When the auto transmission work is done, your shop must provide an invoice with:

• The auto transmission location name and ID number.
• The auto transmission work completed.
• The parts for which you are to be charged.
• The total price charged for auto transmission labor.

Confirm warranties before you leave the auto transmission shop. The paperwork should have:

• The auto transmission shop name and identification number.
• Details on what’s covered, including replacing parts or refunding cash.
• Instructions for following through on the warranty.
• The duration of the warranty

Auto transmission shops in Contra Costa County handle different needs. Here are some common types of auto transmission work:

Gearbox
Gearbox repair or replacement is sometimes necessary, which means rebuilding a transmission, or remanufacturing and installing a new transmission. Gearbox is another term for transmission: an automatic gearbox is an automatic transmission. An automatic gearbox allows the vehicle to change gears without driver effort; a manual gearbox requires the driver to manually operate a clutch and a gearshift lever to move between gears.

Transmissions
Exactly what is a transmission? Transmissions are sets of gears: they provide the way that a car gets the energy from its racing engine out to its slower-turning or unmoving wheels to perform useful work–to get you started, get you going faster, let you slow down, and make it possible for you to stop the car again while the engine continues to run. Transmissions have moving parts that can fail over time. Transmission work can cost a great deal, because car transmissions have become extremely complicated.  Auto transmission repair involves the cleaning and inspection of hundreds of parts during major transmission work. Parts must be put into sub-assemblies, which are adjusted and put into the transmission case, and testing has to be performed at various stages.  When these earlier steps are completed, the added work of putting the transmission in the vehicle must be done. It is important to realize however, that more often than not a new transmission is unnecessary, and that the cost of automatic transmission work which a car needs can easily be less than a quarter of the price of a redone transmission.

Transmission Fluid
Transmissions, whether automatic transmissions or manual transmissions, need lubrication to reduce wear between moving parts, and this is what transmission fluid is for. But it is important for the car owner to know that transmission fluid is doing more than that: it is preventing heat build-up and transferring power from the car engine to the wheels. When transmission fluid or transmission oil wears out through shear, it loses the necessary grabbing properties that help clutch plates hang onto each other within the transmission during driving.  This transmission fluid breakdown allows these moving parts to grind against one another and cause lots of transmission-destroying heat. Keep in mind that some types of transmission fluid services replace far less fluid volume than others, and that a full transmission fluid exchange is necessary in order to replace almost all of the worn out fluid with a fresh amount of good transmission fluid.

Automatic Transmission
The automatic transmission is the kind of power transferring system that does not require the driver to use a clutch and a gearshift to move between gears. A modern automatic transmission has lots of small pieces, but can be thought of as several main parts.  The bell housing is a cone-like case, beside the engine in cars with front-wheel drive, or underneath the car in other cases. Gear types include main and planetary gears. Red transmission fluid lubricates moving parts, and is kept clean by a transmission filter: changing the transmission fluid and the transmission filter every couple years will likely be all your automatic transmission will need for a long and healthy life. A number of sensors and a computer are key parts of the modern automatic transmission, and your car may have a Transmission Control Module which can be thought of as a computer.

Manual Transmission
Manual transmissions are much less popular in the US than automatic transmissions.  Manual transmissions require more work of the driver, involving pressing a clutch pedal with the left foot and moving a gear shift with the right hand in order to change gears appropriate to vehicle and engine speeds. Manual transmissions are more common than automatic ones in other countries; they cost less, weigh less, use less fuel, and perform better.  The two types of manual transmissions are the unsynchronized type and the constant-mesh gearbox type; the second is the more common type of the two.

Transmission Problems
Transmission problems are when your manual or automatic transmission won’t work, or won’t work smoothly as it should. Since transmission problems can be expensive, you will want to avoid this by preventive car transmission service. You should have your transmission fluid checked a couple of times a year, and have any leaks fixed–there are only about six places where leaks happen and these spots should be looked at. Also important is replacing your transmission fluid filter: this may never have been done on your car transmission, and is much cheaper and easier to think about than rebuilding a transmission or having to replace a transmission with a remanufactured transmission.

Transmission Repair
Transmission repair is cheaper than transmission replacement.  That’s why car owners are careful to have their transmission fluid changed, and to make sure they are not losing transmission fluid through leaks. Replacing the transmission filter will fix quite a few transmission problems, and other fairly simple transmission repair steps may be possible at a trustworthy auto transmission shop. Eventually, transmission repair may not be enough, and your transmission will need to be rebuilt or remanufactured. Rebuilding transmissions is costly because of all the parts involved. The important thing is to keep the car transmission from needing to be replaced or rebuilt, at great expense.  That extra auto transmission cost is really unnecessary if you have taken simple preventive steps of transmission service.

Torque Converter
The torque converter is a central part of the automatic transmission, and repairing or replacing a torque converter may be necessary in a worn transmission. The torque converter is that part of the automatic transmission that manages the linking between the auto engine and the transmission gears; it is present in an automatic transmission instead of the clutch that a manual transmission has. The torque converter is a connection of hydrodynamic fluid for transferring power from the car engine to the wheels.

