FAQs for Transmission Repair and Replacement Shops
Do you have questions about your upcoming transmission service or transmissions in general? You’re not alone. Below, we answer several commonly asked questions about auto transmissions.
Q: What rights do I have as a consumer when it comes to manual and automatic transmission repair and replacement services?
A: In place in California since 1974, the Automotive Repair Act gives you the right to an advance estimate on car transmission repair or replacement services. When the work is completed, you’re entitled to a detailed summary of the transmission work, the related costs and a list of the parts for which you’re being charged. More information is available at the Bureau of Auto Repair’s website.
Q: What should my automatic transmission fluid look like?
A: If the fluid isn’t bright red, you may want to have it checked. Other colors could be a sign of transmission problems.
Q: What’s the right interval for changing my automatic transmission fluid?
A: Having your transmission filter and fluid changed every 24,000 miles is an excellent idea. Unfortunately, most car owners ignore this recommendation, but doing so is usually enough to keep a transmission healthy for a long time.
Q: What are some common signs of transmission problems?
A: One common sign is a low level of automatic transmission fluid or evidence that transmission fluid has been leaking out of your car. Unusual noises coming from the transmission, shuddering and hard work at shifting, a slipping transmission (where the engine speeds up but the car doesn’t move forward or backward at the pace it normally would), or failure of the car to move would all be possible indications of transmission problems.
Q: Is it OK to drive when my transmission has been leaking fluid?
A: Even a small decrease in fluid volume can change the way the transmission works. Consider visiting a reliable auto transmission shop at your earliest convenience.
Q: What is an automatic transmission fluid exchange?
A: A transmission fluid exchange goes beyond the basic automatic transmission fluid service, which may replace about half of the fluid. This service replaces nearly all of your used transmission fluid with fresh fluid for improved performance.
Q: What are some common automatic transmission services?
A: An auto transmission shop will check the level of your transmission fluid and determine its condition. The shop might road test your car with both a stationary test and a driving test to look for evidence of slipping, early or late shifting, irregular shifting, or hard or soft shifting. A pan examination looks for damage inside the automatic transmission.
Q: How long will it take to repair my transmission?
A: It varies based on the type of transmission problem you have. Routine exams will allow you to get your car back the same day. Many transmission problems require only minor repairs, and these can also be done within one day. Rebuilt transmissions will take longer.
Q: What sorts of warranties come with a rebuilt or replaced transmission?
A: Various warranties will probably be available, ranging from six months to five years. A lifetime warranty may be available in some cases.
Q: Why choose a Diamond Certified auto transmission shop?
A: Diamond Certified ends the guessing game by offering consumers a list of top rated, local companies that have passed the country’s most in-depth rating process. Most companies can’t pass this rigorous standard, which means only local auto transmission shops rated Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise® earn Diamond Certified. American Ratings Corporation also keeps track of every Diamond Certified company with in-depth and ongoing research and ratings. And your auto transmission purchase is backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee, so you’ll feel confident about choosing a Diamond Certified shop.
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