Gearing for a smooth drive

The best engine in the world will not move a car without the aid of the gear system. While the engine supplies the raw power, it is the gearing that drives the wheels to move the car. There are 3 basic types of gear: manual, automatic, and 4-wheel
drive. However; the concept of the gear system remains the same - to move the vehicle.

The gear system also works to change the speed of the vehicle in line with the rotation of the engine, and thus allowing the engine to gain the required momentum to move the car.

Regardless of the type of gear system, the basic components remain the same. A series of wheels with jagged 'teeth' form the
basic physical make-up of a gear system. These serve to drive the vehicle at a pre-determined speed. The gears are connected into the gear box using either a system of rods or cables with a combination of several rods. If one of these components is worn out or dam-aged, the driver will face difficulties in changing gear. In addition, the clutch plate must be in good condition because a worn out plate will also cause difficulties in getting into or changing the gears.

When metal works against metal, obviously, a lot of friction and heat will be generated. This is the reason why the gear components require the use of lubricants to reduce the friction and heat. Therefore, there must always be an adequate level of lubricants in the gear box.

Unlike engine lubricants, gear fluids do not become contaminated very quickly. However, prolonged use will cause the lubricants to lose their effectiveness. A lack of gear fluids will cause the gears to heat up and hasten the rate of wear and tear on the gear component. As a rule of thumb, gear fluids should be changed once every 6 months. However, cars with automatic transmissions will need a change of gear fluids every 40,000 km.

For some car owners, difficulty in changing gear or unusual sounds will prompt a quick visit into the workshop for major repairs. Sadly, not all mechanics are honest and ethical enough to tell vehicle owners that the problem could be a minor one and easily fixed by changing the gear fluid. Instead, unscrupulous mechanics out to make a quick buck will simply inform the owner that there is a problem with the gear box. The result is an expensive repair cost and the gear box is changed unnecessarily.

This is the reason why the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs has directed all workshops to display their list of prices for parts and services. Motorists are also advised to exercise their right as consumers to see the parts that have been changed. This will help prevent the many cases of fraud that are reported each year.

Your driving style will also contribute much towards lengthening the life-span of your gears. While changing gears, make sure that the clutch is fully depressed to release the gear from the engine. At the same time, keep that foot off the clutch pedal while driving as this will cause unnecessary wear and tear on the clutch plate.