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.

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.

We’ll Help You Stay on the Road with Professional Transmission Services

Neglecting to take care of your vehicle's transmission can causes problems similar to  the kind of medical issues affecting your health when you neglect to eat right, exercise and drink plenty of water. You start to lose steam,  leak fluids and chug along until you can't function anymore.  Since transmissions can't take care of themselves like we can, it is your responsibility to make sure your vehicle receives regular automatic transmission service upgrades so that it doesn't suffer from "chugging". 

While many car parts (including the engine) usually make alarmingly loud noises when needing repaired or replaced, transmissions could be considered an automobile's "silent killer" because they tend to quietly exhibit mechanical problems before totally giving out.  For example, low transmission fluid due to leaky, worn-out hoses can make your car act like it is in neutral. You press on the gas--and nothing. No movement and no noise --only the sound of your engine revving.

Experiencing gear slippage while driving can be frightening, especially when motoring down the freeway and traffic is bumper to bumper.  Finding the reason behind slipping gears requires that an experienced automatic transmission service technician perform manual and diagnostic tests on your transmission to pinpoint slippage problems associated with mechanical distress, parts degradation or lack of sufficient transmission fluid.

Waiting until your transmission is on the verge of gasping for the last time can result in expensive and sometimes lengthy repairs that will leave you without transportation or force you to rent another vehicle. Avoid future transmission problems by taking your car to a dependable and reputable transmission service in Browns Plains. At Steve Sorenson Mechanical, we treat customers like one of the family and understand how important it is to have reliable transportation when you need to get to work, pick up children or do necessary shopping.

Don't let costly transmission repairs and the stress of getting stranded without transportation ruin your day. Call Steve Sorenson Mechanical today at (07) 3809-2711 to make an appointment or fax Steve at (07) 3800-7171. While on Facebook, you can visit our Facebook page or simply stop in at our Browns Plains Centre at your convenience. 

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!