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 warning signs of transmission failure is crucial for preventing minor issues from becoming major expenses. Because the transmission is a complex hydraulic and mechanical system, symptoms often manifest as subtle changes in performance. Paying attention to these indicators allows our team to perform targeted transmission repair before the damage spreads.
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 or hesitation when shifting from Park to Drive.
- Fluid Leaks: Red or sweet-smelling puddles under your car indicate a leak.
- Burning Smell: Overheating fluid often smells like burnt toast and requires immediate attention.
- Check Engine Light: Sensors often trigger this light for transmission-related anomalies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I change my transmission fluid?
For most vehicles, it is recommended to service the transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. However, in Sarasota, where heat and stop-and-go traffic are common, the fluid may degrade faster. It is important to consult your owner's manual and have a professional inspect the fluid condition regularly.
At Christian Brothers Automotive South Sarasota, we check the fluid's color and smell during every service. If the fluid appears dark or smells burnt, it is a sign that it has lost its protective properties. Changing the fluid on time is the most cost-effective way to prevent internal wear and avoid a premature transmission replacement.
What is the difference between a flush and a fluid change?
A fluid change typically involves draining the pan and replacing only the fluid that flows out, which is about half of the total capacity. A transmission flush utilizes a machine to cycle out all the old fluid and replace it with fresh fluid throughout the entire system, including the torque converter and cooler lines.
We recommend the service that best fits your vehicle's history and condition. For well-maintained vehicles, a flush ensures a complete reset of the fluid environment. For older vehicles with uncertain maintenance history, a drain-and-fill might be safer to avoid dislodging internal debris.
Is it better to repair or replace a transmission?
Deciding between transmission repair and replacement depends on the extent of the damage and the cost-effectiveness of the solution. Minor issues, such as a failed solenoid or a leak, are usually best handled with a repair. This restores function without the high cost of a new unit.
However, if there is significant internal damage, metal shavings in the pan, or slipping in multiple gears, a transmission replacement or remanufactured unit is often the smarter financial choice. We provide a detailed comparison of costs and warranty options so you can make the decision that makes the most sense for your vehicle and budget.
Do you service both manual and automatic transmissions?
Yes, our auto shop is fully equipped to handle both manual transmission and automatic transmission systems. While automatics rely on fluid pressure and computer controls, manuals depend on mechanical gears and a clutch. Each requires specific knowledge and tools.
For manual vehicles, we address issues like clutch repair, grinding gears, and difficulty shifting. For automatics, we focus on fluid health, solenoids, and electronic diagnostics. No matter what you drive, our technicians have the expertise to keep it shifting smoothly.
How does towing affect my transmission?
Towing a boat or trailer puts significant stress on your transmission, causing it to generate more heat than normal driving. This is a common scenario for many drivers in Sarasota. The added weight forces the transmission to work harder to maintain speed and shift gears.
If you frequently tow, we may recommend installing an auxiliary transmission cooler or increasing the frequency of your transmission flushes. These steps help manage the excess heat and protect the internal components from premature failure, ensuring your vehicle can handle the load safely.
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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.