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.

How to tell when your car’s automatic transmission needs repairing

At Steve Sorensen Mechanical in Browns Plains, one of the most frequent services we do is an automatic transmission service. This is because our customers know that if they ignore problems and leave it too long, that automatic transmission repairs can be costly.

So it is always wise to have your automatic transmission serviced regularly. In between services however, there are certain signs that all is not well with your transmission and if any of the following occur, you need to book your car in as soon as you can, for at the least a service and at the worst, an auto transmission repair.

• Engine warning light: If this is on, it doesn’t necessarily indicate something is wrong with your transmission, but if the engine light is on and you also have any of the other problems described below, then you need to book your vehicle in for a transmission check immediately. In fact, don’t ignore your engine light even if you don’t have any of these signs, something is wrong in your engine if this light is on and it needs to be investigated.

• Vibrations: When the vehicle changes gears, it should be effortless and there should not be a shaking feeling or any vibrations felt at all. This can mean that your clutch is in trouble and is a clear indication that you need the problem investigated by an expert.

• Leaking fluids: If you notice red oil leaking onto the ground, this could either be from your transmission fluid or your power steering system. So check both levels and keep an eye on them. If the leak is only small and both levels remain within good limits, then you have some time on your hands, but if either level drops below minimum, then it needs to be booked in and checked quickly. 

So there you have it. The best way to avoid costly automatic transmission repairs is to be vigilant, check your levels and if any of the signs above appear, talk to your mechanic and have the problem investigated by an expert.

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.

Kissing My Car Worries Goodbye

There is an expression that you either have car repairs or car payments. Sometimes it seems like you have to choose the lesser of two evils when it comes to cars. Let me rephrase. It used to seem like having to choose the lesser of two evils when it comes to cars and repairs or cars and payments. I found the holy grail of repair shops to take the pain out of cars.

Fewer things can strike such terror in the heart as hearing "You need an automatic transmission repair." It is a common myth that you will have to give up a limb in order to pay for this service. Though it can be true, it does not have to be true. All you need to do, to avoid being taken advantage of for an automatic transmission service or an automatic transmission repair, is to find a reputable shop. A company that is willing to work hard, charge fair prices, and do the best possible work. Steve Sorensen Mechanical is this shop. This is the place where you can go and feel comfortable with the staff and the prices. They have a dedicated staff of professionals who will insure that your transmission is running in tip top condition, without breaking your bank.

A car doesn't run with a broken transmission because it doesn't go into gear. It can be a very scary experience when it breaks down suddenly. People can panic when they realise that they need an automatic transmission repair. Thankfully, the time to panic is now gone. It's a simple solution now. When you find that you need an automatic transmission service or an automatic transmission repair, simply call Steve Sorensen Mechanical. They are the answer to all of your automobile needs and are only a phone call away.

You can kiss the stress of car repairs goodbye for the last time. You will never again have to wonder who to take your vehicle to, who will give you the best service, and who will offer you the best price. Trust your automatic transmission needs to Steve Sorensen Mechanical in Browns Plains. They are deserving of your trust.