Transmission Repair in Meridian and Caldwell, ID
Whether you drive a Toyota, Honda, Ford, Hyundai, or any other car, it is important to have a transmission that functions properly. Your car’s transmission is responsible for making sure the right amount of power goes to your wheels to drive at a given speed. Similar to gears on a bicycle, an automatic transmission will shift you to a higher gear when you accelerate and will shift to a lower gear when you slow down. A transmission has its own designated fluid that makes sure all the gears are spinning smoothly. It is important to get this fluid checked regularly to ensure your transmission is functioning properly.
How does a transmission work?
The power generated by your vehicle's engine first flows through the transmission before it reaches your wheels. The transmission controls the torque available to the drive wheels for different driving conditions. This is why you might change gears when you are driving uphill; you will need more torque in order for your vehicle to go up the hill efficiently. From there, the differential gives that power to your vehicle's wheels on the same axle at the appropriate ratio. Four-wheel drive cars also have a transfer case, which transfers power to two differentials on different axles rather than to two wheels on the same axle.
While both automatic and manual vehicles have a transmission, we will focusing on manual transmissions here. Manual transmissions comprise of an input and output shaft, that are connected by a counter shaft. A three-speed mechanism will have three gears; two of these gears will be active at any given time depending on the gear your vehicle is in. This system gets more complex with the more gear options your vehicle has. If you are in or nearby Meridian and Caldwell, Boise, Eagle, Kuna, or Nampa, you can bring your car to Heritage Auto Repair for a transmission repair today.
How do I know if my vehicle needs a transmission repair?
We at Heritage Auto Repair in Meridian and Caldwell recommend changing your vehicle's transmission fluid every 30,000 to 50,000 miles, whether it is an SMG transmission, a CVT transmission, or something else. Some signs that something is wrong with your transmission include:
- There is a grinding or shaking sensation in gear.
If your car grinds or shakes when you change gear, there is an issue with your transmission. This problem usually gets worse with time, so it is best practice to bring your vehicle to an auto repair shop as soon as you notice this problem.
- Your vehicle makes whining or clunking noises.
These noises usually mean your transmission fluid is breaking down or is there an internal problem with your transmission.
- Your vehicle won't engage when in gear.
If there is a delay in your car responding when you change gears, your transmission fluid could be breaking down or there may be a problem with your vehicle's computer system. However, if neither of these things are the problem, there is an issue with your transmission.
- You notice a burning smell coming from your vehicle.
This burning smell that likely your transmission fluid overheating, which can happen when there is not enough transmission fluid in your vehicle (which could indicate a leak) or the wrong type of transmission fluid is in your vehicle.
- Your "Check Engine" light is on.
While this could mean a number of things, turning your "Check Engine" is your vehicle's computer's way of telling you there is a problem, which could be with your transmission.
Your transmission is integral to a safe driving experience, so when the time comes to get it repaired, serviced or replaced, you can bring your vehicle to Heritage Auto Repair. We will perform a comprehensive inspection of your vehicle to determine if any other services are required, such as engine repair, or maintenance. Serving residents of Ada County and beyond, we follow our mantra "Best in the Treasure Valley" daily. We can also perform a transmission fluid exchange or a marine transmission repair. Our number one goal is to provide high-quality customer service and repair services to every customer, every day.
Your award-winning local Shop for Transmission Repair
If you are having an issue with your transmission, Heritage Auto Repair in Meridian and Caldwell is your place to go. Founded in 1999, our team of expertly trained and ASE certified technicians and owner Tony Zanders have decades of combined experience and are experts in all things auto repair. We specialize in transmission repair, oil changes, fluid services and tune-ups as well as transmission repair.
Here are some reasons why you should choose us:
- Family owned and operated since we opened
- Voted “Best in the Treasure Valley” and “Best in Idaho” for automotive repair in 2020
- Currently a nationally recognized “Gold Certified” Napa Autocare Center
- Shuttle service to get you where you need to be
- We have a review score of 5 based on reviews from 800 satisfied customers.
If you are in the 83642-2440 area or nearby, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with Heritage Auto Repair, either online or via phone at 208-887-1442.