How often should your transmission be serviced?

Transmission service is crucial for maintaining the long life and performance of your vehicle. The recommended frequency for servicing a transmission varies based on the type of transmission, driving conditions, and the manufacturer’s guidelines.

How often should your transmission be serviced? Here are the general Guidelines:

• Automatic transmissions: Normally require servicing every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Some newer vehicles may have extended intervals, so it's essential to inspect your owner's manual.
• Manual transmissions: These generally need to be serviced every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.
• Heavy-duty or high-performance vehicles: If you often tow or drive in severe conditions (extreme heat, stop-and-go traffic, off-roading), more frequent transmission service is recommended, such as every 15,000 to 30,000 miles.

Signs You Need Transmission Service:

• Delayed shifting or rough gear changes
• Slipping gears
• Transmission fluid leaks
• Warning light on the dashboard

Routine transmission service includes replacing the fluid, changing the filter (if applicable), and checking for any problems that could lead to bigger issues down the road.

Many people take oil and tire replacement seriously, but not so much when it comes to transmission. To inspect for possible transmission issues, inspect under the vehicle occasionally. If you notice a bright red liquid, your transmission might be dripping. Additionally, it is recommended that you inspect your transmission fluid levels and quality. Transmission fluid with dirt and debris is not any good. Additionally, the auto mechanic can recommend a transmission fluid change if the fluid has changed color.

Wondering how often should your transmission be serviced? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about transmission fluid change and to request an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.

What does engine rebuild consist of?

An engine rebuild involves disassembling, cleaning, checking, and changing worn-out components of an engine to restore it to its optimal working condition. The process can vary depending on the extent of wear and damage, but normally, an engine rebuild consists of the following steps:

Disassembly

• The engine is removed from the vehicle and completely taken apart. This includes removing parts such as the cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, valves, camshaft, and bearings.

Inspection

• Every Part is thoroughly checked for wear, damage, or failure. This includes inspection the condition of the pistons, crankshaft, cylinder walls, and gaskets. Precision measurements may be taken to ensure components meet specifications.

Cleaning

• All components, especially internal parts, are cleaned to remove any buildup of oil, sludge, carbon deposits, and debris. This can involve chemical cleaning or mechanical methods like media blasting.

Replacement of Worn Parts

• Pistons and Rings: Worn pistons and piston rings are changed to ensure proper compression.
• Bearings: Worn crankshaft or camshaft bearings are changed to prevent friction and wear.
• Gaskets and Seals: All gaskets and seals are changed to prevent future leaks.
• Valves: Damaged valves or valve seats are changed or reconditioned.
• Timing Parts: The timing chain, belt, or gears are changed to ensure proper synchronization.

Machining

• Parts like the cylinder block or head may be machined to restore their surface or ensure they meet factory tolerances. This could include boring out the cylinders to a slightly larger size, grinding the crankshaft, or resurfacing the head.

Reassembly

• After cleaning and machining, the engine is carefully reassembled with new or reconditioned components. This includes reinstalling the crankshaft, pistons, camshaft, valves, and other parts.

Testing

• Once reassembled, the engine is tested, either on a test stand or once reinstalled in the vehicle, to ensure everything functions correctly. Oil pressure, compression, and other parameters are checked.

Break-In

• After a rebuild, there is usually a break-in period where the engine is run under specific conditions to allow the new components to settle and perform optimally.

Wondering about what does engine rebuild consist of? Call our ASE Certified Mechanics at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about engine repair service and to request an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.