Manchester Transmissions is a member of ATRA which is the Automatic Transmission
Rebuilders Association which is the world’s largest trade organization of transmission
rebuilders, transmission specialists and transmission part suppliers.
Learn about your car and your transmission before you spend money on a transmission
repair or auto service. Here are several articles reprinted which were originally provided by ATRA:
What is a Transmission?
Originally published by ATRA
(Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association)
Your car's transmission is the most complicated and least understood major component
in your car or truck. In today’s cars, the transmission is a combination of
sophisticated hydraulics and computer-controlled electronic components.

No one component in your car has more going on inside than your automatic transmission.
The transmission is a mechanical component designed to transmit power from a vehicle’s
engine to the drive axle, which makes the wheels drive the vehicle.
By varying the gear ratio, the transmission alters the levels of power and speed
to the wheels. For example, in low ranges, the transmission provides more power
and less speed; in high ranges, just the opposite is true. This reduces the load
on the engine, while increasing the vehicle’s speed and fuel economy.
Some vehicles use a clutch to connect and disconnect the transmission to the engine,
controlled through a foot pedal next to the brake pedal. These vehicles have a manual
transmission. If your car doesn’t have a clutch pedal, it has an automatic
transmission.

If you have to press a clutch pedal and shift the transmission manually, your
car has a manual transmission.
Automatic transmissions depend on a special fluid — called ATF — to
cool and lubricate the moving parts inside. But the fluid does more than that: In
fact, it’s no exaggeration to say that the fluid actually drives the vehicle.
So there’s little doubt that the fluid is very important to the transmission’s
operation. This is why it’s important to check the transmission fluid level
and condition regularly (check your owner's manual) and to have your transmission
serviced at least every couple years.
Later model front wheel drive cars also incorporate another major component into
the body of the transmission itself: the differential or final drive. These types
of transmissions are known as transaxles.

Many cars today have the final drive incorporated in the transmission, to create
a transaxle.
Front wheel drive configuration improves fuel economy and handling, and reduces
manufacturing costs. But because of the additional components in the transaxle,
it’s generally more expensive to repair than a transmission when it fails.
Extending Transmission Life by Reducing Heat
Originally published by ATRA
(Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association)
Today’s automatic transmissions generate a lot of heat as you drive. That heat is
a normal byproduct of transmission operation. Heat is also one of the most common
causes for transmission failure. That’s why automotive engineers put so much effort
into reducing or eliminating that heat.
Here are a few things you can do to help reduce heat and extent the life of your
transmission:
1. Avoid Hard Accelerations — Hard accelerations create a
lot of friction and heat in the transmission. Take it easy on the gas pedal: You’ll
save gas, and your transmission will live longer.
2. Service the Cooling System — Your car’s radiator also cools
the transmission. And heat will start to damage the transmission long before the
engine appears to overheat. So a regular cooling system service can help your transmission
run cooler… and last longer.
Get More Miles out of Your Car's Transmissions
Originally published by ATRA
(Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association)
Maybe you just spent a lot of money for a new transmission. Or maybe someone else
you know did. Whatever the reason, you’d like to avoid major transmission
repairs in the future.
Makes sense. And there are a number of things you can do to keep your car’s
transmission working properly for years to come. Some involve maintenance; others
involve changing your driving habits.
1. Check the Transmission Fluid Regularly — Few things will reduce transmission
operation and longevity more than low or damaged fluid. If your car has a transmission
dipstick, you should check the transmission fluid level and condition at least once
a month.

One way to keep your transmission in good working order is to check the fluid
regularly.
2. Have the Transmission Serviced Regularly — Regular fluid and filter
changes can add years onto your transmission’s life. In fact, it’s probably
the most cost effective maintenance procedure available.
3. Add an External Filter in the Cooler Line — While the filter inside
the transmission usually does a good job of removing dirt and particles from the
fluid, an extra filter in the cooler line is a great way to make sure of removing
all the abrasive particles that can damage your car’s transmission.
4. Check the Air Pressure in Your Tires — Believe it or not, low tire
pressure can rob you of miles from your gas tank, your tires, and the rest of your
car… especially the transmission. The extra load caused by low tire pressure
can seriously shorten your transmission’s life. Check the tire pressures at
least once a month, and keep them filled to the factory recommendation.

