Transmission Repair & Replacement Services in Lakewood, CO
Does Your Transmission Need Service? Call Merrill Automotive Today.
When it comes to your transmission, you don’t want to overlook even the smallest issue. Without a working transmission, your car essentially becomes just a heap of metal. At Merrill Automotive in Lakewood, we specialize in transmissions repairs to get your car running again like new. Keep reading to learn more about our transmission services, and schedule your service by calling us at Merrill Automotive today!
What is the Transmission?
Your vehicle’s transmission takes power from the engine and uses it to power the vehicle itself. The transmission is another name for the car’s gearbox, and without it, your car wouldn’t move. There are three types of transmissions — manual, automatic, and CVT — each one geared toward the specific needs and driving style of your vehicle.
Our Auto Services
AUTO REPAIR
ENGINE SERVICE
BRAKES
SUSPENSION
Common Transmission Problems
There are a number of common transmission problems to be aware of so you can get your car in for service as soon as possible. The most popular sign to watch out for is a grinding or shaking sensation when you switch gears while driving. Other signs include whining, humming, or clunking noises, a smell of burning, leaking fluid, or if your engine light comes on. If you notice any of these signs or your car won’t engage while it’s in gear, make an appointment at Merrill Automotive right away to have your transmission inspected and repaired before you get stranded in an immovable car.
Transmission Maintenance Tips
When it comes to caring for your transmission, there are a couple of things you can do to maintain it and keep it functioning properly, rather than waiting for it to start acting up. For starters, it’s important to change your transmission fluid every once in a while. For new cars, you should change your transmission fluid every 100,000 miles, while with older vehicles, you may need to change your fluid every 30,000 - 50,000 miles. If you’re not sure if your car needs new transmission fluid or not, be sure to check with one of our qualified mechanics at Merrill Automotive as soon as possible.
Schedule Routine Maintenance
The best way to keep your car up and running for as long as possible is to stay on top of routine maintenance appointments at Merrill Automotive in Lakewood. We give your car the best care depending on what it needs so you don’t have to worry about getting stranded or spending an arm and a leg on avoidable repairs. From regular oil changes to tire rotations, air filter replacements, and fluid checks, we’ll keep your car running for longer.
Transmission Trouble? Here's How to Tell
No matter whether you drive a car with automatic or variable transmissions, there are common problems you should know about. To avoid expensive bills for repairs and parts replacement, come to Merrill Automotive to ensure the safety of your vehicle. Follow this guide to common transmission problems and how to detect them.
Transmission Slipping Out of Gear
If you hear the engine revving every time you shift gears or feel a loss of traction, it's probably an issue with your transmission. If your transmission slips, it's relatively easy to identify the problem. Depending on the make and model, your vehicle may respond in a few different ways. For example, manual transmission vehicles grind when stuck between gears. If you have an automatic transmission, the car may wobble or shake when shifting into higher gears. Slipping between gears can cause erratic driving behavior and pose a threat to you and your passengers. Therefore, we recommend bringing your vehicle in for an inspection right away.
Shaking or Shuddering
A malfunctioning transmission may cause shaking and shuddering, particularly when you increase your speed. For automatic transmissions, the shaking becomes intense when moving between gears. You may notice grinding when driving in a manual transmission vehicle. Some vehicles are more prone to grinding, shaking, and shuddering as they age. If your vehicle is more than eight years old, we recommend you bring it in for an annual transmission inspection.
Uncomfortable Jerking Sensation
Does your car or truck surge, jerk, or buck when you press down on the gas? You may also feel a clunk or thud while changing gears. If your car struggles to accelerate, we recommend bringing it to Merrill Auto so that one of our mechanics can diagnose and fix the issue.
Leaking Transmission Fluid
Without transmission fluid, your automatic car cannot shift properly. A small leak can become a major problem on the roadway. If you aren't sure whether the wet spot under your car comes from the transmission fluid, look for a bright red color and a sweet smell. To be on the safe side, bring your car in if you notice any unusual fluids in your driveway. The level of your transmission fluid should not decrease under normal circumstances.
Delayed Shifting
Does your car hesitate when you shift gears? In most cases, that indicates a problem with the transmission. Clogged transmission filters, solenoid issues, and dirty transmission fluid are just a few problems that can cause hesitation between shifting. Bring it by our auto repair shop, and we'll check the filter and other components to ensure proper transmission functioning.
Car Stalling
Most drivers associate stalling with engine problems. However, that is not always the case. You may also have an issue with your transmission. A torque converter malfunction can lead to transmission slippage and, in some cases, stalling. Come to Merrill Auto so that our team can look at your engine and electrical systems, as well as your transmission, to find the source of the problem and provide a quote for repairs.
Check that the Engine Light is On
There's typically no separate warning light for transmission problems. Therefore, if your check engine light comes on, there may be an issue with your transmission. There are several sensors within your transmission system to alert you to any potential problems. Whenever your check engine light comes on, it's important to get it checked out by a qualified auto mechanic immediately.
Need an Experienced Transmission Mechanic?
At Merrill Auto, we are proud to provide comprehensive transmission services to customers in Lakewood, CO. Our skilled auto mechanics take the time to explain the problem and offer an accurate quote for what it will take to fix it. If you suspect something amiss with your transmission, contact us today to make an appointment.