What to Expect With Transmission Services
1. Schedule Your Appointment
Whether scheduling online or over the phone be sure and let us know what you're experiencing so we can provide fast and accurate service advice.
2. Diagnostics and Inspections
Drop off your vehicle and the shop will get to work with inspections and diagnostics using the same equipment as the manufacturers to determine issues and next steps.
3. Digital Vehicle Inspection Report and Estimate
Following the diagnosis we will text you a digital vehicle inspection report, containing pictures and videos of our findings and recommendations.
4. Review and Approval
A service advisor will reach out to walk you through the findings and recommendations to determine how you would like to proceed, or you can approve work directly in your DVI.
5. Work Performed or Scheduled
Most work can be completed immediately, or scheduled based on parts and customer availability.
Did You Know: Henry Ford coined the term 'tune-up' while developing his initial automobile prototype.
Signs Your Transmission Needs Repairs
Identifying transmission problems early can prevent costly repairs and ensure your vehicle runs smoothly.
Watch for these common signs:
- Difficulty Shifting Gears: Struggling with gear changes may indicate internal damage or worn components, affecting vehicle performance.
- Unusual Noises: Grinding or whining sounds could suggest issues with transmission fluid or mechanical components.
- Slipping Gears: If your vehicle unexpectedly slips out of gear, it's a serious concern that requires immediate attention.
- Delayed or Rough Shifting: Hesitations or roughness during gear changes often signal deteriorating transmission fluid or internal wear.
- Transmission Fluid Leaks: Leaking fluid reduces essential lubrication and cooling, risking overheating and damage.
- Check Engine Light: A lit check engine light can signal transmission problems, among other issues, necessitating a diagnostic check.
If you notice any of these signs, bring your vehicle to Christian Brothers Automotive Alamo Heights for a comprehensive inspection and diagnostic service. Our expert technicians will pinpoint and resolve any transmission issues, ensuring your vehicle's safety and reliability. Visiting a qualified technician at the first sign of trouble can save you from more significant issues, providing peace of mind and confidence in your vehicle's performance.
Comprehensive Transmission Services
At Christian Brothers Automotive Alamo Heights, we provide transmission services designed to meet the unique needs of local drivers. Whether you're commuting down I-35W or navigating through growing neighborhoods, your vehicle's transmission needs to be reliable.
Our transmission services include:
- Transmission Fluid Exchange: We replace old fluid to maintain smooth shifting and protect internal components.
- Complete Transmission Inspections: Our ASE-certified technicians identify small issues before they become major problems.
- Expert Repairs: We handle everything from minor fixes to major repairs accurately and efficiently.
- Transmission Rebuilds: When needed, we can completely disassemble, clean, and rebuild your transmission to restore full function.
- Transmission Replacements: If your transmission is beyond repair, we offer high-quality replacements you can depend on.
We always use the correct fluid for your vehicle and follow manufacturer specifications to optimize performance and prolong the life of your transmission.
Why Choose Us?
When you bring your vehicle to us, you're choosing a team that values integrity, precision, and personalized service.
Here's how we set ourselves apart:
- Clear Communication: We explain your transmission's condition and repair options in everyday language—no jargon, no pressure.
- Hands-On Ownership: Our on-site owners are involved in daily operations and ensure every job is done with care.
- Comfortable Experience: Enjoy our clean, family-friendly lobby or enjoy our complimentary shuttle service while we work on your vehicle.
- Exceptional Warranty: We back our transmission services with an industry-leading warranty for added peace of mind.
- Customer-Centered Care: Your safety and satisfaction are always our top priorities. We'll work quickly and carefully to get you back on the road safely.
Don't wait for a breakdown. Schedule your transmission service at today and experience honest, expert care you can trust.
For reliable transmission inspections, flushes, rebuilds, and replacements in Alamo Heights, contact us at (210) 960-9810 or online today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Have My Transmission Serviced?
The recommended frequency for transmission service can vary significantly based on usage, vehicle model, and driving conditions. For most vehicles, it’s advisable to have a comprehensive maintenance check every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. However, in hotter climates like San Antonio, which can cause transmission fluids to degrade faster, more frequent checks may be necessary. Factors such as tow loads, frequent driving in heavy traffic, and extreme temperatures can dictate a more aggressive maintenance schedule.