Believe it or not, very few things can have a greater effect on your car’s
efficiency and longevity than simply keeping the tires filled properly.
The most common cause of automatic transmission failure is heat. You can get more
miles out of your transmission by reducing the heat that builds up during normal
operation. Here are a few things you can do to help reduce heat, and keep your transmission
working longer:
1. Avoid Jackrabbit Starts — Hard acceleration creates a lot of friction
and heat in the transmission. Take it easy on the gas, and your transmission will
live longer.
2. Help the Shift — Most of the friction and wear in the transmission
takes place during the shifts. Get to know when your transmission shifts normally.
Then, just before the shift, back off on the gas just a bit. That’ll reduce
the load on the clutches, and eliminate much of the friction during the shift.
3. Keep the Cooling System in Good Shape — Your car’s radiator
also provides cooling for your transmission. And heat damage will take place in
the transmission long before the engine appears to overheat. So regular cooling
system service can help your transmission run cooler… and last longer.
How driving Conditions and Habits affect Your Automatic Transmission
Originally published by ATRA
(Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association)
If you were in the market for a used car, this ad might sound pretty good. But it
may not be as good a deal as it first appears.
Vehicles driven occasionally or for short distances are often subjected to unusual
wear and strain. For example, cars that are consistently driven short distances
never have the opportunity for the engine to warm up to normal operating temperature.
This can cause excessive engine wear.

