Vehicles with an all-wheel drive system or four-wheel drive commonly have a transfer case. Transfer cases send power from the engine to the front and rear wheels to improve handling, and it is essential to have a good one when you are desperate for traction. In the case of towing or traveling over difficult terrain, a transfer case can be useful, as they allow you to switch between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. Some transfer cases are even fitted with specific gears for use off-road, but they shouldn't be used in normal driving conditions. Refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for proper usage instructions.

It's important to know the signs of a failing transfer case so you can get it repaired as quickly as possible. Here are the signs of a bad transfer case:

Unusual noises: A bad transfer case can cause unusual sounds to come from the transmission or under your car. These sounds could be clicking, grinding, or chattering. Any of these may indicate a malfunctioning transfer case. You should get your car into a repair shop right away for an inspection and repairs before the problem worsens.

Difficult shifting: Transfer cases can experience this problem, whether they are automatic or manual. When the transfer case does not shift at all, it means that there is a major problem, and you need to call a mechanic.

Four-wheel drive randomly engages or disengages: There could be a problem with your transfer case if your vehicle's four-wheel drive does not stay engaged. Contact your mechanic right away.

Fluid leak under your transfer case: In the event that fluid leaks from the area around the transfer case, contact a repair shop to make sure it is safe to drive there. To prevent further damage, they may recommend that you have your car towed to the shop.

Burning smell: When the transfer case has low fluid levels, there is excess friction inside the transfer case. A burning fluid smell is obviously present when this occurs, and you don't want to ignore it. Visit your mechanic right away.

Check engine light or service 4WD light: When your transfer case is damaged, it can cause high internal temperatures, which will trigger your engine computer to turn on the check engine light. Your mechanic can determine the cause of the problem.

Whether a transfer case is repairable or not depends on how extensive the damage is.

If your bad transfer case is repairable: By replacing any damaged or defective components, as well as replacing the seals and adding new, fresh fluid, a mechanic can repair or restore the vehicle. The final step is to test the transfer case for proper performance, and your transfer case is ready.

If your bad transfer case is unrepairable: Transfer cases that have been remanufactured can be installed by a mechanic and are as reliable as new ones. They may even include a warranty.

When you notice any of these symptoms, do not wait until the problem worsens and causes further damage to your vehicle. The staff at Best Western Transmission is experienced in diagnosing and repairing transfer case problems. We will work quickly and efficiently to get your car back on the road and running safely. Give us a call today!

As a car owner, you understand that numerous problems can arise with your vehicle. One of the most important parts of your car is the transmission, which is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels when you are driving. Whenever a transmission fails, you should call a trusted transmission repair company as soon as possible. To learn more, let's examine some of the signs of a failing transmission and the steps you can take to prevent it.

Listening to your car can alert you to problems with your transmission if you know what to look for. The following signs indicate that it is time to have your transmission inspected.

• Transmission warning light. When there's a problem with your transmission, this is the easiest way to spot it. Sensors in vehicles alert the computer if they detect any abnormal readings. The transmission warning light on the dashboard is triggered when the vehicle's computer reads the code that tells it what the issue is. It may come on for several reasons, including out-of-range transmission, fluid temperature, too little transmission fluid in the system, or too much transmission pressure. If you continue to drive with the transmission warning light on, it will only lead to costly and extensive repairs in the future.
• Transmission slipping. A slipping transmission indicates that your vehicle is not getting enough traction. When you press down on the gas pedal, the engine might rev, but you don't accelerate immediately. It feels as if you hit a patch of ice. As soon as it finally goes into gear, it will jerk, and your car will start moving forward.
• Unusual noises. Regardless of automatic or manual transmissions, the driver will usually notice when they are about to go out by whining, buzzing, or humming in an automatic transmission. However, in a manual transmission, the driver will hear and feel the gears grinding. If you hear any noises while in neutral, this could signal other mechanical problems, such as worn gear teeth.
• Leaks or smells. Cars can leak a variety of automotive fluids, so it is important to keep track of and identify them. Your transmission is usually malfunctioning if you see red fluid leaking. The burning fluid can also cause an unusual smell from underneath your car. It's time to get to the repair shop when both of these occur.

