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 Repair
Recognizing the early signs of transmission failure can save you from a costly transmission replacement down the line. Because the transmission is a complex system, symptoms often start small before escalating into major mechanical failures. Paying attention to changes in performance allows our technicians to address transmission issues while they are still manageable.
Watch for these common warning signs:
- Slipping Gears: The engine revs, but the vehicle struggles to accelerate or changes gears unexpectedly.
- Delayed Engagement: A noticeable pause when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse.
- Fluid Leaks: Red or sweet-smelling puddles under your car indicate a transmission fluid leak.
- Burning Smell: Overheating fluid often smells like burnt toast and requires immediate attention.
- Check Engine Light: Dashboard warnings often trigger for transmission-related sensors or solenoids.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get my transmission fluid changed?
For most vehicles, it is recommended to change the transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, but this can vary based on your vehicle's manufacturer and how you drive. In Lincoln, where drivers often face stop-and-go traffic and temperature extremes, the fluid may degrade faster than average. Regular checks can determine the specific condition of your fluid.
At Christian Brothers Automotive South Lincoln, we check your fluid quality during every service visit. If the fluid looks dark or smells burnt, we may recommend a service sooner than the standard interval. Keeping the fluid clean is the single most effective way to prevent internal wear and avoid the need for a major transmission repair or rebuild later in the vehicle's life.
What is the difference between a flush and a fluid change?
A transmission fluid change typically involves draining the pan and replacing only the fluid that comes out, which is about half of the total volume. A transmission flush, on the other hand, uses a machine to push out all the old fluid and replace it with fresh fluid throughout the entire system, including the torque converter and cooler lines.
We generally recommend a flush for vehicles that have been maintained regularly, as it provides a complete reset for the fluid environment. However, for high-mileage vehicles that have not had regular service, a simple drain and fill might be safer to avoid dislodging debris. Our technicians will assess your specific situation and recommend the best transmission service option for your car.
How do I know if I need a repair or a replacement?
Determining whether you need a transmission repair or a full transmission replacement depends on the extent of the internal damage. Minor issues, like a failed solenoid, a leak, or a bad sensor, can often be repaired without removing the transmission. These repairs are cost-effective and can restore full function quickly.
However, if there is significant damage to the gears, clutch packs, or metal shavings in the pan, a replacement or rebuild is often the more reliable choice. We perform thorough diagnostics to evaluate the health of the transmission. We always present the most cost-effective solution that guarantees safety and longevity, helping you avoid spending money on a repair that won't last.
Can you service both manual and automatic transmissions?
Yes, our auto shop is fully equipped to handle both manual transmission and automatic transmission systems. While automatic transmissions rely heavily on fluid pressure and electronics, manual transmissions depend on mechanical gears and a clutch system. Each requires a different approach to maintenance and repair.
For manual vehicles, we often address issues like clutch slipping, difficulty shifting, or grinding gears. For automatics, we focus on fluid health, torque converters, and electronic control modules. No matter what you drive, our ASE-certified technicians have the training and tools to provide expert transmission services in Lincoln, NE.
What causes transmission problems in Lincoln?
The primary causes of transmission problems in our area are heat, neglect, and driving habits. The stop-and-go nature of city driving generates excessive heat, which breaks down fluid and hardens seals. Additionally, towing heavy loads or driving in hilly areas can put extra strain on the transmission, leading to premature wear.
Neglecting routine transmission inspections is another major factor. Small leaks or low fluid levels can quickly turn into catastrophic failure if not caught early. By staying on top of your maintenance schedule with Christian Brothers Automotive South Lincoln, you can mitigate these risks and ensure your vehicle remains reliable despite the local driving challenges.
Schedule Your Transmission Service Today
At Christian Brothers Automotive South Lincoln, we are committed to providing high-quality transmission services in Lincoln, NE, that prioritize your safety and budget. Whether you need a routine inspection, a fluid flush, or a major repair, our team delivers the expertise and transparent service you deserve. We combine local knowledge of Lincoln's roads with industry-leading diagnostic tools to ensure your vehicle is ready for every mile ahead.
Don't wait for a minor slip to turn into a major breakdown.
Schedule your appointment online or call us at (402) 821-0543 to speak with our friendly team about your transmission needs.
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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.