Believe it or not, the classic “little old lady” is probably causing
a lot more wear to her car than you’d think.
Low mileage transmissions subjected to city or stop-and-go miles usually experience
far more wear than transmissions with the same number of highway miles. The mileage
doesn’t create as much wear as the number of times the transmission shifts
up and down through its gear ranges.
Many other seemingly normal driving conditions can affect transmission life, such
as extreme temperatures, mountainous terrain, snowy or icy roadways, and dirty air
quality. Under normal driving conditions, vehicle manufacturers recommend servicing
your transmission as seldom as every 100,000 miles. But what constitutes normal
driving conditions?
Normal Driving Conditions Aren’t So Normal…
If you check through the owner's manuals of the various auto manufacturers,
they’ll usually include most of these conditions as part of their description of
normal driving conditions:
- About 12,000 – 15,000 miles per year.
- Engine and transmission operating at normal operating temperature most of the time.
- A mix of about 1/3 city driving, 2/3 highway.
- Outside temperature usually moderate; not too hot or too cold.
- Road surfaces dry and clear.
- Relatively straight and level roadways; occasional, moderate hills or valleys.
- Air quality moderate and clean.
- No excessive speeds, jackrabbit starts, or hard braking.
- Light to moderate loads; one or two passengers, with very little weight added to
the trunk or cargo space.
- Tire pressures set properly and all fluids at correct levels and condition.
As you can see, very few cars actually operate under normal driving conditions…
which makes the term normal something of a misnomer. And variations in either
direction tend to increase wear and damage to the vehicle.
If you operate your vehicle under more extreme conditions — as most people
do — you’ll want to reduce the time and mileage between maintenance
services. Having your transmission serviced once a year, or at very least every
other year, seems to be the consensus among transmission repair professionals.
Winter Hazards and Your Transmission
Originally published by ATRA
(Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association)
Winter conditions vary geographically, but there are a few conditions that are common
to most of the US and Canada during the winter months. How you deal with those conditions
can have a dramatic effect on your transmission.
Cold Temperatures — For a good part of the Northern Hemisphere, winter
means cold weather. As temperatures drop, fluids thicken, reducing their ability
to lubricate. In most of the US, you can deal with this simply by driving slowly
for the first few miles, until your engine and transmission reach normal operating
temperature.
Avoid letting your car idle for extended periods. Sure, the passenger compartment
will be nice and toasty by the time you get ready to go, but meanwhile your engine
will be running rich, creating additional pollution, damaging your catalytic converter,
and using expensive fuel to go nowhere.
And, for many transmissions, you may be damaging the internal components as the
engine idles. That’s because some transmissions don’t create lube flow
with the shifter in park. Oil doesn’t start flowing through the cooler and
lube circuits until you put the shifter into drive. So internal transmission components
are spinning — ice cold — with no lube flow. Not good.
If the temperature tends to get really cold in your area, invest in an engine heater
that plugs into a wall outlet and warms the engine before you come out in the morning.
A timer will allow you to start the engine warming a few hours before you’re
ready to leave, saving you money, and your car wear.
Snow and Ice — For much of the country, driving on snow and ice is
part of a normal winter. But there are specific hazards to your transmission on
those roadways.
One that you may not be familiar with is what can happen if you get stuck. Too often,
drivers spin their wheels, in the hopes of freeing themselves from a snow drift
or icy patch. This can cause major damage to the transmission; here’s how:
Today’s cars use a computer to control transmission operation. When you spin
the wheels, the computer sees the vehicle speed rising; in many cases it has no
way of knowing that you aren’t really moving.
When the speedometer registers 40-or-so MPH, the computer sees the speed, and identifies
driving conditions as being right to engage the converter clutch. Now the engine
is locked directly to the drive wheels. If the wheels regain traction, their speed
will drop suddenly. The result can be catastrophic to the transmission.
The best way to get out of a drift or icy patch is to rock the car back and forth…
forward and reverse… until you can get moving again. Or, better yet, get
someone to push or pull you out of the snow. Avoid spinning the wheels, or you could
end up damaging the transmission.
Water in the Transmission — No major component of your car can survive
indefinitely with water in its internal components. But no other component can be
damaged as quickly as your transmission can by water.
Even a small amount of water in an automatic transmission almost always results
in serious failure and major repair bills. The reason is the band and clutch linings
are hygroscopic; that is, they absorb water, even if they have to push transmission
fluid out of the linings to do it.
This water quickly finds its way down to the metal backings, causing them to rust
and lift the linings off of the clutches and bands. The result is metal-to-metal
contact, which always means serious damage to the transmission.
To avoid this type of trouble, steer clear of deep puddles. Should you find your
car submerged, don’t start the engine. Your only chance of avoiding
a big repair bill is to have your car towed into a transmission shop and have all
the oil drained out immediately.
If you're lucky, draining and servicing the transmission may be all that’s
necessary to save it. If not, your auto insurance may cover part or all of the damage.
So whether it’s snow and ice, water, or just plain cold out, winter delivers
a whole new set of conditions just waiting to damage your transmission. Whether
it succeeds or not depends on how you deal with those conditions.
How Do I Know If I Need A New Transmission?
Originally published by ATRA
(Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association)
Your transmission suddenly isn’t shifting right. So what’s wrong with it? Do you
need your transmission rebuilt? Good question. Unfortunately, the answer is: No
one knows. At least, not yet.
To find out what’s causing your transmission problem, a technician is going to have
to perform a series of tests. Basically, these tests are designed to answer the
simple question: “Is it inside or outside?” That is, is the problem inside the transmission,
or in one of the many control systems that operates the transmission?
That’s because there’s a lot more to transmission operation than the transmission
itself. Nearly every transmission on the road today is controlled by a computer
system. That system is integrated into the rest of the vehicle. So a problem in
the engine — or for that matter, even the brakes — could have a dramatic effect
on transmission operation.
In fact, today’s transmissions are so integrated with the rest of the vehicle that
many technicians with years of auto repair experience can have a difficult time
determining whether a problem is inside the transmission or not. Until a properly
trained and experienced transmission technician examines the vehicle and performs
the necessary tests, there’s no way anyone can tell you for sure what’s wrong with
your car’s transmission.
Once those tests are performed, a qualified technician should be able to tell you
precisely whether you’re dealing with a transmission problem or not. And he (or
she) will be able to let you know what it’ll take to fix your car and put it back
into proper running condition.
The really great news is that the vast majority of customers who bring their cars
in with transmission problems don’t actually need their transmissions rebuilt. In
most cases the problem turns out to be external, which usually costs far less than
a transmission rebuild.
But the only way you can be sure you’re only paying for the work you need is by
bringing your car to a qualified transmission repair shop, such as Manchester Transmissions.
Some Engine Problems Can Seem Like Transmission Problems
Originally published by ATRA
(Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association)
You’re driving down the road, when all of a sudden a light on the dash starts flashing.
And now the car barely accelerates; the transmission seems to be starting in high
gear and it won’t shift. Oh, no! You’re going to need a new transmission!
No, probably not. Those conditions usually indicate a computer system problem, not
a transmission failure.
The fact is, nearly every system in today’s cars is controlled by computer, and
most of those computers are networked together, sharing information as you drive.
That level of control makes for really efficient operation and performance.
But it also creates a problem: That integration between the control systems means
that a problem in one system can affect every other system around the car.
What does that mean to you? It means that your “transmission” problem could actually
be caused by a faulty brake light switch, a loose wire on an engine load sensor,
a faulty vehicle speed sensor, or dozens of other sensors or switches that might
not seem to have anything to do with the transmission at first glance.
How do you know whether you’re dealing with a transmission problem or a problem
in one of the many related systems? You can’t. Without special equipment, education,
and experience, no one can.
That’s why, when you notice a problem with your transmission’s operation, your best
bet is to take your car to Manchester Transmissions. Our technicians are
equipped, educated, and experienced in diagnosing today’s vehicle control systems,
and will be able to pinpoint the root cause of your car’s problem.
And whether the problem is in the transmission itself or one of the many control
systems around the car, they’ll be able to provide you with quality, dependable
repairs at a fair price.
You’re driving down the road, when all of a sudden a light on the dash starts flashing.
And now the car barely accelerates; the transmission seems to be starting in high
gear and it won’t shift. Oh, no! You’re going to need a new transmission!
No, probably not. Those conditions usually indicate a computer system problem, not
a transmission failure.
The fact is, nearly every system in today’s cars is controlled by computer, and
most of those computers are networked together, sharing information as you drive.
That level of control makes for really efficient operation and performance.
But it also creates a problem: That integration between the control systems means
that a problem in one system can affect every other system around the car.
What does that mean to you? It means that your “transmission” problem could actually
be caused by a faulty brake light switch, a loose wire on an engine load sensor,
a faulty vehicle speed sensor, or dozens of other sensors or switches that might
not seem to have anything to do with the transmission at first glance.
How do you know whether you’re dealing with a transmission problem or a problem
in one of the many related systems? You can’t. Without special equipment, education,
and experience, no one can.
That’s why, when you notice a problem with your transmission’s operation, your best
bet is to take your car to Manchester Transmissions. Our technicians are
equipped, educated, and experienced in diagnosing today’s vehicle control systems,
and will be able to pinpoint the root cause of your car’s problem.
And whether the problem is in the transmission itself or one of the many control
systems around the car, they’ll be able to provide you with quality, dependable
repairs at a fair price.
Transmission Diagnosis: What’s Wrong with My Transmission?
Originally published by ATRA
(Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association)
Today’s Automatic Transmissions use a variety of sensors on the engine and throughout
the car, along with a computer system that control its functions. Most computer-controlled
transmissions use a TCM (Transmission Control Module) however; some systems use
a single computer for both the engine and transmission control. These are commonly
referred to as an ECM (electronic Control Module).
It’s common today to have over a dozen separate control modules communicating
through a network; all sharing information about the operation of the car. Because
of this sophistication, there are a lot of sensors and control modules that play
a role in transmission operation.

