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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Have My Transmission Checked?
Routine maintenance and checks are recommended approximately every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, though this may vary based on your vehicle’s make and model, and the conditions in which you drive.
Regular checks help maintain optimal performance and prevent costly breakdowns.
How do I know if I need a repair or a full replacement?
Determining between a localized repair and a full transmission replacement in St. Peters depends on the extent of internal damage. Our technicians use transmission diagnostics to see if the problem is limited to an external sensor, a solenoid, or if the internal clutch plates have failed. We always aim for the most cost-effective solution that restores long-term safety to your vehicle.
If the internal damage is extensive or the housing is cracked, a replacement or a rebuild might be the most reliable option. We provide a clear breakdown of the pros and cons for each path so you can choose the best fit for your budget.
What causes a transmission to leak fluid?
A transmission leak is commonly caused by worn seals, a cracked pan, or a loose transmission line. Over time, heat and age cause gaskets to become brittle, allowing pressurized fluid to escape. Because the fluid is responsible for both cooling and hydraulic pressure, even a small leak can lead to significant internal damage if left unaddressed.
If you notice red or brown fluid on your driveway, it is vital to seek a professional inspection immediately. Maintaining the correct fluid level is the simplest way to avoid a total system failure.
Why is transmission fluid exchange important?
Over time, transmission fluid loses its ability to lubricate and cool the system as it becomes contaminated with metal shavings and friction material. A professional fluid exchange service removes these contaminants and replaces the old fluid with fresh, high-quality lubricant. This service is essential for maintaining smooth shifting and preventing the overheating that leads to component failure.
Regular exchanges are a core part of transmission maintenance. We follow manufacturer-specific guidelines to ensure your gearbox receives the exact fluid required for optimal performance.
Can I drive with a "Check Engine" light related to the transmission?
Driving with a transmission-related warning light is not recommended, as it suggests the vehicle's computer has detected a fault in the system. Continuing to drive can cause the transmission to enter "limp mode," which restricts shifting to protect the engine, or it could result in permanent internal damage. Prompt transmission diagnostics can often save you from much larger repair bills.
Our team can quickly scan your vehicle and determine if the light is triggered by a simple sensor fault or a more serious mechanical concern. Safety and prevention are our top priorities.
What is the difference between a rebuild and a replacement?
A transmission rebuild involves taking your existing unit apart, cleaning the components, and replacing the worn internal parts like clutches and seals. A transmission replacement in St. Peters involves removing your old unit and installing a new or remanufactured one. Both options provide a fresh start for your drivetrain, and we help you determine which is more practical for your situation.
Rebuilds are often a great choice for keeping your original equipment, while replacements can sometimes be completed faster. We provide detailed estimates for both options when applicable.
Take Action for Your Transmission Health
Your vehicle's transmission is too important to leave to chance. At Christian Brothers Automotive O'fallon, we combine the technical expertise of a premier auto shop with the personalized care you expect from a local neighbor. We are dedicated to keeping your vehicle shifting flawlessly through every mile in St. Peters and beyond.
Don’t wait for a minor noise to become a major repair. Trust our ASE-certified technicians to provide the authoritative care and transparent communication you deserve.
Schedule your transmission service in St. Peters today by booking online or calling us at (636) 435-2930 to experience the Christian Brothers difference.
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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.