Why Are Car Dealerships (Service Departments) So Expensive for Transmission Repair?
It’s a question nearly everyone will ask when their car needs a repair: Should I take my vehicle to the dealership or go to an independent mechanic? The answer to this question will vary based on your situation. If your car is still under warranty, the dealership is typically the right answer. But after your warranty expires, things get a bit murkier.
What’s the difference between taking your car to a dealer or an independent mechanic? Here’s how they stack up:
High Overhead
Auto dealerships have a lot of overhead to deal with. They typically have more extensive facilities, highly trained personnel, and plenty of warranty repairs they have to do for free. Their high operating costs are spread over a relatively small number of paying customers.
Independent mechanics rarely perform a warranty repair and don’t have any other operations to support. Independent mechanics usually win on cost.
OEM Parts
Auto dealerships usually use original parts for every repair. These parts typically cost more than their aftermarket equivalents. When you go to an independent mechanic, you could ask them to use OEM parts, but you can also choose less expensive aftermarket parts.
Communication
If you want to speak directly to your mechanic, you will want to go to an independent mechanic. When you talk to a dealership service department, you’ll usually speak to a receptionist or a service advisor.
At an independent auto shop, you can typically speak directly to the mechanic who works on your car. Over time, you may develop a relationship with your mechanic.
Specialized Skills
Auto dealerships have one make of cars to deal with. They are the first ones to receive technical service bulletins and recalls. If you have a particular make of car made within the last 10 years or so, the odds are high that your auto dealership has seen your problem and fixed it many times.
An independent mechanic must be knowledgeable about many makes and models of cars. While they may not have the same level of expertise about a particular vehicle, their general skill is much higher.
Documentation
Your local dealership keeps a file on every customer. Even years later, they can get copies of maintenance records and recalls. This information helps them make an informed decision if you bring your car as a trade-in.
When you work with an independent mechanic, it’s usually up to you to keep track of your own records.
Extra Amenities
If you want to eat a fancy pastry, have some gourmet coffee, and watch TV while you wait for your auto repair, you want to have for the dealership. Just remember, the extra amenities come at a cost.
Choosing where to take your car for repair is a personal decision. Whether you take your vehicle to the dealership or to an independent mechanic, it’s up to you to find a mechanic you trust. When it comes to transmission repair, we think that Transworks Transmissions has the edge.
- Published in Transmission
6 Keys to Fixing a Transmission and How We Are Better Than the Rest
The transmission is one of the most complex, most expensive components on your car. It does the job of transferring power from your engine to your wheels as efficiently as possible. Different parts of your drive-train are turning at different speeds, so it takes a lot of different gears to keep everything in sync. It’s no surprise that transmission problems are expensive to fix.
What should you look for a transmission shop? There are six keys to doing the job right:
Professional Atmosphere
A transmission is a piece of precision machinery. It may not be as sterile as a hospital, but if a transmission shop is dirty and untidy, it may reflect on the quality of work the shop can provide.
Accurate Evaluations
There are a lot of ways a transmission can go wrong. Some problems are more involved and more expensive than others. A good transmission shop will tell you what is going on, and what you can do about it.
Fair, Detailed Estimates
A good transmission shop has a lot of experience in dealing with all kinds of transmission problems. They should be able to give you an accurate, detailed estimate of the work to be done. If they are evasive about the price, you should move on.
Check the Computer
Modern transmissions have computer brains that help them adapt to your driving style and typical driving conditions. Sometimes, simply resetting the computer is enough to solve a simple problem.
Only Pull the Transmission If Necessary
At some transmission shops, every job’s first step is pulling the transmission out of the vehicle. For many situations, this just isn’t necessary. For some shops, removing the transmission is just an excuse to charge more money.
Clean it Up
Finally, any transmission repair job should involve a thorough cleaning. It’s much easier to spot leaks and other potential troubles with a clean undercarriage.
Give Us a Call!
Transmission repairs can be costly, but fortunately, when they are done right, they are rare. Having your transmission fixed by a professional will prevent future problems and save you money in the long run! If you think you may have a transmission problem, give the crew at Transworks Transmission a call today.
- Published in Transmission
Rebuild or Replace?
Need a New Transmission?
Rebuild or Replace?
Having to replace your transmission is news no car owner wants to hear. Transmissions are one of the most expensive auto services your car will require. They are incredibly complex machines and time-consuming to work on. Other than completely replacing your transmission with a new one, rebuilding your current transmission is another option. It isn’t always clear which option is the best option so here are a few things to consider when deciding to rebuild or replace your transmission (along with the advice of the transmission expert you work with).
Considering a Rebuild
Rebuilding a transmission means that your current transmission will be taken out of your car, taken apart completely, and thoroughly inspected to determine the damaged parts. Those parts are replaced, and the transmission is rebuilt with working parts. No small task for an amateur! Rebuilding a transmission is a complex process for any transmission specialist!