This means problems with your suspension, lighting
system, or even something as innocuous as a malfunction in your radio can cause
a problem with your transmission.
That’s why it’s important to have these systems
check by a trained transmission technician anytime you think you might have a transmission
problem. Many times it turns out not to be a transmission problem at all but something
else in another system; something far less expensive than a rebuilt transmission.

Only a well trained, experienced transmission technician can be sure you actually
have a transmission problem.
So, you have a transmission that’s not shifting right? Make sure you check with
Manchester Transmissions first. We’ll be happy to check your car’s computer systems
and find out why.
Transmission Problems Caused by Battery Terminal Corrosion
Originally published by ATRA
(Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association)
Every so often you notice it: The transmission shifts a little late, or maybe it
seems to miss a gear entirely. Then it’s okay again… for a little while. Worst of
all, there’s no rhyme or reason behind the condition. One minute it’s fine, the
next it’s not.
So you pop the hood to check the transmission fluid level. Then you notice it: A
big mountain of corrosion on the battery terminals. You’ll have to take care of
that, but it can’t have anything to do with the transmission, right?
Wrong. In fact, there’s a good chance you just found your transmission problem.
That’s because nearly every shift on today’s transmissions is operated electrically
through a computer system. And that computer system gets its power from — you guessed
it! — the battery.

