When it comes to automatic transmission fluid maintenance the market is saturated with competition from lube shops, automotive shops, transmission shops and dealerships. No matter where you look someone is offering some type of transmission fluid change, fluid flush or oil change special. Many non transmission shops offer cheap automatic transmission fluid changes and fluid flushes. Often times much cheaper then most professional transmission repair shops.
Is there really a difference between a lube shop and a transmission repair shop? Yes there several difference such as most lube mechanics are not trained or experienced in transmissions. Most lube mechanics only know how to drain and fill oil. But chances are he won’t be able to identify and take care of any transmission problems. A benefit of having a transmission fluid change or fluid flush is to check the overall operation of the transmission. Having a transmission fluid change or transmission flush is a perfect time to check for transmission oil leaks and adjustments needed. By checking for transmission leaks and adjustments can prevent costly transmission repairs down the road. By taking your car or truck to a professional transmission shop with experienced transmission mechanics is key. An experienced transmission mechanic knows how to identify and fix transmission problems before they get worse. A professional transmission repair shop offering transmission maintenance services often road test the vehicle and perform an under the vehicle inspection.
Beware of cheap transmission fluid services! There a few shops that advertise $8.99 transmission fluid change service. Really $8.99 sounds like a great price, but consideration the fact the new O.E.M. transmission fluid cost are constantly raising. The average cost of a low grade transmission fluid is $2.99 a quart. A basic transmission fluid drain and fill will require at least 5 to 6 quarts of new transmission fluid. So 6 quarts of new transmission fluid x $2.99 a quart = $17.64 cost not to mention labor. The average transmission fluid change service takes between 45 minutes to an hour to properly complete. The transmission industry standard of labor per hour is $75.00. So a basic transmission fluid change cost on average $17.64 in fluid and $75.00 for labor. The total equals $92.64. Yes many repair shops discount the labor involved to attract new customers. But how do you offer a transmission fluid change service for under $20.00. What type of transmission fluid is being used? Who is performing the service? What’s the catch? Why so cheap?
Today’s automatic transmissions require very specific fluid to operate properly and efficiently. Using the wrong transmission fluid could destroy your transmission it in just a few miles. Many drivers believe that a transmission fluid change is a simple and quick service like most oil changes. Often times changing the transmission fluid requires more knowledge and experience than most lube mechanics have. There are thousands cases nationwide where internal transmission damage occurred because of an improper transmission fluid change. Is a cheap transmission fluid change really worth saving a few dollars?
The transmission specialists at Sergeant Clutch Discount Transmission Repair Shop offer trained and experienced transmission mechanics. Our transmission mechanics know exactly which transmission fluids to use.