A rebuilt transmission has up-to-date parts that manufacturers designed to be safer for you and more efficient. It can be challenging to find a transmission specialist who has experience in rebuilding transmissions. Luckily, Transworks Transmissions are a team of transmission experienced professionals to give you automotive transmission advice, as well as the tools and skills to rebuild your current transmission. Give the transmission experts at Transworks Transmissions a call about rebuilding your transmission!
Installing a New Transmission
Replacing your current transmission with a new one is a bit misleading because most “new” transmissions are remanufactured ones. Choosing to buy a new transmission may not give you access to the most up-to-date parts as well as you will not get customize the rebuild process.
Work with Transmission Experts
Deciding on whether you need a new transmission or a rebuild one is usually based on the advice on transmission professionals. The cost and time to complete the repair are usually the biggest factors in this decision. A transmission expert can rebuild your transmission, but it may take a little longer than expected, based on the damage of your transmission that isn’t always seen until it is taken apart.
TransWorks Transmission
Installing a brand-new transmission may be costly, but it is also fast. Whichever way you are leaning with your transmission, discuss your thoughts with the experts at Transworks Transmission before making this big commitment!
- Published in Transmission
New Automotive Transmission Technology 2020
New 2020 Innovations
A lot of new discoveries have been introduced in 2020, taking new steps forward in the automotive transmission industry! With new ideas every day and new cars on the market every year, this industry is one that constantly strives for improvement, productivity, efficiency, speed, status and power!
Here are just a few of the new technological advances in the automotive industry so far in 2020:
• Ford’s New & Improved Automatic Transmission – Ford developed a new version of their 10 speed transmission (first produced in 2017) for the Mustang. With this new transmission, the torque converter does not need to disengage between transmission shifts. The clutches are activated by integrated solenoid valves, to improve shift time! This new system increases clutch pressure accuracy and delivers faster and smoother gear changes. The new transmission will be available on the rear drive, 170ps Transit, paired with the EcoBlue engine.
• Transmission Software Updates – Tests were conducted in the South of France that showed that Allison’s FuelSense 2.0 software hit 12% of fuel savings on its collection vehicles. The key to the software’s effectiveness is the way it continuously assesses driving conditions to adjust the gear changes at the right time. The software considers different factors when switching gears, such as vehicle weight, road gradient and frequency of stops. Upgrading vehicles to FuelSense 2.0 registered between 2014-2018 in the UK could reduce carbon emissions by 27,000 tons every year!
• Volkswagen’s Single-Speed Transmission – VW’s ID.3 transmission has been designed to cope with all driving situations. When in reverse, the car’s electric drive system direction is also reversed. The gearbox has a 2-stage design with two smaller cogs instead of one big cog. The electric drive motor in VW’s ID.3 gives maximum torque of 310Nm. Noise is also a major factor that was considered in the creation of this transmission. To ensure noise-reduction, the workings of the 1-speed gearbox are very carefully made and checked!
• Hyundai and Kia Introduce Connected Transmission Shift Technology – Both of these top car companies have developed information and communication technology that works well with a transmission shift system in a vehicle. This enables the car to shift automatically to the optimal gear depending on the weather, road, and traffic conditions ahead! This new transmission smart system should deliver improved fuel efficiency and a comfortable driving experience!
- Published in Transmission
Questions to Ask a Mechanic Before a Transmission Rebuild
Transmission Rebuilds
It is important to shop around and compare different mechanic’s styles and pricing when needing a new transmission. When choosing the right one, it is okay to ask questions before you sign on the dotted line!
Are you rebuilding my existing transmission or replacing it with a new one?
A rebuilt transmission is a very complicated piece of machinery. It requires great workmanship. A new transmission that was rebuilt in a professional transmission shop is the most reliable! Ensure your rebuilt transmission goes through serious inspections and tests before you commit. Installing a re-manufactured transmission will reduce the cost of your transmission.
Does the rebuild include warranty?
Most auto shops will offer a quote for a transmission rebuild, replacement, repair or any other services. It is reassuring to know your transmission can be fixed or replaced for free if something goes wrong!
What does the warranty cover?
The terms of your warranty should be thoroughly explained in detail. The length of the warranty is another important aspect to consider. The most common warranty lengths are 30,000-50,000 miles in coverage. The best warranties extend to the life of your vehicle!
Do I have to get my transmission serviced here to use the warranty?
The fine print is important to pay attention to. Strange clauses could indicate the warranty is void if you service your car somewhere other than where you received your new transmission. If something goes wrong with your transmission on a long road trip, the cost of getting your car back to that original repair shop can get extreme!
- What do you recommend as preventative maintenance for my new/rebuilt transmission?
