Transmission Repair Specialists in West Jordan, Utah
Is your vehicle experiencing transmission troubles? We're transmission repair geniuses! We guarantee we can fix your transmission and get you up and running in no time.
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Next to the cost of replacing an engine, replacing a transmission is the most expensive vehicle repair an owner can make. Expect to pay between $1800 and $2500 for completely replacing a transmission. Having the original transmission repair (rebuilding the transmission) is even pricier, averaging $3000 or more, depending on the extent of the damage and make of the vehicle.
Making repairs to a faulty transmission as soon as problems are detected dramatically reduces the cost of transmission work and can prevent the need for transmission replacement. If your car starts exhibiting any one of the following issues, get it to a transmission repair shop as soon as possible. Car problems do not correct themselves or magically disappear! They only worsen and cause more damage to the engine.
Car Shakes When the Gears Shift (for both manual and automatic transmissions)
Normally functioning transmissions keep your ride smooth during gear shifts. Automatic transmissions that shift hard, jerk or shake during a shift change may mean your transmission fluid needs changed or fluid level is low. In manual transmission vehicles, abnormal gear shifts could indicate damaged gear synchros, worn clutches or other, more severe issues.
Additional Signs of Transmission Problems
You Can Smell Fluid Burning
Extremely hot transmission fluid has a distinct, acrid smell that does not smell like burning oil but more like burning rubber. Burning transmission fluid indicates a leak that is dripping onto hot engine parts or seriously dirty fluid that needs drained and replaced with new transmission fluid. Running your car with old, contaminated transmission fluid is just as harmful to the engine and transmission as never changing the oil.
Noises in Neutral
If you suspect your transmission needs attention, trying putting your car in neutral and listening for unusual whining, groaning or ticking noises. Wear and tear on parts such as bearings or gear teeth often cause noises that indicate a failing transmission.
Slipping Gears
Healthy transmissions keep your car in one gear until you decide to change the gear. When your transmission "slips", it may show an RPM of 3500+ or take a long time to coast. Additionally, your vehicle may seem to delay accelerating when you press on the gas, which is an indication that it is not transmitting enough power to the engine's internal combustion part. Transmission slips could also result from broken or worn out bands.
Your Vehicle Won't Go Into Gear
Low transmission fluid may prevent your car from engaging gears. Is your car transmission shifting hard? It may indicate a leak probably exists somewhere in the lines. For cars with manual transmissions, it could be a sign of a worn clutch plate if the vehicle manages to engage and creep a little bit forward. Regardless of whether it is a minor fix, automobiles that don't slide easily into gear require immediate attention by a professional mechanic.
Leaking Transmission Fluid
Causes of transmission fluids leaks include loose pans, improperly tightened bolts or unsecured drain plugs, cracked pan gaskets and damaged toque converters or fluid lines. Constantly replacing lost transmission fluid isn't the answer to correcting these problems, either. Your transmission and your engine will not operate efficiently when fluid levels experience wild fluctuations. Getting the leak repaired so that fluid levels remain steady will dramatically extend the life of your vehicle.
Your Check Engine Light Comes On and Stays On
You might not hear strange noises or notice a pool of red transmission fluid under your car but when your check engine light comes on, you really need to do exactly what it says and get your engine and transmission checked professionally. Although newer cars are equipped with extra-sensitive sensors that can detect the smallest engine irregularities, all instances of the "check engine" light coming on needs properly diagnosed by a transmission specialist.
Certified Transmission Repair Utah
Don't depend on shady backyard mechanics to work on your transmission. Trust the experts at Ace Auto in West Jordan, UT to repair transmission problems before they really damage your wallet.
Give your car this 11 step tune-up at least once annually to keep it in peak operating condition. By performing this type of regular maintenance, you’ll be able to catch problems before they leave you stranded on the highway.
- Give your car a basic checkup – Before you get started with a serious tune-up, give your car a visual inspection, inside and out. Look for any damage or signs of trouble.
- Check oil & fluids – Add any oil and replace it if necessary. Check brake fluid, coolant, transmission fluid, etc. Fluid that is dirty or low may need to be replaced or topped off. If your brake fluid is low, this could be a sign of a bigger problem.
- Check tire tread – Check the tire tread for signs of wear. Tire siping may be a good option if you can't afford a whole new set of tires.
- Check battery for corrosion – Corrosion makes it harder for your car to connect to the battery. Check your battery for corrosion and clean it off wherever appropriate.
- Check turn signals, headlights, running lights & brake lights – This is easy enough. Simply turn on your car and ask a partner to walk around the vehicle while you flash all the lights. Replace any burned out light bulbs.
