Among the many complex systems in your car is the transmission. It’s a modern wonder that manages the power transfer from the engine to the wheels. But, as with most car components, nothing lasts forever. Transmission problems are an unpleasant part of vehicle ownership.
What’s even more challenging is choosing a reputable transmission repair shop. Today’s transmissions are complicated devices that not every mechanic can work on. You want a transmission specialist. So, whether your car has gear troubles now or you want to be prepared for a check engine light in the future, we’ll highlight how to find the best place to get the work done.
Qualities of a Good Transmission Repair Shop
The most important part of transmission repair is finding a qualified place to perform the work. Here’s what to look for.
Experience and Expertise
There’s no substitute for experience when it comes to transmission repairs. A shop and its technicians should be well-versed in diagnosing problems and working on various types of transmissions. This transmission expert background is invaluable in ensuring the issue with your car can be solved quickly and professionally.
Quality Parts
A quality repair is only as good as the parts that are used. You’ll want to determine if the shop uses new components from the automaker or another supplier or rebuilt or used parts. Keep in mind that the quality of the parts will affect repair costs and that sometimes there is no other choice but to use a transmission rebuild. For instance, brand-new transmissions simply aren’t available for certain cars.
Positive Reviews and Reputation
A top-notch transmission repair shop will have a solid reputation in the community. Looking at Google Reviews and Yelp are good places to start but don’t hesitate to dig deeper. Search for customer testimonials and ask family, friends, and co-workers about their experiences and recommendations. Don’t be thrown off by a transmission shop that doesn’t have a pretty building or a fancy waiting area. Sometimes, the best repairs come from businesses focusing more on quality work than appearances.
Good Customer Service
Customers are what keep services businesses alive. The transmission repair shop you select should be aware of this and be respectful and responsive. That means answering your questions and acting like your patronage is essential. In addition, this approach should be part of the repair process, which includes keeping customers informed while their transmissions get worked on. Shops that act like customers are an afterthought are best avoided.
Upfront Pricing and Warranties
A reputable transmission repair shop will be transparent about pricing. You should be able to easily learn about hourly rates (many states require this information to be posted), minimum charges, estimate contracts, and other fees. At the same time, a good service center will stand behind its work with a warranty that covers labor and components.
Tips for Choosing a Reputable Transmission Repair Shop or Mechanic
With a better idea of what’s involved with a quality transmission repair shop, let’s focus on locating the best one to meet your needs. Here are some tips to help with the search.
Research and Compare Multiple Shops
Start your transmission repair shop quest by going online. A basic “transmission repair near me” Google search will get you started, but use alternate search options like Bing or DuckDuckGo if you’re unhappy with the results. Looking at reviews will help separate the good from the bad (or mediocre), but you’ll then want to look closer at each of the businesses on your “maybe” list.
Ideally, these transmission repair shops have an informative and professional website, but don’t ignore a shop without a robust online presence. Sometimes, the best technicians aren’t so good at promoting their businesses.
If you’re considering a dealership, find out if the vehicle’s transmission repairs are handled in-house (good) or farmed out to an independent shop (not so good).
Check for Certifications and Qualifications
A strong indicator of auto repair skills and professionalism is a mechanic that’s ASE Certified. These certifications are issued by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) to individual technicians who must pass rigorous testing. There are 57 certification areas, including separate manual and automatic transmission qualifications.
Look for shops and mechanics proudly displaying their ASE certifications and inquire if these credentials are for transmission repairs. ASE requires that certifications get renewed every five years, so find out if the person working on your vehicle is up-to-date.
Visit the Shop in Person
Online searches and phone calls only go so far. So, once you have a shortlist of transmission repair shops, drop by to see how each company responds to your visit. You’re potentially bringing in hundreds if not thousands of dollars of business, so staff should be welcoming and responsive. This is when to ask your questions (which we cover below). A high-quality shop doesn’t have to be operating room clean but should be well-organized and accommodating.
Compare Quotes
Ideally, you want multiple estimates for your car’s transmission repair. Although, sometimes the situation may not make this possible (like if the vehicle has already broken down). But, if the option is available, get pricing from your choice shops.
Some companies may provide a preliminary repair price that’s subject to change after a closer look. Some shops may only supply an estimate after you agree to pay a diagnostic fee that includes a more detailed transmission inspection. State law may also dictate a requirement for a written estimate and price caps that require additional customer approvals.
Don’t rush to accept the cheapest offer. Sometimes you’ll need to pay extra for experience and quality work.
Use Endurance Coverage and the RepairPal Network to Find an ASE Certified Mechanic
It’s easy to find an ASE Certified mechanic if you have an Endurance auto protection plan. Endurance partners with RepairPal to locate service specialists with excellent reputations, proven customer service skills, and warrantied work.
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Transmission Repair Shop
Selecting a qualified transmission repair shop should include asking several targeted questions.
| Question | Reason |
| How long has the shop been in business? | Helps identify a company that has the right balance of experience and familiarity with the latest repair technologies. |
| What is the experience level of the technicians? | Determines if the mechanic working on your car is qualified to perform the repairs. |
| What is the diagnostic process for transmission problems? | Explains to a car owner how the shop pinpoints what the issues are. Determines if the best transmission repair involves new parts or a transmission replacement. |
| Does the shop specialize in any particular transmissions? | Transmissions are highly complex systems, so it’s best to have repairs done by someone familiar with the specific intricacies. For instance, if the car has a manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). |
| What type of warranty is offered on repairs? | Details customer protections in the event of post-repair problems. |
| What is the estimated cost and timeframe for repairs? | Explains how much repairs will cost and how long it will take. |
| How is communication handled throughout the repair process? | Explains how customers are informed of repair work status. |
| What is the quality level used for replacement parts? | Identifies if the shop uses genuine original parts, aftermarket components, or a combination. |
Red Flags to Watch Out for When Choosing a Transmission Repair Shop
While most transmission repair shops are reputable and trustworthy, especially if you work with the RepairPal network, there can be a business that isn’t the best choice. Look for warning signs of shops to avoid.
- Poor reviews: No company is perfect, but a quality transmission repair shop should have many positive reviews. Find another repair option if a shop’s feedback isn’t mostly glowing.
- Lacking customer service: Customers are the lifeblood of any business, so comments about unfriendly staff or poor communication should be considered.
- Vague pricing: Stay away from auto repair shops that don’t provide written estimates and clear, up-front pricing.
- Pushy sales tactics: Be aware of a business that employs high-pressure sales tactics and advocates for unnecessary repairs.
Endurance: Protecting Transmissions and More
Finding the right transmission service shop solves half of your car troubles; figuring out how to pay for the work is another matter. That’s when an Endurance extended warranty (sometimes called a vehicle service contract) can make all the difference.
Endurance offers many options that protect against breakdowns and surprise repair bills. These plans range from powertrain coverage (like for the engine and transmission) to programs similar to a new car warranty.
Every Endurance auto protection plan includes 24/7 roadside assistance, rental car reimbursem*nt, trip-interruption protection, flexible payment options, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. And when you need repairs, choose from any ASE Certified mechanic.
Pay a small enrollment fee to activate one year of Elite Benefits worth up to $2,000. These extras include tire repair and replacement services, collision repair discounts, key fob replacement, and more.
Discover all the advantages of an Endurance protection plan by requesting a free quote at (800) 253-8203 or shopping online.
Be sure to check out the Endurance blog for expert advice on car care, DIY maintenance, vehicle reviews, and more.
