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.
Common Signs Your Transmission Needs Attention
Recognizing the early symptoms of transmission issues can save you thousands of dollars in repairs. Your vehicle often communicates distress through sounds, smells, or performance lags before a total failure occurs.
Watch for these common warning indicators:
- Slipping Gears: The engine revs high, but the vehicle doesn't accelerate, indicating a loss of power transfer.
- Rough Shifting: You feel a noticeable clunk, jerk, or hesitation when the vehicle changes gears.
- Fluid Leaks: Seeing bright red or sweet-smelling fluid under your parked car is a clear sign of a seal breach.
- Burning Smells: A burning odor suggests fluid is overheating, which can rapidly destroy internal components.
- Warning Lights: The check engine light or a specific transmission warning symbol illuminates on your dashboard.
Our expert team addresses these signs by performing targeted diagnostics to catch problems while they are still manageable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I change my transmission fluid?
Most manufacturers recommend a fluid change every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, but this varies based on your vehicle and driving habits. In Memphis, where heat and traffic are factors, we often suggest checking the fluid condition more frequently. Regular fluid flushes remove contaminants and replenish additives that protect vital gears, significantly extending the life of your transmission system.
What is the difference between a flush and a change?
A fluid change typically drains only the fluid in the pan, replacing about half of the total volume, while a flush pushes new fluid through the entire system to replace nearly all of it. A transmission fluid flush is often more effective at removing sludge and old deposits. We can advise which method is safer and more beneficial for your specific vehicle mileage and condition.
Is it better to rebuild or replace a transmission?
This depends on the extent of the damage and the cost of parts. A transmission overhaul (rebuild) keeps your original casing and replaces worn internal parts, which is often more cost-effective. However, if the damage is catastrophic, a complete transmission replacement with a remanufactured unit might be faster and offer a better warranty. We help you weigh the pros and cons of each.
Why is my transmission slipping?
Slipping is usually caused by low fluid levels, worn clutch plates, or solenoid failure. It feels like the car is changing gears for no reason or struggling to accelerate. This is a serious safety issue that requires immediate attention from a transmission shop, as continuing to drive with a slipping transmission can cause total failure and leave you stranded.
Can I drive my car with a transmission leak?
Driving with a leak is risky because transmission fluid is essential for cooling and lubrication. Low fluid levels lead to overheating and friction, which can destroy the transmission in a very short time. If you notice a leak, it is best to have a transmission mechanic inspect it immediately to seal the breach and refill the system before permanent damage occurs.
Schedule Your Transmission Service Today
At Christian Brothers Automotive Lakeland, we combine technical expertise with a commitment to customer satisfaction to keep your vehicle safe and reliable. Our comprehensive approach to car transmission repair ensures that every issue is resolved with precision, backed by honest communication and a dedication to quality that you won't find at a standard auto shop. We are here to help you get the most out of your vehicle with services designed to withstand the demands of the road.
Don't wait for a minor noise to turn into a major repair bill.
Contact our friendly team online to book your appointment or call (901) 589-5127 to get your transmission checked by the experts.
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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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"I liked the customer service and going above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable while waiting in the store for my vehicle work to be done, specifically being offered a nice hot coffee with creamer."
- J.L.