- Change the oil – If you’re not sure how to change the oil in your car, Edmunds.com has a very helpful tutorial that outlines the entire procedure, with pictures for each step. Don’t forget to properly dispose of the oil when you’re done.
- Check/replace air filter – Replacing a dirty air filter can improve your engine performance and gas mileage. Perform a visual inspection and check your air filter for dirt and debris. Replace the air filter if necessary.
- Check/replace wiper blades – Poorly functioning wiper blades can make it dangerous to drive in inclement weather. To check the functioning of your wiper blades, hose your car with a light mist then turn on the windshield wipers. Replace the blades as necessary.
- Check/replace belts – Look for tears, cracks and abrasions on the belts in your car, including the serptentine belt, power steering belt and the alternator belt. Although some wear and tear is to be expected, a belt that shows significant degradation may be at the end of its lifespan and should be replaced.
- Check/replace spark plugs – Spark plugs last anywhere from 10,000 to 60,000 miles. Inspect the rubber insulation around each spark plug, and inspect the wire itself for cracks. Replace any spark plugs that show sign of damage.
- Still having problems? Take it to a specialist. Even the most die-hard DIY car owner still needs to visit a mechanic once in a while. Take your car to Ace Auto Repair, where you can trust to get your car up and running for a price you can fford. Visit Ace Auto online to fill out a free quote form or to make an auto repair appointment.
Sometimes Utah Summers feel like they take up about half of the year, and though we spend plenty of time cooling down our homes and staying hydrated, we often neglect to realize just how much damage excessive heat can do to our cars. Here are some tips to keep your engine cool even in the dead heat of July.
Check Your Fluids Regularly
You're going to want to check your fluids at regular intervals, in particular your oil and your coolant. You may be surprised how quickly you burn through coolant in the summertime, and your oil may need replacing sooner than you think due to the extreme temperatures. It may even be wise to simply get an oil change right at the start of summer just to be safe.
Check Your Hoses
Fresh fluids won't do your car much good if they're not getting where they need to go. Check your hoses for cracks and leaks, and if they're becoming very dry and brittle, consider having them replaced now, before they cost you money in repairs and wasted fluids.
Get a Check Up
If you don't know how to do these check ups yourself, you can take your car into the shop or seek out a friend who knows what they're doing, but you're going to want to check the radiator, thermostat and water pump if your car's going to survive the summer.
Don't Neglect an Overheating Car
If you do have issues with your car overheating, don't waste time, take it directly to your mechanic. The more you subject your car to overheating, the more damage it's going to do.
Dealing With Overheating
A good way to deal with your car if it starts to overheat while you're on the road and there's nowhere to safely pull over: turn on the heater. That sounds like the last thing that you want to do while driving in the hot Utah sun, but if you crank the interior temperature, you'll allow the engine to vent some of that excess heat. So if your engine starts to overheat and you absolutely have to deal with it now, crank the heat, roll the windows down, grab a bottle of water and keep an eye out for a safe place to pull off the road.
If you take good care of your car, then you shouldn't have too much of a problem with your car overheating. Just keep it tuned up, keep the fluids topped off and don't put off getting it checked out if you do have issues with overheating. Contact Ace Auto today for a free engine repair estimate.
It’s summertime and the living should be easy. That is, if the air conditioning in your car is working properly. Before you get hot and bothered by an A/C that isn’t keeping you cool, take time to go over a few basic steps. There are some parts you can check yourself to see if you can get it going again.
Buying a Recharge Kit
At the first sign of a unit that’s not functioning properly, go to your auto supply store and pick up an A/C Recharge Kit. Open the kit and read through the directions. Follow them carefully and see if the kit will solve the problems you are having. It is possible that by recharging your air conditioning it will start blowing cool air again.
Checking the Pressure Sensor
Another place you want to look is in the pressure sensor. Check your unit and try to locate the low pressure sensor to make sure that it is working as it should be. You can check the current pressure using a special gauge. If you see that the pressure is low, fill it using the recharge kit. Follow the instructions carefully so you are sure to fill it to the correct pressure. Once you start filling it, stop every 10-15 seconds so you can take another reading using the pressure gauge. This will give you the current level. Keep starting, stopping and checking until the gauge shows that you have reached the correct level of pressure.
Analyzing the Compressor Clutch
Check that your air conditioning unit’s compressor clutch is engaging. However, there are several things that can go wrong with this part of the unit. Depending on the problem, repairs can range from inexpensive to replacing the whole compressor clutch. For instance, if it is not engaging properly or if it is making a noise, there can be many causes and it is not always easy to pinpoint the exact reason. An example of these problems could be a clogged condenser, a faulty condenser fan, pressure that is too high or even an overcharge. In any of these instances, it is important to evaluate the entire air conditioning system to know which pieces need to be replaced.