Transmission Fluid Change
Transmission fluid change is important for extending the life of something which is extremely important and very expensive to replace: your car transmission. Flushing and changing automatic transmission fluid takes out small pieces of clutch material and metal that wear down your transmission, gives your transmission better lubrication, gives your clutches better grabbing ability and reduces harmful transmission overheating. A typical approach to transmission service may be to have the transmission technician only take off the transmission fluid pan, put in a new transmission filter, put the pan back on, and replace the rather small amount of transmission fluid that was drained away.  Even though that type of transmission fluid service is clearly helpful, it may only replace less than half of the transmission fluid, leaving lots of old fluid in your transmission.  That worn transmission fluid lets parts slip and allows damaging heat to happen. A full transmission fluid exchange is an important preventive transmission service step, and something you should consider at a reliable auto transmission shop. By getting a transmission fluid exchange service, you can replace nearly all of the old, used transmission oil.

Car Transmission
Any machine, for example a car, has a power source and a way of putting that power to useful purpose.  For your car, the source of power is the internal combustion engine, and the means of transferring that power to the wheels is the auto transmission.  The car transmission is either an automatic transmission where the gear shifting is done for the driver by the transmission itself, or a manual transmission with a clutch pedal and gearshift for the driver to use to change gears. The term transmission may sometimes be used to mean only the gears and gear trains of the gearbox, which change speed and torque. Auto engines need to run at relatively high speeds which are not workable for things like getting going, going slowly, changing speeds over a broad range, and coming to a stop; it is the car transmission that makes these practical uses of the car possible. The transmission, connected to the engine by the crankshaft, turns the higher speed of the engine into the lower speed and higher torque of the wheels.

TOP 10 BRAND REQUESTS
Auto transmission repair and replacement shops in Contra Costa County or the greater Bay Area may use some of the following brand names:

• Woodfins
• MyCertifiedService
• Chevy Transmission
• TCI Auto
• Rebuilt Auto Transmissions
• JEGS
• Jasper Transmissions
• Subaru Transmissions
• AMSOIL
• SW Transmissions

Below are key auto transmission repair, transmission replacement, and transmission service terms that may be helpful for understanding issues relating to automatic transmissions, manual transmissions, and gearboxes:

adaptive learn automatic transmission
A newer type of automatic transmission.  This type of automatic transmission can improve its own efficiency in response to the events of actual driving, and can make up for transmission wear.

aftermarket auto parts or aftermarket auto transmission
Auto transmissions or transmission parts not sold by the original maker of the car, parts that will typically cost less than those bought from the car maker.

air check
A test during automatic transmission assembly. The automatic transmission air test checks the hydraulic soundness of automatic transmission parts including valves and clutch packs.

A/T
Automatic transmission, abbreviated.

Also known as: automatic transmission, automatic car transmission

automatic drive
Another term for automatic transmission, the type of car transmission where the car drives itself automatically in the correct gear without needing manual clutch pedal use and gear shifting as with a manual transmission.

Also known as: automatic transmission, automatic car transmission

automatic gearbox
Can refer to the housing where the gears of an automatic transmission are contained, or can refer to an automatic transmission itself.

Also known as: automatic transmission, automatic car transmission, gearbox

automatic transmission
The type of auto transmission, as distinct from a manual transmission, which is able to change gears by itself to the correct gear for the speed the car is traveling.

Also known as: automatic gearbox, automatic car transmission

automatic transmission fluid (ATF)
The fluid inside the automatic transmission. Automatic transmission fluid is often red, a mineral- or oil-based liquid used to reduce wear on moving transmission parts.  Automatic transmission fluid also works to transfer power in the automatic transmission and to cool moving parts.

Also known as: transmission fluid, automatic car transmission fluid

Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association (ATRA)
A large organization of transmission repair providers.

auto transmission shop
An automotive shop that specializes in auto transmission service and transmission repair and replacement work for automatic transmissions and manual transmissions.

Also known as: auto transmission garage, auto transmission facility, auto transmission repair service, auto transmission service, transmission replacement shop

auto transmission system
The transmission or gearbox that transfers power from the drive shaft of the auto engine to the car wheels for forward and reverse vehicle motion. The two types of auto transmissions are automatic transmissions and manual transmissions.

Also known as: car transmission

clutch
A device in a car transmission that connects or disconnects two parts within the driving machinery. In a manual transmission, the clutch is operated by a pedal that disengages the driving force of the engine from the gears driving the wheels to create forward or reverse motion.

Also known as: clutch pedal, automatic clutch

drive line
The system in a car for transferring power between the vehicle’s motor and the wheels. The drive line largely includes the car transmission, or gearbox.

Also known as: drive system, transmission

electronically controlled transmission (ECT)
A car transmission under the control of a computer.

Also known as: computerized transmission, computerized car transmission

fluid drive
A fluid coupling for transferring power within the car transmission.

gear
A toothed part in a car transmission or gearbox, made for transferring rotational motion from the engine out to the wheels.

