessary if …… ( more )