Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I bring my car to have my transmission serviced?

 

A properly-maintained transmission could improve your gas mileage.

What are the signs that my transmission is bad? 

 

This question is not as easy to answer as one might think.  It depends on what your car is doing, it’s “symptoms,” your make and model and the kind of transmission you have.  Bring your car to us for complimentary evaluation.  We will look at your vehicle, complete a diagnostic check and then determine the issues and the cost to repair your car.

What is the cost of the repair? 

 

Your evaluation is free.  Repairs to your transmission can range in price from as low as $35 to thousands of dollars dependent upon your vehicle make and model and your transmission.

How long does the repair take? 

 

A lot of typical repairs can be fixed within the same day.  To be honest thought, major repairs can take between two and five days.  As we mentioned there a lot of parts and we need to be thorough to make sure your car is as safe and as reliable as we can make it.

Do you offer a warranty on your repairs? 

 

Of course!  If we rebuild your transmission, we guaranteed our workmanship and parts to be free of defects for 12,000 miles or 1 year (whichever comes first).  Minor repairs are guaranteed for 30 days.

Is there anyway for me to prevent transmission failure. 

 

Yes!  Service your car according to the owner’s manual for your vehicle.  We suggest changing your transmission filter and fluid every 30,000.  But if you drive mostly in the city (lots of stop and go and short distances), or tow or drive in extreme temperatures, we cut that number in half to 15,000.  Also, do not ignore your check engine light.

Should I just trade-in or sell my older car rather than repair it? 

 

Compare the costs of repairing vs. buying a new vehicle.  Ask yourself if the vehicle still runs well?  Will a dealership take in a car with a faulty transmission?  How will a new car affect your insurance?   

Why does transmission failure occur. 

 

Improper care of your car.  Follow the owner’s manual rules and our suggested guidelines.  Also, it is part of owning a vehicle.   

Is a used transmission safe?

 

A manual one can be.  Have your trusted transmission mechanic check it out before put it in.  We do not suggest buying a used automatic transmission.  Its flaws will not be seen until it is installed whereas on a manual one, those flaws can be seen before installation.  You may be charged for the installation time.  Why pay labor twice?  A used transmission could have water in it from sitting in a junkyard.  A little warn can mean big headaches. Used transmissions are generally warranted for 30 days. Any transmission we rebuild is warranted for 12 months or 12,000 miles. If your used transmission fails in two months, you just threw your money away. 

Isn’t it better to buy a new transmission from my dealer rather than repairing or rebuilding my own? 

 

It is our understanding that the vast majority of car dealers do not sell “new” transmissions, but instead sell you ones that have been rebuilt by the manufacturer.  They could be putting back in inferior parts.  At Goodeal, we use the best parts and are able to purchase aftermarket parts that were manufactured to improve design issues present in the original design.  We want to make your transmission better than it was when you first bought your car.  Plus we don’t have the expensive and extensive overhead costs that a lot of dealerships have allowing us to keep our costs competitive.

So my vehicles has a small leak.  Can’t I just use a “stop leak” product?

 

NO!  Please no.  It can cause more trouble than it is worth. It could ruin your seal.  Plus some automatic transmissions have seals that can be damaged by the product.  See a specialist before using a stop leak additive.  You may go from a repair to a rebuild by using this additive.  Be cautious.

Why are transmissions so expensive to repair and/or replace?

 

Transmission failure is only second to engine failure when it comes to expensive car repairs.  It can take up to nearly 20 hours to rebuild a transmission.  Transmission mechanics have to be very skilled and know how this complex piece of equipment operates.  There are hydraulic components, mechanical components and electronic components not to mention hundreds of parts.  This contributes to the cost.