How to avoid automatic transmission failure

One of the biggest reasons to have an auto pre purchase inspection is to avoid unexpected and costly repairs once the car is in your name. Apart from needing to replace the entire engine (you did have an auto pre purchase inspection didn’t you?), one of the most costly problems we encounter at Steve Sorensen Mechanical is an automatic transmission repair job.

Of course, depending on what’s wrong, it might not be too expensive, but transmission problems can set you back quite a bit of change, so avoiding these sorts of problems is always the best course of action. The two best ways to avoid spending money on transmission repairs of course, is to have a pre purchase inspection and a regular transmission service.

Auto pre purchase inspections

Your mechanic will check a long list of items on the car to make sure that it is not only currently safe, but there are no hidden problems that may surface within the near future. Some of the issues that are checked include:

•    Making sure the odometer works and matches any service documents
•    Matching the VIN number and the registration
•    Is there any tampering with the compliance plates and any evidence of major accident damage?
•    Is the car on the written-off register?
•    Do the tyres have a legal tread, are the brakes working and safe?
•    Are there any oil, transmission or radiator leaks?
•    All hoses intact, lights and A/C working?
•    Seatbelts working, doors locking, lights working?
•    Is there any rust and is there evidence of previous rust that has been filled?
•    Are there any computer fault codes?
•    Does the car drive well?


Automatic transmission services

The vast majority of transmission failures are due to a lack of servicing and maintenance, so avoiding costly automatic transmission repairs is actually quite easy – make sure you have regular services on your transmission. Your transmission service includes, replacing the transmission fluid, inspecting the old oil for any residue that may indicate internal damage, replacing the filters, checking for leaks and a road test.

So if you want to prolong the life of your car and avoid expensive automatic transmission repairs, call us at Steve Sorensen Mechanical and book your car in ASAP.

Is it worth paying for an auto pre-purchase inspection?

Most people are aware of the benefits of a car mechanics service but tend to be unaware that the same sort of service can be very beneficial before you buy a car. By this we mean an auto pre-purchase inspection, which most people don’t think about or dismiss because they don’t want to pay for this type of car mechanics service.

There are of course arguments for and against an auto pre-purchase inspection, but if you are buying a car privately then the cost of this service can be extremely beneficial, especially if it prevents you buying a car that needs lots of repair work.

The RACQ and NRMA both offer this service, but any qualified and reputable mechanic can also perform a pre-purchase inspection. They will most probably take a few hours to go over the car and then give you an itemised accounting of any issues they have found on the vehicle.

Some of the issues they check include:

• Is the odometer working?
• Does the odometer agree with any service documents?
• Does the VIN number and the registration match?
• Is there any tampering around the compliance plates?
• Is there any sign of previous accident damage?
• Is there any rust?
• Has previous rust been fixed properly or just filled?
• Bouncy shock absorbers.
• Do all the tyres have a legal tread?
• Do all the lights and windscreen wipers work?
• Do all the gauges work?
• Is the A/C working properly?
• Are the seat belts intact, in good condition and working?
• Are there any radiator or hose problems?
• Are there any oil and transmission fluid leaks?
• Does the engine run smoothly with no problem noises or worrying exhaust smoke?
• Do all the doors lock and seal correctly?
• Are the seats in good order and fitted correctly?
• Any cracks in the windows or light fittings?
• Are there any computer fault codes?

 
Usually, a road test is also performed as part of this auto pre-purchase inspection because some problems only come to light when the engine is warm and has been running for a while.

If you don’t want to pay for an auto pre-purchase inspection, even though it can save you a lot of money in the long run, do make sure that you take someone with you who has a good mechanical knowledge. The last thing you want is to hand over your valuable money and register the car in your name, only to have to pay out thousands of dollars to have the car repaired a short time afterwards.

7 Signs Your Car Needs an Automatic Transmission Service

The transmission is the gearbox of your car. But a lot of people forget just how important a regular automatic transmission service is – and they suddenly remember when they bring it in for an automatic transmission repair!

At Steve Sorensons Mechanical, we always recommend an auto pre purchase inspection. This is because the last thing you want is to buy a second hand car and have to pay for an automatic transmission repair.

So here are 7 signs that your car (or a car you want to buy) needs an automatic transmission service.

1.    Check engine light: Sounds simple but the check engine light goes on for a number of different reasons, and one of them is a problem with your transmission. So an overall check including an automatic transmission service can save you a lot of money down the road.