Battery terminals like this can cause a wide range of transmission malfunctions.
Even if your engine starts and runs fine you may have a low voltage problem that
can affect your transmission's operation.
So an intermittent voltage drop from the battery can cause all sorts of interesting
problems with transmission operation.
But wait; if the battery connections are bad, why does the engine start okay when
you turn the key? Starting the engine should require a lot more current than the
transmission, right?
That’s an interesting thing about electricity. Sometimes bad connections make contact
okay when you apply a big load to the circuit; the extra current seems to push its
way through the resistance, just like extra pressure might push through a kink in
a garden hose. But the small amount of current required for the transmission solenoids
isn’t enough to push through, so the transmission won’t operate properly.
The good news is the fix for this is easy… and relatively cheap. A good battery
service, including cleaning the terminal ends, will usually be all that’s necessary
to correct the problem permanently. If the connections are too bad, you may need
to have the terminals or cables replaced. But either way, once it’s done, you’re
back in business.
Don’t Try This at Home! Cleaning the battery terminals is easy; you can do it yourself,
right?
Careful, now. You could be opening a can of worms.
First off, those computer systems have memories. Disconnecting the battery could
wipe those memories, causing you all sorts of driveability problems while the systems
relearn their behaviors.
And on some cars, the radio could have a theft deterrent system. Disconnecting the
battery could disable the radio until you enter the theft code. If you don’t know
the code, the radio will have to go back to the manufacturer to be reset. That’s
why most shops use a memory saver when disconnecting the battery. The memory saver
applies a low voltage to the system to keep the memories alive while you have the
battery disconnected. If you aren’t equipped to save the memories, your best bet
is to leave servicing the battery to the professionals.
Rebuild Or reman? The difference Is The Shop!
Originally published by ATRA
(Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association)
Many general repair shops are getting into the transmission repair business by offering
to install “reman” transmissions.
What is a reman? A reman is a transmission that’s been remanufactured in a factory
setting, and shipped to the repair shop to be installed as a complete unit.
Is it okay to buy a reman? That’s a pretty broad question. The answer depends on
the quality of the reman itself. Some are very high quality; others less so.
More important than the reman itself, however, is the shop or technician performing
the diagnosis. Remember: Many cars with transmission problems don’t actually need
a new transmission. And, if your car doesn’t need a new transmission, you shouldn’t pay
for one.
But if the technician performing the diagnosis doesn’t have the skill or experience
with your car’s transmission, you might easily find yourself paying for a new transmission…
whether you need one or not.
If the reman transmission still doesn’t work, the reman companies have technicians
on staff to help the shop work through the actual problem. So your car will probably
shift just fine when you get it back. The only question then is:
Was the problem you had really in the transmission? Or did you pay for a
transmission you didn’t really need?

Only a qualified, professional transmission technician can diagnose your car reliably,
and tell you for certain whether you actually need a rebuilt transmission,
or whether a much less expensive repair will take care of the problem.
Manchester Transmissions is staffed with these technicians. Give us
a call; we’ll be happy to check your car, and make sure you never pay
for work you don’t need.
ATF Fluid: What Type Is Right For My Car?
Originally published by ATRA
(Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association)
Automatic transmissions use a special type of oil, called Automatic Transmission
Fluid, or ATF. This fluid has a number of duties in the transmission, including
lubrication, cooling, and clutch application.
ATF even provides the connection between the engine and transmission, through a
hydraulic coupling called a torque converter. And, when squeezed between the clutches,
ATF acts as a “glue,” providing additional friction and holding capacity to drive
the vehicle.
So ATF is a very versatile fluid. That’s why maintaining that fluid can be so critical
to transmission life.
Several years ago there were only two types of fluid on the market: Type A and Type
F. Conventional wisdom said that Type F was for Fords and Type A was for everything
else. Conventional wisdom wasn’t all that accurate even back then, and today it’s
completely out the window.
Today there are literally dozens of different fluid types, each with a specific
set of friction modifiers to meet the requirements of the hundreds of different
transmissions on the market.

