Why is Transmission Service Necessary?

This question is often asked by vehicle owners.  The transmission is an integral part of the vehicles' power train. It takes use and abuse every time the car moves. Of course it needs to be serviced regularly. However, many of us never think about the transmission until there's a problem. Sure, we change the engine oil when the sticker says to, and some of us even monitor the tire pressure once in a while. But the transmission scares us somehow. Most of us don't understand how it works, so we cross our fingers and ignore it. Not a good idea!

Why?

• There's that question again. Transmission service is necessary because you don't want to be out in the middle of nowhere when something breaks. Proper maintenance will give us peace of mind while driving.
• Regular transmission service will increase the value of your car. Maybe not in the Blue Book, but smart people ask for service records when they look at a car, and having them proves how well it's been taken care of.
• Of course, there's the safety thing. A faulty vehicle is a dangerous vehicle, whatever the problem is.
• The cost of transmission repair or replacement is steep. You don't just bolt on a new part. The transmission is removed and opened, requiring special tools and expertise just to look at it. There are no cheap fixes.

What to do?

You can at least check the fluid level and see if it's needed. There may be a filter that can changed. Consult your owner's manual or look up the specs; they don't all use the same type.

If you don't want to get your hands dirty, take it to a shop. Transmission service is much cheaper than transmission repair.

Have you taken care of a forgotten transmission service? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at theWrench, Ltd. Car Care Center today for more information about transmission repair options and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in Silverdale, WA, and the surrounding area.