An auto mechanic can tell you that your car needs transmission service, but what does that really mean? Some auto mechanics may not always explain things clearly. Maybe they don't want customers to know, or maybe they think that there's no way to explain what needs to be done in terms customers will understand. At Christian Brothers Automotive Spring we don't operate that way.

If your car needs transmission service, you deserve to know exactly what needs to be done. In this post we describe four of the most common types of transmission service and what they entail.

1. Automatic Transmission Fluid Exchange

Automatic transmission fluid is a viscous fluid that lubricates the gears in your transmission. The combination of time, friction, and heat causes this fluid to break down. In order to prevent damage to your car, the manufacturer recommends an automatic transmission fluid exchange at regular intervals.

During this process, we remove the transmission drain plug to completely drain the old fluid. We also check the integrity of the plug before reinstalling it. We then refill your car's transmission system with fresh, clean fluid of the type your manufacturer recommends.

2. Automatic Transmission Filter and Fluid Replacement

Your car is equipped with a filter to remove dirt and debris as transmission fluid circulates through the system. Over time, this filter becomes dirty and will decrease the performance of your vehicle.

We start by removing the transmission pan and replacing the old filter with a new one that meets manufacturer specifications. We also remove and replace the gasket material before reinstalling the transmission pan. We finish everything up by ensuring your system is filled with new transmission fluid as recommend by your manufacturer.

3. Manual Transmission Service

Manual transmissions are similar to automatic transmissions in their mechanical operation. The only difference is that the driver works the clutch instead of the car doing it automatically. Manual transmission service involves evacuating the system completely before refilling it with the appropriate grade of transmission fluid.

4. Complete Transmission Service

A complete transmission service is the most comprehensive form of preventative transmission maintenance offered. Not only do we replace transmission fluid and filter, we also check various components to make sure they are in good working order. We examine the transmission sump and pan. We clean the transmission pan. We replace the pan's gasket material. While we have the pan removed, we also look inside your transmission to check for friction damage and metal particles. We will advise you if your transmission shows excessive wear serious enough to be of concern. Any serious issues will lead to a recommendation from our auto mechanic as to your best course of action.