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 You Need Transmission Service
Your vehicle often warns you before a total transmission failure occurs. Paying attention to changes in performance or sound can save you from expensive transmission repairs later. If your daily drive feels different, it is time to visit our Barrington shop for a professional check-up.
Watch for these common indicators that your transmission needs attention:
- Slipping Gears: The engine revs high, but the vehicle does not accelerate as expected.
- Delayed Shifting: You notice a pause or hesitation when moving from park to drive.
- Fluid Leaks: Red or brown puddles forming under your parked car indicate a leak.
- Unusual Noises: Grinding, whining, or clunking sounds appear when the vehicle changes gears.
- Burning Smell: A sweet, burnt odor suggests overheated transmission fluid requiring immediate attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get a transmission fluid change?
Generally, you should schedule a transmission fluid change every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. However, this varies by manufacturer and driving habits in Barrington. We check your owner's manual and fluid condition to recommend the right schedule for you.
What is the difference between a flush and a change?
A change replaces about half the fluid by draining the pan, while a flush replaces all fluid in the system. Our technicians evaluate your vehicle's mileage and condition to decide which transmission service is safer and more effective for your car.
How do I know if I need a rebuild or replacement?
If internal damage is extensive, we compare the cost of transmission rebuilds versus a full transmission replacement. We recommend the option that offers the best value and warranty protection based on your vehicle’s age and your long-term plans.
Can I drive with a transmission leak?
No, driving with a leak is dangerous. Low fluid causes overheating and friction, leading to catastrophic failure. If you see red fluid under your car, contact our Barrington, IL shop immediately for transmission repair to avoid bigger bills.
Do you offer a warranty on transmission work?
Yes, we stand behind our work. Most major repairs, including transmission replacement, are backed by our industry-leading warranty. We want you to feel confident that your vehicle is protected long after you leave our auto repair shop.
Experience honest service close to home. Schedule your service online or call (847) 558-7048 to meet our Barrington team.
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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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"Hands down best shop i've ever dealt with. clean, modern facility (and i've seen some bad ones...). very efficient communication. quality, honest work. free shuttle service. wouldn't even consider going anywhere else. class operation top to bottom. highly "
- Michael F