2.    Slipping gears: In an automatic, if it feels like the gears are changing at the wrong time or too often this can be a serious safety issue. Slipping gears can be a safety issue.

3.    Slow engagement:  When you put your automatic in Drive and hit the gas, if there is a delay in moving - then there could be a problem with your transmission. Avoid a costly automatic transmission repair bill and have a check up soon.

4.    A burnt smell: This could be your transmission fluid. And means that your transmission is overheating and the fluid is getting very hot. Book it in and get it checked.

5.    Leaking fluid: This is one of the easiest problems to notice. Automatic transmission fluid is bright red so spotting a leak is easy. Another sign of a leak is if you need to top-up your transmission frequently.

6.    Jarring transmission changes: In an automatic, the gear changes are very smooth. If you feel anything other than a smooth transmission – get it checked out.

7.    Car does not move: This is another easy one! If you put your car in Drive or Reverse and hit the gas – if the car stays right where it is (you did take the brake off didn’t you?) – then you might just have a problem with the transmission.

So call us for your next auto pre purchase inspection or automatic transmission service or repair on 07 3809 2711, fill in our online enquiry form or drop in for a chat at Unit 1/7 St Jude Court, Browns Plains, QLD 4118.

Any Auto Pre-Purchase Inspection Should Include These 3 Steps

When purchasing a vehicle, one of the most important steps that a buyer can take to protect themselves is by performing an auto pre purchase inspection. This inspection is designed to educate a prospective buyer of the vehicle's condition, and inform them of any potential repairs that may be needed such as an automatic transmission repair. A successful pre-purchase inspection should include these three steps.

First, it's important for potential buyers to take a close look at the body of the vehicle. Is there rust on the body of the vehicle? Are there otherwise unnatural bulges along the body of the vehicle? These two observations can be a sign of bigger issues with the body of the vehicle. In addition, panels that don't line up correctly, and paint that doesn't appear to be perfect may hint of a history of accidents.

Second, it's important that a pre-purchase vehicle inspection includes a look under the hood by a trusted mechanic. There are all sorts of mechanical issues which may affect a used vehicle, and these issues can be a very good reason as to why the seller is so eager to get rid of their vehicle. In addition to looking under the hood, a trusted mechanic should also check the tyres, the lights, and even the air conditioning.

Finally, no pre-purchase inspection is complete without a test drive of the vehicle. There are some mechanical issues that even the most skilled mechanic will likely miss without test-driving the vehicle. Through this test-drive, the buyer or the mechanic can listen to the engine, learn about the state of the car's suspension, and determine the wear that has been put on the vehicle's brakes. If a seller refuses to offer a test-drive, avoid the vehicle at all costs!

For a mechanic that can be trusted for a pre purchase inspection, check out www.stevesorensenmechanical.com.au. Steve Sorensen Mechanical can perform all sorts of vehicle diagnostics and repair. From a simple oil change to an automatic transmission service, Steve Sorensen is the one to trust in Browns Plains QLD.

Read These Three Simple Steps when your vehicle Needs Repairs and Servicing

Vehicle repair is an extensive subject. Every day, millions of people all across the world take their car in for repair. We rely on our cars to get around, and it's important that we take good care of them. Over the years, I frequently get asked about the most common auto mechanic service that should be performed on a car. With this article, let me share three common auto services that should be performed on your car.

First, this relates to buying a car. Before you buy a car, have an auto pre purchase inspection! This is very important in determining if there could be anything wrong with the car that you buy. In addition, this service may help to determine what future problems may arise later on with your car. This inspection is an absolute must before you buy a car.

Second, always look into an automatic transmission service. The transmission is one of the most important parts of your car, and the automatic transmission repair is crucial to keeping your car running. If your transmission fails, you aren't going to be getting anywhere. So pay close attention to this!

Finally, take your car in and have the brakes checked regularly! To start, most cars will need to have their brake pads replaced at some point. You want to make sure you know when they should be replaced. In addition, a failure of your brakes while you are driving is one of the most dangerous situations that you can find yourself in. Having brakes that are working properly is an absolute must.

Hopefully, this article has given you some ideas on how to properly take care of your car. While dealing with car repair is part of having a car, there are smart ways to go about it that can save you money, and that can save you time. So be smart about your car repair!

For auto repair that you can trust, consider checking out www.stevesorensenmechanical.com.au  Steve Sorensen Mechanical offers car repair that you can trust at very affordable rates. Don't trust your car repair with anybody else!