What Are the Benefits of Regular Transmission Fluid Changes?
Regularly changing your transmission fluid is vital for maintaining vehicle reliability and performance. Fresh transmission fluid reduces wear and tear on internal components, ensures appropriate lubrication, and aids in maintaining optimal temperature within the transmission system. In areas with intense heat like San Antonio, fluid can deteriorate quickly, affecting the vehicle's efficiency and potentially leading to more significant issues if not promptly replaced. Routine fluid changes can prevent overheating and extend the transmission's operational lifespan.
Why Does My Transmission Need Software Updates?
Modern automatic transmissions often rely heavily on software to manage shifting patterns and efficiency. Software updates can address existing issues within the programming, improving performance and correcting shifting anomalies. Staying up-to-date with these updates ensures that your transmission adapts to optimal settings tailored to current operating conditions, maximizing fuel efficiency and reducing the risk of abrupt failures or inconsistent performance. Maintaining awareness of available updates through Christian Brothers Automotive Alamo Heights adds to the longstanding reliability of your vehicle.
Is It Normal for My Transmission to Make Noise?
While some humming and minor sounds during operation are considered normal, any new or unusual noises could indicate a problem. Sounds such as grinding, whining, or clunking might suggest issues like worn gears, low fluid levels, or problems with the torque converter. Addressing these noises early through diagnostics and upkeep services can prevent costly repairs down the road. If you're experiencing unexpected noises, bringing your vehicle to Christian Brothers Automotive Alamo Heights can ensure a thorough evaluation and addressment.
What Should I Do If I Suspect a Transmission Leak?
Transmission leaks are a common issue that can result from deteriorating seals, poor fittings, or damage. It's vital to address leaks promptly, as loss of transmission fluid can lead to overheating and damage other transmission components. Park your vehicle in a flat area and check for red or brownish oil beneath it. If a leak is suspected, refrain from driving long distances, as this can exacerbate the problem. At Christian Brothers Automotive Alamo Heights, our technicians can thoroughly inspect and repair leaks to prevent further damage.
FAQs
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Q. "What factors determine the price of transmission repair?"Many different factors go into determining costs of transmission repair. The major factor is what type of vehicle you drive. The year, make and model of the car, determine how much parts and labor will cost. Another factor is how much damage the transmission has sustained. Your transmission should last a minimum of 100,000 miles by servicing your transmission on a regular basis.
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Q. "What does automatic transmission service include?"Fluid is first drained from the pan during an automatic transmission service. A new transmission filter is installed with a new pan gasket once the pan has been removed. Finally, fresh automatic transmission fluid (ATF) is used to refill the vehicle.
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Q. "Is there a difference between a transmission fluid change and flush?"During a transmission fluid and filter change, it’s only the fluid in the pan that is drained and replaced with new ATF. Four to five quarts of fluid will typically be replaced in this process, while nine to thirteen quarts are replaced during a full transmission fluid flush. The difference in amounts is because the complete flush drains the entire system.
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Q. "Do you offer a shuttle service?"Yes! we understand you have a full schedule. Whether you need to get to work, school, or need to attend to other responsibilities, we can take you where you need to go. Click here to learn more.
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Q. "Do you offer a warranty?"As part of our Nice difference.® commitment to providing our customers the best auto service experience possible, we also offer a3-year/36,000-mile warranty on all the work that we do. We offer this warranty at every Christian Brothers Automotive nationwide, and it will be honored at any location, regardless of which branch did the initial work.
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Q. "Can you provide service under my extended warranty?"Yes. At Christian Brothers Automotive, we work with all major extended warranty providers to make needed repairs for our customers. If you have an extended warranty, you can discuss your carrier with our team when scheduling an appointment and confirm that the work will be covered. You can find a partial list of the extended warranty companies we work with here.
Have more Questions?
Our friendly auto service experts have the answers.
Call your local Christian Brothers Automotive car shop today
Hear What Our Customers Had to Say About Us
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"Eric and the guys (and gals) at the alamo heights location were awesome!!!! Eric was able to come in under his oRiginal quote and on time! The vehicLe was Repaired correctly the first time and everyone at the shop, from the receptionist in the front, to Th"
- Hollywood808