The Transmission Repair Shop and Your Transmission

The last thing you want to hear when you go take the car to the mechanic is that your transmission needs to be repaired or replaced. Sometimes just a flush will fix the problem. A trusted mechanic at your local transmission repair shop will be able to diagnose your vehicle's particular problem and know the best way to fix it.

Flushing your transmission is not usually included in the normal maintenance of your vehicle. It should only be flushed when absolutely necessary as flushing it forces fluids and cleaning solvents back through the system, which helps clean out any particles that may be in the transmission causing problems. However, having it done could cause future problems with the transmission. There are four main indications that your transmission may need to be flushed. These are:

- Your transmission is slipping. If you are having trouble with your car staying in gear, that may be a good indication that your transmission needs to be flushed. The flushing machine can also find other problems such as leaking fluids. Before you have it flushed, have your transmission repair shop check for other problems such as worn gears or a bad torque converter and that your fluid is at the proper level.
- Your fluid doesn't smell or look right. If your oil emits a burned smell, a flush may not help you as you may have already damaged your transmission and your only option will be either a partial of full replacement.
- Oxidized transmission fluid. To find out if this is your problem, drop a couple of drops of fluid on a paper towel and see how it flows. If it does not flow, then you have an oxidation problem and you will need to take it to your transmission repair shop so that the mechanic can determine if you need to have the transmission flushed or replaced.
- The manufacturer's instructions allow for your transmission to be flushed. Before you get your transmission flushed, you should always consult the manual that came with your vehicle to see if it recommends for your vehicle's transmission to be flushed. Some manufacturers will void the warranty if you get the transmission flushed too early in your vehicle's life.

If a flush either does not work or is not recommenced, you could either opt for a partial repair or having your transmission completely rebuilt. Both of these do cost a considerable amount of money, but your car should never need to have it done again if your transmission repair shop mechanic does it right the first time.

Always check your owner's manual to see if the manufacturer recommends a flush. Don't' just take your mechanic's word for it.