San Diego Auto Repair

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Yearly Archives: 2017

Instructions to check transmission fluid

Like many of us, you may be in the habit of taking your car to a mechanic when anything goes wrong. They are the experts, after all. Still, it's always good to know how to perform a few simple maintenance measures, such as how to check your own transmission fluid which can help to extend the life of your engine. At TransMasters Transmissions and Auto Care, we encourage our customers to understand the basic steps involved in checking transmission fluid in order to head off potential transmission issues before they even start. First things first — before you do anything you need to think about safety. Make sure that your car is in park on a level surface and that the parking brake is fully engaged. Next, if you don't know already, pull out your car's manual to see exactly where the transmission fluid reservoir is located, and whether the manufacturer recommends that you keep the engine running or turn it off while you're performing this maintenance check. Once you've locate ... read more

Car stuck in reverse

A car's transmission is a complicated mechanical system that, essentially, makes it run. The transmission is attached to the car's engine, making the engine and wheels operate in sync with one another. In other words, it keeps the engine turning in time with the wheels no matter what gear you're in. The transmission has a lot of moving parts that interact with one another so it's subject to more wear and tear from friction and heat. If your car is getting stuck in reverse or you have problems changing gears, these are all indicators of transmission problems that need the attention of a repair shop that specializes in transmissions. Transmasters Transmissions and Auto Care, with two locations in the San Diego area, have been serving customers for over 25 years. Specializing in several types of transmission repair services, Transmasters has an in-house automatic transmission and manual transmission remanufacturing facility in addition to an in-house engine and drive train remanuf ... read more

Leaking transmission?

When you back your vehicle out of your driveway or garage and you notice a greasy, red spot on the pavement, it's more than likely transmission fluid from your car. Driving your vehicle with a transmission leak can end up leaving you stranded and walking to the nearest garage! If you've noticed that your car's transmission seems to be jumping in and out of gear, bucking or slipping while driving, these are other symptoms of a serious transmission problem. The best way to determine whether or not there is a problem with your transmission is to check the fluid level using the vehicle's dipstick. Fluid levels need to be checked while your car is idling and be aware that the operating ranges with respect to fluid levels are temperature-dependent. If the fluid level in your car is below that which is recommended, then it's best not to drive your car because you could do more damage to other parts of the transmission. If you live in the San Diego area, Transmasters Transmissions and ... read more

Fixing a car that won’t go in reverse

One of the more difficult and sometimes frightening problems you can experience is when your car is struck in drive and won't go in reverse. Generally, this is an indication that you're in need of transmission repair, but it doesn't necessarily mean you have to replace the whole thing. Sometimes there's a simple solution such as replacing the transmission fluid and a filter or fixing a bad connection where the transmission links to the engine. Other times, you may need to completely rebuild the part. One thing's for sure — unless you're an expert on car engines, you'll want to enlist the help of a qualified mechanic. The reliable staff at TransMasters Transmissions and Auto Car has been fixing transmission issues in the San Diego area for over 24 years. If your car won't back up and/or the tail lights aren't coming on, we can help. Our highly trained staff of mechanics have decades of experience diagnosing and fixing these problems, and we take pride in offering top quali ... read more

Do you really need to replace your automatic transmission?

The transmission of your car is a complicated piece of machinery; actually, it's a system that experiences a lot of wear and tear due to the fact that it has a lot of moving parts that need to interact with one another to make the transmission work. Heat and friction are generated due to the movements of the parts in your car's transmission, and this can cause transmission problems as your vehicle ages or if it is not properly maintained and serviced. The real downside of transmission problems is the cost of repair — it can be pretty expensive, depending on if you're talking about repairing or rebuilding and/or replacing it. So, the number one thing you need to remember is that scheduled maintenance of your car can really help to prevent transmission problems. Recognizing the symptoms and being able to diagnose a transmission problem means that you can get your car to a mechanic ASAP before the problem becomes really costly. Symptoms you should watch out for There ... read more

How do you choose the right auto shop to repair your transmission?

