Your car’s transmission is the most important part of the vehicle’s drive train and also commonly overlooked in terms of maintenance. Cottman of Beaverton owner Mitch Vicino says maintenance and inspection are key when it comes to a smooth-running and long-lasting transmission.
Vicino says a quality Beaverton transmission repair shop will perform an inspection at no extra cost. His shop offers a free Transcheck 21 Plus Inspection. It starts with an external inspection by a transmission specialist checking for leaks and making sure the case and gaskets are in good condition. If necessary, the inspection will also include a computer diagnostic and a specialist dropping the pan to check for signs of damage inside the transmission.
Vicino recommends having your transmission serviced at a Beaverton transmission repair shop every year or two, depending on manufacturer’s recommendation and your own driving habits. During a transmission service, old fluid will be flushed out of the system and replaced with new transmission fluid. A technician will also change the filter, replace the gasket and perform a transmission inspection.
Changing the fluid is necessary because petroleum-based transmission fluid is heat sensitive and breaks down over time. After a while, the fluid loses its ability to properly cool and lubricate the gears. Changing the fluid, Vicino says, is not a do-at-home job.
“There are a lot of things that could go wrong,” Vicino says. “If you add the wrong fluid or cause a leak it will lead to costly repairs.”
A qualified Beaverton transmission repair specialist will know what type of fluid your transmission needs as well as the proper quantity, type of filter and type of gasket.
With manual transmissions, fluid breaking down isn’t as much of a problem, but contamination will make the fluid less effective and cause gears to wear out, which could lead to much more expensive problems down the road. If you have a manual transmission, talk to your Beaverton transmission repair shop to learn more about what kind of services are recommended and how often.
Taking your vehicle to a Beaverton transmission repair shop is always a safe bet. When looking for the right shop, it’s important to consider the experience and reputation of the company you look into. A nationally recognized company with a history of quality service will typically hire experienced transmission specialists. Cottman of Beaverton is part of a nationally recognized chain of total automotive care shops that has been around since the 1960s.