Transmissions

Transmissions


Is your car vibrating? Slipping? Jerking? Noisy? Leaking? Shaking? Perhaps your check engine light is on. Fear no more, because the professionals at Quality Transmission & Auto Repair, Inc. will fix your car in no time.
Certified Transmission Rebuilder With 25 Years of Service
Domestic and Foreign Transmissions
Stick Shifts and Automatics
Diagnostic Checks of Electrical Components
New Clutches Installed
Transfer Case 4 x 4's
Durability Enhancements
Parts — Mechanic Cleaning Rims in Midland, MI

Nationwide Warranties

Member of (ATRA) Automotive Transmission Rebuild Association

First in Quality, First in Service, First in Value, First in Durability
Locally Owned and Operated Full-Service Facility
Preventive Maintenance
Extends Transmission Life
Prevent Problems Before They Occur

Our preventative service program is designed to keep your transmission running at peak performance and give you peace of mind.

Replacing Transmission Fuid
Replacing Transmission Filter
Installing New Pan Gasket
Visual Examination by Our Expert Technicians
Checking for Fluid Leaks and Other Concerns
A Road Test Designed to Keep You Informed
  • Why can't you give me a price over the phone?

    About 20-or-so years ago, there were only maybe a dozen different transmissions on the road.


    Every transmission repair shop had a good stock of rebuilt units on hand. There were almost no updates necessary, and even if something unusual failed, most shops had a good supply of used parts on hand to replace it.


    Today there are more than ten times that many transmissions in use, with new ones showing up all the time. Many of those transmissions have several different variations or calibrations, with as many as a dozen modifications necessary.


    What's more, today's transmissions are computer controlled, which means even though your transmission may not be working properly, there's a good chance the root cause of the problem doesn't have anything to do with the transmission itself.


    To provide you with an accurate assessment of your transmission's condition and give you an honest estimate for repairs, technicians must perform a series of rigorous tests.


    They must identify which transmission is in your car, and which version of that transmission it is. Then they have to identify the specific problem, and isolate whether it's in the transmission or the computer system. Finally, they have to determine the likely causes for the problem, based on a logical diagnostic process.


    Once they have that information, the shop is able to give you a more accurate explanation of your car's condition, and put together an accurate estimate of the costs to repair it. There's just no way to do all that over the phone.

  • Why does transmission repair cost so much?

    There's no doubt about it: Transmission repairs can be expensive. But it's not so much money when you consider what's involved in the repairs.


    Today's automatic transmissions consist of thousands of individual components. During a major repair, each one is removed, cleaned, and inspected to exacting tolerances. Any worn or damaged parts are repaired or replaced.


    Then each part is put together into one of many subassemblies. Each subassembly must be adjusted, and tested for proper operation. Then the subassemblies must be assembled into the transmission case, where the adjustment and testing procedure begins all over again.


    Finally, once the transmission is completely assembled, it has to be reinstalled.


    If that's not enough to justify the cost, there's something else to consider: Virtually all of today's automatic transmissions are computer controlled. Which means that the transmission's ability to operate depends on much more than the condition of the transmission itself. Engine problems now can have a dramatic effect on how the transmission operates.


    All of which boils down to one, inescapable conclusion: Sure, transmission work can be expensive...but, dollar for dollar, it's one of the best values around.

  • Want to know how to take care of your transmission?

    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 great 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 come see us at Quality Transmission & Auto Repair, Inc.


    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 in 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 really effective additives are only available to the professional transmission centers.


    5. Install an Auxiliary Cooler


    The #1 reason for transmission failure is heat. Transmission temperatures can quickly exceed 300˚ F. 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. So one way to reduce transmission wear to reduce the load during the sift.

     

    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, while reducing the load on the clutches. A sure way to improve transmission life.

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