Frequently Asked Questions

Engines and transmissions are controlled by onboard computers in today’s vehicles. If a malfunction occurs, the computer stores a code that relates to the malfunction and warns the driver by turning on or flashing one of these lights. These warnings should not be ignored. Early diagnosis by a qualified tech with proper equipment can save you money and prevent you from getting stranded. We have the equipment and trained personnel to help when this occurs.

Our shop's primary focus is on transmissions, and there are a variety of services available. If you think you are having a problem with your transmission, our expert transmission technicians will perform an External Diagnostic Service. The External Diagnostic Service includes checking the level and condition of the transmission fluid, road testing your car, and a diagnosis of the external transmission controls. If you have a transmission problem, the EDS determines if the problem can be corrected with an external repair or adjustment. In some cases, the replacement or adjustment of a transmission or drive-train related component(s) will correct the problem. In other cases, there could be an electronic or computer malfunction. In still other cases, the transmission needs to be rebuilt. The best thing to do if you are having transmission problems is to contact us to schedule an External Diagnostic Service.

Vehicles which are driven occasionally or for short distances are in many cases subjected to unusual wear and strain. For example, cars that are driven short distances, consistently never have the opportunity for the engine to warm up to the normal heat range. This can cause excessive engine wear.

Relatively, low mileage transmissions which are regularly used in city or stop and go conditions are subject to much higher wear than transmissions of the same mileage which are used under normal or primarily highway conditions. It is important to note that it is not necessarily the mileage on a transmission which determines probable wear. Rather, it is the number of times the transmission has been run through its startup and shift cycles that determines probable wear. Many other seemingly normal driving conditions can affect transmission life. Things like extreme climate conditions either cold or hot, mountainous, driving, motoring problems which are associated with snow or ice (and a host of others) can take their toll. Under 'normal' driving conditions vehicle manufacturers recommend servicing your transmission as seldom as every 100,000 miles. As you can see from the limited examples above, very few motorists fit into the ideal or 'normal' driving condition category.

If you operate your vehicle under more extreme conditions, more frequent transmission servicing will be necessary to maximize transmission life. Servicing your transmission yearly seems to be an industry average. Under the most extreme conditions, even more often may be advisable and you may want to install an external transmission cooler for additional protection.

The price to repair a transmission depends on several factors. These include determining the cause of your transmission problem, the condition and type of transmission in your car, and the type of service that needs to be done. Our shop offers an External Diagnostic Service to identify how to fix your problem and keep your costs to a minimum. An External Diagnostic Service includes checking the level and condition of the transmission fluid, road testing your car, and a diagnosis of the external transmission controls. This service determines if there is a transmission problem and if the problem can be corrected with an external repair or adjustment. Contact us to have an External Diagnostic Service completed.

Most automobile manufacturers recommend that you change your transmission fluid every 3 years or 36,000 miles. Consult your owner's manual for details. We recommend an annual fluid change. If your vehicle is older or is used for towing, it may be required more frequently. To determine if a fluid change is needed, we recommend our External Diagnostic Service, which includes checking the level and condition of your transmission fluid, a road test, and putting your car on a lift to check your external transmission controls to keep your transmission and vehicle running smoothly.

1. Check the Fluid Level

The fluid in an automatic transmission operates the clutches, provides cooling and lubrication, and even drives the vehicle. So few things are more important than proper fluid operating level for keeping the transmission working. Most automatic transmissions have a dipstick for checking the fluid level. If you're not sure where yours is or how to check the transmission fluid level, refer to your owner's manual, or go to your local ATRA-member repair center: They'll be happy to show you.

2. Check Transmission Problems Promptly

Most transmission problems start out small. They get worse over time. Very often, you can eliminate major repairs simply by taking care of the problem early on. Whether it's a warning light on the dash, a few drops of fluid on the garage floor, or a change in the way the transmission operates, your best bet is to take your car to your local ATRA member repair center for service right away. In many cases, you'll be able to avoid a major repair simply by catching it while it's still a minor one.

3. Service Your Transmission Regularly

Transmission fluids have a number of unique properties that can wear out over time. And when they wear out, you can bet the transmission itself won't be far behind. One of the best ways to keep your transmission in good working order is to have it serviced annually. A complete fluid and filter change every year can add years to your transmission's life, and in the end, save you money.

4. Add a Friction Modifier to the Fluid

New fluid can really help your transmission last longer. But there are a number of additives on the market that have demonstrated the ability to increase transmission life and reliability significantly, even beyond the extra miles you could expect from regular service. In most cases, you won't be able to find worthwhile additives in your supermarket or do-it-yourself parts store: The most effective additives are only available to the professional transmission centers. Ask your local ATRA member service repair center for recommendations.

5. Install an Auxiliary Cooler

The #1 reason for transmission failure is heat. Transmission temperatures can quickly exceed 300 degrees. At that temperature, seals begin to harden, clutches begin to burn, and the fluid itself breaks down. To help eliminate excess heat from the automatic transmission fluid, have an auxiliary cooler installed. This is particularly important on vehicles that tow trailers, carry heavy loads or travel over rough or mountainous terrain.

6. Install a Cooler Line Filter

All automatic transmissions have some type of filter inside them, but these filters vary in effectiveness. Meanwhile, loose dirt and metal particles can quickly erode thrust washer and bushing surfaces, clog up passages, and reduce transmission life. One of the best ways to eliminate these contaminants is to add an in-line filter to the transmission cooler lines. These filters are inexpensive and highly effective in removing damaging particles from the transmission fluid.

7. Service the Cooling System

You may not realize it, but your car's cooling system does more than keep the engine running cool. It also cools the transmission fluid, through a heat exchanger built into the radiator tank. So a faulty cooling system cannot only damage your engine; it can reduce transmission life as well. In fact, transmission damage may occur long before the engine overheats. To avoid both engine and transmission problems, keep your car's cooling system clean and in tip-top condition.

8. Tune the Engine

The engines and transmissions in today's cars are linked far more closely than in the past. A problem with engine performance can put much more strain on the transmission than one that's running properly. That's another reason why it's important to keep your car's engine in good running order. A good running engine reduces the stress on your transmission, so the transmission can last longer without requiring major repairs.

9. Help the Transmission Shift

Virtually all transmission wear takes place during the shifts; almost none occurs between the shifts. One way to reduce transmission wear is to reduce the load during the shift. Pay attention to the speed when your transmission shifts normally. Then, just before the normal shift speed, learn to back off the gas just a bit. Easing off the gas will force the shift and reduce the load on the clutch, which is a sure way to improve transmission life.

10. Take Your Transmission to an ATRA Member Center

One of the best ways to get more life out of your transmission is to have it serviced regularly at an ATRA member repair center. ATRA members receive access to the latest technical information and training and must meet a rigid set of requirements to display the ATRA name. The ATRA logo is your assurance that the shop you've selected provides quality service at a reasonable price. Don't trust your transmission work to just anyone. Always look for the ATRA logo when choosing a transmission repair center.