One of the trickier parts to a car engine is the transmission. If you're experiencing transmission problems, you'll need to find a shop where the mechanics have both training and experience in working on this particular area of the engine. TransMasters Transmissions and Auto Care includes an on-site, state-of-the-art transmission facility. We are experts in diagnosing transmissions as well as repairing and rebuilding them. Both of ourTransMasters locations are owned by ASE–Certified Master Technicians, and our team is made up of ASE–certified mechanics. Our number one commitment is customer satisfaction, which is why we strive to diagnose and repair the problem quickly. The sooner your car is back on the road running smoothly, the better. We offer the same services and expertise as the dealership without charging you dealership prices. Knowledge and experience really do matter In addition to being ASE–certified, our mechanics attend extensive training to b ... read more

How to Check Transmission Fluids

Knowing how to check the transmission fluid of your car can be very beneficial to extending the life of your engine and to heading off any potential problems with your car's transmission. Taking your car to a mechanic who is an expert when it comes to transmissions is the best option, but being able to check your car's transmission fluid on your own is probably the best maintenance that you can do for your transmission. The first thing to do at home is to read your owner's manual to see where your car's fluid reservoir is located. The vehicle's manufacturer will also recommend whether you should check the fluid level with the engine running or off. Park your car on a level surface and set the parking brake. The next step is to remove the dipstick from the top of the reservoir and make sure to check the fluid level on both sides of the stick. The dipstick has a line that indicates whether the fluid is full or not. Make sure that you repeat this process to ensure an accurate read ... read more

When you need automatic transmission replacement

One of the bigger issues a car can have over time is with the transmission. Automatic transmissions, particularly if you do a lot of city driving, take a lot of wear and tear. Depending on the age and overall condition of your car, however, replacing the transmission is far more economical than buying a new automobile. Before paying the pricey dealership cost for this repair, consider finding an independant shop like Transmasters with experienced mechanics on staff. We have an on-site transmission facility, capable of either rebuilding your current transmission or replacing it if necessary. You don't have to worry about being without your car for too long, because we keep our parts department fully stocked to accomodate all major makes and models of vehicles. You can trust that you're getting quality workmanship at a fair price from our transmission experts. Problem? Diagnosis is critical When choosing a transmission shop, it's important to make sure the technicians on staf ... read more

Which transmission fluid is right for your car?

Making sure that none of the fluids in your engine get too low or dirty is an important step to keeping it running smoothly and extending the life of your car. For things like windshield wiper fluid, there isn't much difference between one brand or another. However, when it comes to transmissions, there are many different types of transmission fluids, and it's very important that you use the correct one. A couple of important factors will go into this determination, including the specific make and model of your vehicle. Another piece of the puzzle is whether you need fluid for automatic transmissions or, if your car is a stick shift, manual transmission fluid. The best place to locate information on exactly what you need for your particular auto is in the owner's manual. Still scratching your head and asking yourself which transmission fluid should you use? Several ways to determine Beyond the type of transmission — standard vs. automatic transmission — which ty ... read more

What should you know about transmission fluid

Your car's transmission fluid is an oily liquid that primarily functions as a lubricant for the parts inside of the transmission. In cars with automatic transmissions, the fluid also does the job of a coolant, helps to transmit power from the engine to the car's transmission, cleans and protects metal surfaces, and conditions gaskets. Automatic transmissions use Automatic Transmission Fluid or ATF which is really a special type of oil. A variety of oils can be used with manual transmissions — regular motor oil, ATF, or even a heavyweight gear oil. Transmission fluid is very specialized, and the type that you use in your car depends upon its make and model and automatic vs. manual transmission. You need to consult your owner's manual regarding the type of transmission fluid that is recommended by the manufacturer. Because the transmission fluid plays so many vital roles in keeping your car in good running condition, it's important to check the level of transmission fluid a ... read more

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