After knowing the signs to look for when your transmission is having problems, you can take the necessary steps to prevent and fix it. Transmission maintenance should not be neglected or skipped. Your vehicle can run smoothly if you follow the recommended maintenance guidelines from your trusted mechanic. Make sure that all transmission components are inspected for wear and that the fluid is the right color and level. When you notice any issues with your transmission, make sure to get it to a repair shop as soon as possible. By taking the proper steps, you can save yourself time, money, and maybe even your transmission.
Give the experts at Best Western Transmission a call if you're having problems with your transmission! To get you back on the road as quickly as possible, we have a team of experienced professionals who can diagnose and fix the issue. If you catch problems early on and bring your vehicle to us, you can prevent them from becoming costly down the road.

​Your drivetrain is tied with your brakes for the most important system in your vehicle in regards to function - it’s what makes it go. 

​The drivetrain on a vehicle consists of the engine, which produces power using fuel, air, spark every time you rev the engine. From here a series of timed shafts called the crankshaft, and camshaft(s) are connected via the timing belt (or chain).
 
These shafts work in synchronization to perform a few tasks. They open and close the engine’s valves, convert the energy from a vertical explosion (from the cylinders) to circular energy,  and efficiently send power to the transmission.
 
From here, the energy is sent to the differential in the drive axle. In the case of AWD or 4WD, it will pass through a transfer case, which splits the power between both axles. The drive shafts connect to the differentials in the axles. Your differential is what allows your wheels to spin at different speeds as they need to when turning. The axles spin the wheels and off you go.
 
That is your drive train and every single component of it is important, so you may want to consider taking good care of it. Paying attention to your drivetrain will help you prevent small problems from becoming big issues and extend the life of your vehicle.

​One of the most important components of a drivetrain on a 4x4 or all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicle is the transfer case. Its function is critical to the vehicle going anywhere and like all parts of the drivetrain it requires fluid to reduce friction and work smoothly.
 
Let’s start with the basics.

Everyone always talks about the importance of not letting your transmission overheat in the summer. However, the cold can also wreak havoc on a transmission. Along with the cold winter air comes a multitude of unique problems for your car’s transmission. The colder the temperatures and the longer you drive, the worse the impact is on your vehicle. We’ll further discuss how the cold temperatures impact your car’s transmission and how to properly care for it in the winter. Although you can’t control the weather, you can take steps to lessen the damage it does to your car.

If your vehicle is giving off an unpleasant or unusual aroma, follow your nose to the source. Bad smells from the vehicle can indicate major problems under the hood. However, it’s not just the foul smells you have to watch out for - even a sweet or unusual smell can mean there’s something going on.
 
 In some cases, the smells can be hazardous to your health. It’s always a good idea to get your car checked out by a certified mechanic if you notice any smell that wasn’t there previously.
 
Here are some of the most common car smells and what the problem could be:

New Years is a time for reflection and resolution… a good time to make positive change and improve your life. But New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be just about yourself. It’s a great opportunity to make some resolutions for your car and setting up a proper maintenance schedule.

The resolutions below are beyond the normal routine maintenance, such as changing the oil, checking your tires, and cleaning the air filter. Whether you have a manual transmission or an automatic transmission, the suggested services below by the experts at Best Western Transmission can go a long way to keep your car running safely and in top form.

No doubt you’ve seen this before. A car pulled over to the side of the road, the hood lifted up, possibly a bit of steam pouring out, and somebody standing nearby looking very frustrated.

Cars usually overheat because the coolant (aka antifreeze) level is too low. Proper coolant levels must be maintained to keep the engine and radiator operating properly. But what if you’ve been keeping up with your car’s maintenance schedule and getting your fluid levels, hoses and various components checked regularly? Unfortunately, an engine can still overheat when you least expect it.

The certified mechanics at Best Western Transmission have put together a list of what to do if this happens to you.

Want to explore Colorado? That's great. The time between June and October is ideal for all sorts of travels with families, friends, and even for solo travelers.

But what if you don't want a mild summertime detour? Your other option is to take on Colorado's fierce winters and take a tour of the region through snowfalls, thunderstorms, rains, and chilling weather.

Must embark on a journey in the snow? Staying safe should be a top priority. Roughly 17% of all vehicle crashes happen in the middle of winter conditions. And around 70% of roads in the U.S. are in snowy regions.

If you need help to figure out how to drive in these difficult circumstances, you are in the right place. Our team at Best Western Transmission has compiled the most practical driving tips that can help you plan accordingly before you set off.