Steps to Take After a Car Breakdown

When Do I Need to Repair My Transmission in San Diego?

Day after day, your car stays reliable, getting you around as you travel day-in and day-out. However, as your vehicle is being used to accommodate your everyday routine, it is wearing down over time. It is far too easy to forget that your car is a complex network of moving parts that all work together intricately. Even with the most durable and longlasting cars, it is inevitable that your car will wear down to a point where it will need to be brought into a shop. The key is to be able to recognize the signs of any issues as they first show up so that the problem does not grow into a bigger issue. 

When vehicle owners go into a repair shop to see a mechanic, there are a lot of things that they do not want to hear. A transmission repair is probably somewhere at the top of this list. Even if the issue can be repaired, it will probably end up costing a significant sum. Just a single mechanical problem involving the transmission can result in the engine shutting down entirely, so it is crucial that you watch for the symptoms of transmission issues. If you think there is a problem, you should take your vehicle in for an inspection right away. 

You may wonder: how do I really know if my transmission is in need of repair? Well, this article will provide some information to help you figure out when to repair your transmission. 

What Does the Transmission Do?

Transmissions play an important role in your car’s ability to function properly. Essentially, the transmission carries the power of the engine to the drive axle by using the various gears, making it possible for the engine to run at different speeds. 

Signs That Your Transmission Needs to Be Repaired

These are some possible signs that your transmission is in need of some repairs:

  • The fluid has a distinct “burned” smell
  • Unusual humming, grinding, or clunking noises, especially when the car is in neutral
  • When trying to shift gears, the clutch remains engaged, causing grinding sounds
  • Instead of smooth transitions when the gear changes, you will hear and sometimes feel a thumping or grinding sensation
  • The transmission pops back into neutral or slips between gears while driving
  • A lag between gear changes, along with higher than normal RPMs for a gear change or speed

If your vehicle shows any of these signs, you should take your vehicle to Automobile Repair Shop San Diego so you can inspect your transmission. 

There are many different San Diego transmission repair services that your vehicle could need. Here are some of the most common transmission repairs. 

Transmission Fluid Change

When Do I Need to Repair My Transmission?When changing your transmission fluid, there are two primary options. First, you can complete a  full fluid exchange according to the recommendations of your vehicle manufacturer. Secondly, you can change your transmission and filter, also according to the specific recommendations of your vehicle manufacturer. You can try to prevent any costly transmission repairs if you stay up-to-date with your car’s recommended transmission fluid change schedule, usually due every two years of 30,000 miles. 

Transmission Flush

Flushing your transmission is an inclusive transmission repair that “flushes” out the sludge and grime that has gathered inside your transmission. The mechanic will first remove the oil, and then the new oil and cleaning solutions are run through the transmission in order to remove damaging debris, The transmission will finally be refilled with new oil. 

Rebuild or Replacement

In certain cases, if the transmission starts to fail or stops working entirely, auto technicians will recommend a complete replacement or rebuild. If you think that this may be the case, be sure that you are working with a San Diego auto repair shop that has a solid reputation and experience working on transmissions. 

Variables Related to Transmission Repair Cost 

The price of repairing your transmission can vary depending on the type or severity of the needed repairs. If the transmission has to be replaced or rebuilt completely, it will end up costing a few thousand dollars. If you just need a fluid change or minor repairs, it should only cost a few hundred dollars. Here are some of the variables relating to transmission repair cost that you should consider:

  • Automatic vs. Manual. Manual transmissions are less expensive to repair or replace compared to automatic transmissions. 
  • The Vehicle’s Make and Model. The vehicle’s make and model will play an important role in how much repairing the transmission will cost. Usually, standard, domestic models will cost much less than imported or luxury models. 
  • Severity of the Damage. The cost of repair will usually depend on the severity of the problem and how well the vehicle has been maintained over time. Following the recommended maintenance schedule can make a real difference when it comes to preventing costly repairs. 
  • New vs. Old. It can be hard to find parts for rare or much older cars, which can greatly increase the overall cost of repair. 
  • The Auto Repair Shop. This is where you should do real work because what auto shops charge will vary for the same type of work. Experience is important when it comes to repairing a transmission, as well as any other repairs. This is not a good time to take shortcuts or cut corners. Also, the location can contribute significantly to the overall cost of the transmission repair for multiple reasons, such as a higher cost of living, the availability of skilled mechanics, and a greater demand for repair services. 

San Diego Auto Repair Shop

Automobile Repair Shop San Diego is a family-owned and operated business that has been providing the best repair experiences in San Diego. We will offer you hassle-free San Diego auto repairs starting with a precise damage assessment or estimate. We will tow your vehicle for FREE to our shop, organize for a rental car, and work directly with the insurance company to streamline the San Diego repair process. We will even pay up to $500 of your deductible. Contact us today to see how we can help.