After your transmission is installed, it is imperative to maintain it properly. The factory where the transmission was built will have a list of recommendations to follow such as maintenance, service and inspections. If not available, ask for general guidelines to maximize the life of your transmission!
Ask Questions
It is vital to ask as many questions as you can when it comes to your new, rebuilt transmission. Even though a rebuilt transmission is new-to-you, that does not mean that it is brand new. Something could go wrong and it is important to know how to take care of your transmission and know where to get it serviced when your warranty is still in effect! The crew at Transworks Transmissions will work with you and make sure you feel nothing but comfort when it comes to your rebuilt transmission!
- Published in Transmission
Why Is It Important to Check Your Transmission Fluid?
Transmission Fluid
It is very important to check your transmission fluid frequently. Allowing your fluid to go bad and waiting too long to get it changed can cause a lot of problems for car. Transmissions can be very expensive to fix and is even more expensive to replace. Check your transmission every 50,000 miles or so, just to be safe. One of the best times to get your transmission fluid checked by a professional is during a routine engine oil change. Our specialists are always happy to check it for you and let you know the condition of your transmission fluid.
If you want to check your transmission fluid yourself, here are some simple steps to help:
- Put your vehicle in park, set your parking brake and make sure you are on level ground.
- Locate your transmission filler tube under the car (if your car doesn’t have one, see a specialist).
- Remove the dip stick and clean it with a dry cloth.
- Reinsert the dip stick all the way and then take it back out to see the level of the fluid.
- If the color of the fluid is not clear and has a burnt odor, it is time to get it changed!
Changing Transmission Fluid
Without changing your transmission fluid on time, your transmission will be lubricated with metal shavings and other contaminants, shortening your transmission’s life. Transmissions can fail even after you already changed the fluid because the damage has already been done by waiting too long get new fluid. Without being proactive, a hefty penny is needed to get a replacement.
A transmission changes the gears of your engine. It transfers the engine’s power to the wheels allowing your car to move. Changing the transmission fluid on a regular basis will make sure the fluid stays clean and will keep your car running smooth! Changing the fluid in your transmission can be a complicated mess so if you are even a little uncomfortable doing it yourself, let the professionals do it for you!
- Published in Transmission
Cars That Still Have a Manual Transmission
Manual Transmissions
Our world and the auto industry evolve more and more every day. Technology continues to improve, making our lives easier. In today’s auto industry, you may think that manual transmissions have become less popular. While that is true, there are many makes and models that are still being made with manual transmissions today. Many people believe an automatic transmission is easier and more convenient when driving. On the other hand, a lot of people also believe that the exhilaration and adrenaline of a manual transmission is unmatched. The ability to control the speed of your car while hearing the roaring sound of the engine is still attractive. Here is a list of cars that still use a manual transmission!
The Honda Civic Type R
It surprises a lot of people when they learn that Honda Civics are still made in stick shift models. This car is known for being reliable and safe, but this Type R (R for racing) is equipped with a manual transmission for full control!
The Dodge Challenger
The Dodge Challenger has become the perfect example of a muscle car over the past several years. The reason this car is one of the most popular muscle cars is for its strong, reliable build that gives the driver complete control with a manual transmission.
The BMW 2 Series, M2
German car companies have always been in their own category. BMW has developed a great reputation for producing the world’s most iconic luxury cars. The BMW 2 Series M2 is one of the many reasons why. This car still comes with a manual transmission that gives anyone who drives it the feeling of power and luxury that is unrivaled.
The Subaru WRX
This reliable Japanese car uses a stick shift that allows the driver to control the engine in an unparalleled way. The WRX is one of the few an affordable cars now-a-days that offers manual transmissions.
The Chevrolet Corvette
Chevrolet has made MANY reliable cars over the past 100 years. Including the most famous, the Camaro. But the Corvette is Chevrolet’s most known model and is a beacon of innovation and technology in the industry from its inception to today! Chevrolet has moved many models away from manual transmission, except for the Corvette. This car still comes with a stick shift that allows the driver to feel the power that has made the Corvette so famous.
While there are only a few cars on the road today that still use manual transmissions, it will never fully go out of style. Anyone who loves cars appreciates the thrill and control of a manual transmission!
- Published in Transmission
5 Transmission Problems Not to Ignore
Having Transmission Problems?
Cars are intricate, complex machines that usually offer some warning signs when something is not going right. It is important to not ignore those signs when you have an automatic transmission, and get your car looked at by a specialist immediately. Here are five warning signs of transmission problems to never ignore.
Transmission Slipping
When driving, if you hear a pitch change for no apparent reason as your car shifts gear, your transmission may be slipping. Often times you can sense when your car is struggling to accelerate and feels under powered. If you have any sense of this happening, get your car checked by a professional.
