JOSEPH NAFTARI MUJUNGU

​ BLACK, DARK COLOR One tall-tale sign that transmission fluid needs to be changed is the color. Transmission fluid typically has a pink-red color, but as it ages, it begins to darken before eventually turning black. So, pop your vehicle's hood and pull the dipstick from the transmission, inspecting its color. If your transmission color is black or dark brown, it's probably a good idea to replace it. DIFFICULTY SHIFTING GEAR If your car fails to shift gears properly -- whether it's an automatic or manual transmission -- it could be a sign of bad transmission fluid, in which case you should change it ASAP. Clean transmission fluid flows more freely through the transmission. When debris accumulates inside it, however, the fluid turns into a sludge-like consistency, making it difficult to reach all of the internal components of the transmission. And when this happens, it may cause resistance or other problems when attempting to shift gears. SURGING When transmission fluid beco

​ BLACK, DARK COLOR One tall-tale sign that transmission fluid needs to be changed is the color. Transmission fluid typically has a pink-red color, but as it ages, it begins to darken before eventually turning black. So, pop your vehicle's hood and pull the dipstick from the transmission, inspecting its color. If your transmission color is black or dark brown, it's probably a good idea to replace it. DIFFICULTY SHIFTING GEAR If your car fails to shift gears properly -- whether it's an automatic or manual transmission -- it could be a sign of bad transmission fluid, in which case you should change it ASAP. Clean transmission fluid flows more freely through the transmission. When debris accumulates inside it, however, the fluid turns into a sludge-like consistency, making it difficult to reach all of the internal components of the transmission. And when this happens, it may cause resistance or other problems when attempting to shift gears. SURGING When transmission fluid beco

​ RADIATOR CAP Cross your fingers and hope this is the cause of your engine's overheating, because it's the cheapest and easiest fix. The radiator cap is designed to seal the radiator, allowing pressure to build up within the vehicle's cooling system. If it fails to create an air-tight seal, however, pressure will reduce, which in turn lowers the boiling point of coolant while subsequently rendering it ineffective at cooling the engine. THERMOSTAT The thermostat acts as a valve, opening and closing to either allow or prevent coolant to enter the engine. It performs this operation by measuring the temperature. When the engine becomes hot, the thermostat's valve opens. But it's not uncommon for old, worn-out thermostats to remain stuck in the closed position, restricting coolant from reaching the engine. RADIATOR Of course, another possible cause of engine overheating is a faulty radiator. Featuring fines and tubes, the radiator blows heat away from the engine. If it&