Frequently Asked Questions
Can you tell me how much it will cost to overhaul my transmission?
A: When it comes to pricing a transmission repair or rebuild, there are several factors that need to be investigated to determine the specific cause of your transmission problem. We offer to all our customers our free External Transmission Diagnostic Service, which will help to identify what type of problem may exist, and what would be the best and most cost effective solution for the repair of your automatic or standard transmission problem. This External Transmission Diagnostic Service includes checking the transmission fluid level and condition. We will road test your vehicle for any drivability issues, and we will check your electronically controlled transmission for any diagnostic trouble codes that may be in your vehicle’s computer memory, if your vehicle has this capability. Many transmissions can be fixed without a rebuild or overhaul. To better understand your transmission’s problems and to provide you with a comprehensive and accurate estimate, we invite you to bring in your car for a free road test and computer scan. Remember, the most expensive repair is the one you didn’t need.
In addition to a specific problem with my car, I was told I needed several other services and repairs by another shop/dealership. Since the estimate was quite high, how do I know if I really need everything they said?
A: We are happy to give you an unbiased second opinion for free. We can double check any recommended maintenance services based on your vehicle’s mileage. We provide you with our own comprehensive estimate based on our trained technician’s completed inspection of your vehicle. Our estimate is designed to help you make the right repair choices. Each recommended repair or service is prioritized; we will always tell you what is necessary to fix your initial problem and/or prevent any major safety issues. Realizing that most people don’t live on an unlimited budget, we’ll also let you know the services or repairs you can safely postpone. We will never pressure you into making an on-the-spot decision. Feel free to ask many questions and to compare our estimate against the one you have.
Why do I need to service my automatic transmission?
A: The automatic transmission in your car is essentially a gigantic hydraulic pump. It uses transmission fluid to transfer engine torque to the drive wheels through a “torque converter” to a series of valves and pumps to control fluid flow and pressure. As with the other fluid systems on your car, much is expected of this fluid and it deteriorates rapidly with heat, contaminants, and oxidation–it will tend to thicken over time and not flow as needed and reduce the efficiency of this unit, as well as shorten its useful life. Transmission failure is very costly and routine maintenance is the best way to prevent that from happening. Most manufacturers recommend servicing the transmission fluid every 30,000 miles.
What's the difference between a transmission service and a flush?
A: A transmission service consists of: A test drive and evaluation of the transmission’s performance by a trained technician. Removal of the transmission pan. Replacing the fluid and installing a new filter. Making any necessary adjustments. The transmission flush is performed by attaching a machine to the transmission which re-circulates and cleans the fluid. The flush does not typically include a filter change.
Why does my check engine light come on?
A: There are literally thousands of reasons why your check engine light could come on. It could be as simple as a loose gas cap or a dirty air filter. However, the check engine light can greatly affect your gas mileage.
What are my maintenance schedules?
A: Through online subscriptions, our shop has access to the most current manufacturers’ recommended maintenance schedules for all makes and models of cars, both foreign and domestic. We are able to perform the factory recommended services based on your car’s mileage. We keep your car’s service and repair records in our computer system and can send you reminders about upcoming recommended services.
To Keep or Not To Keep? That is the Question!
A: Well, at least when it comes to buying a new car or maintaining and continuing to drive the vehicle you already have. The average cost of a new vehicle in the USA is $28,400 according to the Federal Trade Commission. That’s no small change! In fact, the payments on a new vehicle are often much more than the cost of a good maintenance schedule. Plus, you don’t have to afford maintenance costs every month. With the uncertainness of the American job market, it makes sense to invest a fraction of the expense of a new vehicle to keep your vehicle on the road and performing at its best.
Vehicles built over the last 15 years have a much longer life expectancy. It is not unusual to have a vehicle with 200,000+ miles still on the road and running well. With some regular maintenance, you can expect your vehicle to serve your transportation needs well beyond what you may have ever expected.
Call, Click or Visit Village Transmission and Auto Repair Center. We would be glad to assist you in maintaining your vehicle. While Transmission Repair is our specialty, we also offer a variety of auto services that can help you get the most use from your vehicle. Not to mention keeping that $28,400 in the bank. You can also check out this Fix-It or Trade-It calculator to help you make a decision! http://www.atra.com/fixortrade?car_value
It’s cold outside and my transmission is acting up. What should I do?
A: Cold weather may cause your transmission to behave poorly. You don’t want your vehicle to leave you stranded in the winter weather. It is recommended that you allow a moment for the fluid to warm in your automatic transmission before you engage the transmission. This will reduce viscosity (Thickness) of fluid and allow the valve body (the Brain) to operate smoothly. If you have any concerns call or come in. We will be glad to check your vehicles performance.
How does the summer heat affect my transmission?
A: Summer heat can take its toll on your vehicle. The extreme heat can put the vehicle cooling system to the test. This lack of cooling will greatly reduce the life of your transmission fluid. Too often transmission fluid is one of the most neglected fluids. Fresh transmission fluid is super critical to the life expectancy of your transmission. In fact, the suggested replacement interval is usually at 30,000 miles. Extreme heat can shorten the life of the fluid.
Call, Click or Visit Village Transmission and Auto Service Center. Our expert technicians will be able to quickly determine any problem that that may be averted by good maintenance and early detection.