Transmission Fluid Leaks
If you notice any type of leak spots in your garage or driveway, it could mean a leaky transmission. A way to be sure is to place a piece of cardboard on the ground under your engine and determine if the fluid is a reddish color. If the answer is yes, visit your auto shop right away.
Transmission Rough Shifts
Your gear changing should be smooth and seamless. If you are changing the gears in your car and it is not as smooth when it shifts, it could mean something is wrong with the transmission.
Transmission Delayed Engagement
When you shift out of “park” and into “drive”, a delay occurs if there is something wrong with the transmission. You’ll notice the delay when you would expect the car to start moving as you give it some gas.
Transmission Warning Light
A warning light does not always mean something is wrong. A car’s system is a complex computer that may be having a malfunction. But a warning light in combination with other warning signs and indicators that your car is acting abnormal, could mean that you have a transmission problem. Any time your “check engine” light comes on, it is important to have it diagnosed by a professional just to be safe.
A faulty transmission will cause many problems to your car. Some that are very noticeable and some that aren’t quite as obvious. If you are noticing any of these signs, it is imperative to have it looked at by an expert. None of these problems are normal to experience in your car and in most cases, the longer you wait to have your car problems fixed, the worse they get!
- Published in Transmission
How to Know When It’s Time to Change Transmission Fluid
To maintain an operational transmission, you should change transmission fluid regularly. This is one of the most basic car maintenance tasks. You should keep track of the fluid level and put more in when it gets too low. Many car owners do not realize that you also need to change the transmission fluid entirely. This is a more substantial job, but luckily it does not need to be done very often. At TransWorks, we can offer the transmission repair in Madison you need.
How Often You Should Change the Transmission Fluid
There are varying reports of how long you should wait between transmission fluid changes. This is because the best amount of time to wait actually varies depending on several aspects, such as the way you drive, the size of your vehicle, and whether it is manual or automatic. Generally, manual cars need the fluid changed more often, and lots of city driving with its constant stop-and-go may make the transmission fluid deteriorate faster. The general recommendation is to have the fluid changed either once every 50,000 miles or every other year, whichever comes first. Your car’s manual might have a more specific recommendation.
Signs to Look for
Although it is rare, sometimes problems may arise that signal a needed fluid change, regardless of the regular maintenance schedule. If you notice any of these signs, seek transmission service in Madison immediately:
- A grinding noise when shifting gears
- The gears slipping or difficulty shifting
- The vehicle surges forward or backwards
- There is a movement delay after shifting
These are all signs that the transmission fluid is low or dirty. You should check the level immediately, and if it is not low, then it is time to have it changed. You can count on us to take care of your transmission in Madison. Give us a call at 608-742-5136 or request an appointment.
- Published in Transmission
5 Symptoms of Low Transmission Fluid
5 Symptoms of Low Transmission Fluid
Keeping an eye on your transmission fluid is vital to a well-maintained vehicle. Otherwise, you could end up paying for transmission shipping and replacement. If you notice any of the following signs when driving, it’s time to take a look under the hood.
Slipping
Transmission fluid is responsible for transferring engine power to the transmission, which means that if you’re low on fluid, you’re not going to be able to shift gears effectively. This can manifest as “slipping,” when your vehicle enters a higher gear, only to fall back out. Your shifts may also be erratic or accompanied by a grinding noise.
Overheating
The second purpose of transmission fluid is to absorb heat generated by your car’s moving parts. Low fluid means heat gets trapped in your car’s inner workings, which can result in damage such as the following:
- Hardened seals
- Varnish on metal parts
- Slipping transmission bands and clutches
- Transmission failure
Signs of overheating include smoke and a burnt smell. If you notice either of these signs, you need to pull over immediately. Continuing to drive can further the damage and have you considering rebuilt transmissions.
Delayed Gear Shifting
You may need to top off your fluid if you notice a distinct pause before gear transition when changing between Reverse and Drive. Hydraulic pressure is responsible for producing this shift and low fluid means low pressure.
You may also notice a “hard” shift when driving. This stems from the same issue, resulting in a lurching or rough gear engagement when changing speeds.
Leaks
If you have a leak, you may notice marks on your driveway. Transmission fluid should be a bright red color and usually smells sweet. However, if your levels are low, the remaining fluid may be dark or smell burnt as a consequence of absorbing heat. If you notice either of these signs, you need to have the issue addressed right away.
No Shifting
One of the worst scenarios you may encounter is your car simply refuses to shift gears. This indicates that there’s no fluid left and may be resolved by filling your reservoir. However, you should still have your vehicle checked, as it may have suffered internal damage.
If you’ve fixed any leaks and refilled your transmission fluid, but your car still exhibits these issues, it’s likely time for a replacement. Trans Work Transmission can help you get your vehicle back into shape by shipping a rebuilt, new or wholesale transmission to replace your failed machinery. Find out more by calling us at 608-742-5136 or going online.
- Published in Transmission