Also known as: gear mechanism, transmission gear mechanism

gear case
The metal housing in which the gears in the car transmission gear train are enclosed and sealed.

Also known as: gearbox

hydraulic transmission
A transmission operated by liquid forced through a small opening.

Also known as: hydraulic transmission system, transmission

manual transmission
A hand-operated transmission for selecting the correct gear ratio for the existing engine speed and vehicle speed.

Also known as: stick shift, standard transmission, manual car transmission

OEM transmission
A transmission made by the original equipment manufacturer, i.e. by the maker of the original car. A transmission bought from the car maker will tend to be more expensive than one gotten elsewhere.

Also known as: original equipment manufacturer transmission, stock transmission

standard transmission
The same transmission known as a manual transmission. This is the type of car transmission, as distinct from an automatic transmission, which requires the car driver to shift between gears in the transmission by the use of a clutch pedal and a gear shift.

Also known as: stick shift, manual transmission, manual car transmission, manual gearbox

stick shift
Another name for a standard or manual transmission, deriving from the term for the gear shift lever which the driver manually operates, located on the steering column or on the floor between the driver and passenger seats.

Also known as: standard transmission, standard car transmission, manual transmission, manual car transmission

torque converter
A round car transmission part that moves engine power to the car’s wheels by changing fluid direction. The torque converter of today’s car transmissions follows the earlier transmission fluid coupling.

transmission
A car transmission or gearbox with at least two ratios for matching engine speed and torque with the car wheels.

Also known as: gearbox, car transmission, auto transmission

Q: Why choose a Diamond Certified auto transmission shop?
A: Diamond Certified ends the guessing game by offering the auto transmission services consumer a list of top-rated local companies who have passed the country’s most in-depth rating process. Most companies can’t pass this rigorous standard, which means only local auto transmission shops rated Highest in Quality earn the Diamond Certified award. American Ratings Corporation also keeps track of every Diamond Certified company with in-depth and ongoing research and ratings. And your auto transmission purchase is backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee. So you’re able to feel confident choosing a Diamond Certified auto transmission shop for your auto transmission needs.

Q: What rights do I have as a consumer in San Mateo County when it comes to manual and automatic transmission repair and replacement services and transmission fluid changes?
A: In place in California since 1974, the Automotive Repair Act gives you the right to an advance estimate on car transmission repair or replacement services. When the work is completed, you are entitled to a detailed summary of the transmission work done, the related costs, and a list of the parts for which you are being charged. More information is available at the Bureau of Auto Repair website.

Q: How should my automatic transmission fluid look?
A: If it’s not a bright cherry red, you may want to have it checked. Other colors could be a sign of automatic transmission problems.

Q: What is the right interval for changing my automatic transmission fluid?
A: Having your transmission filter and automatic transmission fluid changed every 24,000 miles is an excellent idea. Unfortunately, most car owners ignore this recommendation.  Doing this one thing would probably be enough to keep your transmission healthy for a long life. Food for thought.

Q: What are some common signs of transmission problems?
A: One common sign of transmission problems is a low level of automatic transmission fluid, or evidence that transmission fluid, which is generally red but could be confused with power steering fluid, has been leaking from your automatic transmission. Unusual noises coming from the car transmission, shuddering and hard work at shifting, a slipping of the transmission (where the engine speeds up but the car doesn’t move forward or backward at the pace it normally would), or failure of the car to move would all be possible indications of transmission problems.

Q: Is it okay to drive when my car transmission has been leaking automatic transmission fluid?
A: Even a small decrease of automatic transmission fluid volume will change the way the transmission works. You should seriously consider seeing a reliable auto transmission shop in San Mateo County right away if not sooner.

Q: What does an annual transmission check cost?
A: The answer will vary, but you may find that such transmission services as a road test and certain automatic transmission checks will be done at no charge.

Q: What is automatic transmission fluid exchange?
A: Transmission fluid exchange goes beyond the basic automatic transmission fluid service, which may replace about half of your car transmission fluid.  Transmission fluid exchange replaces nearly all of your used transmission fluid with fresh fluid for improved performance.

Q: What are some common automatic transmission services?
A: The auto transmission shop will check the level of your automatic transmission fluid, and determine the condition of the fluid. The shop might road test your automatic transmission with both a stationary test and a driving test, looking for evidence of slipping, early or late shifting, irregular shifting, or hard or soft shifting. A pan examination looks for damage inside the automatic transmission.

Q: How long will it take to repair my transmission?
A: The amount of time it takes to fix your automatic transmission or manual transmission will vary of course, based on the type of transmission problem you have. Routine exams will allow you to get the car back the same day. Many transmission problems require only minor repairs, and these can also be done within the day. Rebuilt transmissions will take longer.

Q: What sort of warranties come with a rebuilt or replaced transmission?
A: Various warranties will probably be available, ranging perhaps from 6 months to 5 years. A lifetime warranty may be available in some cases.

Q: What does it mean to have my automatic transmission scanned?
A: Scanning hooks a computer up to the one in your car to look for trouble codes and check sensors, and may find problems with the electronic part of your transmission.