There are many different types of transmission fluid on the market, and using
the wrong type can affect your transmission’s performance and longevity.
And that includes the newer Continuously Variable Transmissions, or CVTs. These
units place additional demands on the transmission fluid, and require a special
fluid that meets their unique requirements.
Using the wrong fluid in today’s transmissions will affect transmission performance
in the short run. And it can cause the transmission to fail by providing inadequate
lubrication and friction modification. So it’s very important to make sure you’re
using the fluid your transmission is designed for.
How can you tell which transmission fluid is right for your car? Check the owner’s
manual or transmission dipstick. They should both provide a detailed specification
for the fluid type required.
And always use a quality fluid; avoid the no-name brands. They might save you a
few cents — or even a few bucks — for a quart. But many of those nameless fluids
can provide incomplete additive packages, regardless of the rating on the bottle.
In some cases your only choice will be to use a factory fluid, available from your
dealer. They’ll usually be expensive, but worth the extra cost in the long run.
If you have other questions about the fluid requirements for your car’s transmission,
Manchester Transmissions will be happy to answer them for you. Stop in and ask
for their recommendation; they’ll be happy to check your car’s fluid level and help
you top it off.
How Do I Check My Transmission Fluid Level?
Originally published by ATRA
(Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association)
It’s no exaggeration to say that automatic transmissions run on oil, more properly
called Automatic Transmission Fluid, or ATF.
Because of its dependence on ATF, low fluid level can have a disastrous effect on
transmission operation — and even transmission life. That’s why it’s so important
to keep an eye on the transmission fluid level.
Unfortunately, in recent years, many manufacturers have started to eliminate the
transmission fluid dipstick. Called sealed units, these
transmissions require a much more involved process to check fluid levels than in
days gone by. The process often involves electronic testing devices, such as a computer
scan tool. This puts checking the transmission fluid level beyond the capabilities
of the average car owner.
If your car doesn’t have a dipstick, you should have your local transmission shop
or dealership check the transmission fluid level at least a couple times a year,
even if you don’t notice a problem with transmission operation. A good time to do
this is while you’re having the engine oil changed, in the spring and fall.
But if your car has a transmission dipstick, you should check the transmission fluid
level at least once a month. Your car’s owners manual should provide a detailed
procedure for checking the transmission fluid level in your car.
If you don’t have an owners manual, here’s a basic procedure that’ll work on just
about any car with a transmission dipstick.
WARNING: Checking the transmission fluid level
requires working under the hood of your car with the engine running. This can be
very dangerous if you aren’t careful. Watch out for moving components, such as fans,
fan belts, pulleys, etc. If you aren’t comfortable with this procedure, always take
your car to your local service station to have the transmission fluid checked.
- Make sure your car is on level ground.

- Start the engine.

- Bring the engine and transmission to normal operating temperature. The easiest way
to do this is to check the fluid level right after driving the car for a while.

- Hold your foot on the brake, and work the shifter slowly through the gears. Give
the transmission a second or two in each gear range.


- Put the shifter all the way back into park.

- Set the parking brake.

- Carefully open the hood.

- Find the transmission dipstick (your owners manual should show you where to look
for the transmission dipstick):
• Rear wheel drive vehicles —
the dipstick will usually be on the passenger’s side of the engine compartment,
near the back of the engine.

• Front wheel drive vehicles —
the dipstick will usually be on the driver’s side of the vehicle, on either side
of the transmission.

- Remove the dipstick, and wipe it off with a clean rag or paper towel.

- Slide the dipstick all the way back down into the transmission fill tube.

- Pull the dipstick back out, and check the fluid level against the markings on the
end of the dipstick.

- Add fluid as necessary.

Always use the fluid recommended by the manufacturer. See the consumer information
on fluid types to be sure you’re using the right fluid for your car.
If the transmission requires more than a quart, or is using fluid regularly, take
your car in to have it checked for leaks.
And if you’re unsure of the procedure or where to find the transmission dipstick,
check with Manchester Transmissions: we’ll be happy to show you where the dipstick
is, and how to check the fluid level.
Transmission Service: Is Every Shop The Same?
Originally published by ATRA
(Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association)
If you look through any newspaper, you’ve probably seen ads from your local quick
lube center or convenience store offering transmission fluid exchange services.
And in many cases, these stores offer to service your transmission for much less
than a transmission repair shop will.
So is there any reason you should take your car to a transmission shop for service?
Yes, there is. In fact, there are a few.
Probably the most important reason to take your car to a transmission shop for service
is because a service is supposed to be more than simply draining the oil. Service
time is when little problems are supposed be found and fixed… before they become
big problems. An experienced transmission technician knows how to identify problems
that show up during a road test or appear in the pan. And he’ll be able to make
the recommendations necessary to keep those problems in check.
A lube technician may be able to change oil, but chances are he won’t be able to
identify and take care of those little problems.
Another consideration is whether the shop is aware of the technical nuances that
can make or break your transmission. Are they using the right fluid? And what about
the filter? Many of them look similar, but using the wrong one can destroy your
transmission.

Look identical, don’t they? But using the wrong one in your transmission could
destroy it in just a few miles.
Even something that should be as simple as installing the filter often requires
more knowledge than many lube techs bring to the shop. There are hundreds — even
thousands — of instances of transmission damage being caused by an improperly installed
filter. And afterward, it’ll be up to you to prove what caused your transmission
to fail.
Is that risk really worth saving a few dollars on the service? The transmission
specialists at Manchester Transmissions are well versed in the differences between
todays transmissions. We know which fluids to use and how to install the right
filter… the right way. All of which translates into more miles out of your car’s
transmission. And isn’t that why you wanted it serviced in the first place?