Filling the AC Compressor
Once you've determined your compressor clutch is functioning, and your pressure is low, attach the recharge kit to the low pressure sensor and begin filling, checking the pressure gauge every 5-10 seconds. Once the pressure reaches 'normal' levels, go take a seat in your car and see if it's blowing cool air again. If it is, then you're done!
When to Get Help from a Professional
After trying to evaluate and fix the problems you are experiencing with your car’s AC, go ahead and turn it on and see if you have fixed it. If it is now blowing cold air, you did it! Get in and enjoy! However, if the unit is still not blowing cold air, it is time to take it to a specialist. Contact Ace Auto Repair today for a Free A/C repair estimate.
Your tires are a critical, but often overlooked part of your automobile. Knowing what to look for, and why you are looking for it, can help you understand the importance of proper tire care. We’ve put together a list of five tips to help you get the most out of your tires.
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Check Your Tire Pressure Frequently
Keeping your tires properly inflated can help your tires last longer, improve your vehicle’s handling and provide maximum safety for you and your passengers. If those reasons aren’t good enough, maybe the next reason will be. Tires that are properly inflated will help you improve your gas mileage and save on fuel. Your proper inflation level can be found in your owner’s manual, on the vehicle placard, usually inside the drivers-side door, or on the tire itself. Remember, over-inflating can be just as adverse as under-inflation so keep an eye on your tire pressure with an inexpensive tire gauge.
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Get Your Tires Rotated
Road conditions, tire inflation, and the location of your tires on your vehicle will all affect how your tires wear. Having your tires rotated is where your tires are “rotated” to different positions around your car. This provides for more even wear and longer tire life.
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Balance Your Tires
Like most things created by man, tires and the rims they are mounted on are not perfect. To perform better on the road however “balancing” can help create a better balance to them. This not only improves your tire wear, but it will help tires wear more evenly. If you notice a slight shaking or vibration in your car, it could be that your tires need balancing. Balanced tires can eliminate that shaking which will also save wear and tear on the vehicle itself.
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Get Tire Problems Fixed Fast
Nothing good can come out of procrastinating when it comes to tire issues. Un-addressed tire issues can lead to everything from an inconvenient roadside flat to a dangerous hi-speed blowout. That leads us to our fifth and final tip to help you get the most out of your tires…
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Check Your Tire Tread Often
Your tire’s tread is your best indication of what is going on with your tires. It is why you should check your tire’s tread frequently. If a front tire appears to be wearing unevenly it could be your wheels need alignment. Not only keep an eye on your tire’s wear, but occasionally check your tire for any foreign objects.
When you need help with an auto or truck repair, we invite you to contact us. We offer complete auto repair services throughout the Salt Lake Valley, Utah area. We service all makes and models. From small repairs to a complete engine exchange, we take pride in doing it right the first time.
Gas prices are reaching all-time highs. So too is the volume of advertising for "gas-saving" products, designed to appeal to consumers looking for ways to improve fuel efficiency. Although there are practical steps car owners can take to increase gas mileage, the Better Business Bureau warns consumers to be wary of gas-saving claims for automotive devices or oil and gas additives. While some of the gas-saving products have been proven to work, the savings are small, at best. What’s more, you could end up with serious engine problems or a voided manufacturer warranty by adding after-market devices to your engine. The BBB recommends being particularly skeptical of the following kinds of advertising claims:
- "Product improves fuel economy by 20 percent." The Environmental Protection Agency has evaluated or tested more than 100 alleged gas-saving devices and has not found any product that significantly improves gas mileage. In fact, some "gas-saving" products may damage a car's engine or cause substantial increases in exhaust emissions. Some of these products include Air Bleed Devices, Vapor Bleed Devices, Liquid Injection, Fuel Line Devices, Mixture Enhancers, Internal Engine Modifications and more.
- "I got an extra 4 miles per gallon with your product." Although ads may feature glowing customer testimonials, consumers should keep in mind that few people have the ability or the equipment to test for precise changes in gas mileage after installing a gas-saving product.
- "Approved by the Federal Government." No government agency endorses gas-saving products for cars. However, the EPA has reached certain conclusions about possible gas savings by testing or evaluating the product.
Instead of searching for miraculous gas-saving products, the BBB recommends that consumers consider taking one or more of the no-cost or low-cost actions that can help drivers save on gas consumption. The most important place to start is at the gas pump; buy only the octane level gas you need. Check your owner's manual to determine the right octane level for your car. Here are more tips from the BBB to help you get better gas mileage:
- Drive more efficiently. Stay within posted speed limits. Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 miles per hour.
- Avoid "jackrabbit" starts and stops. Accelerate slowly when starting from a dead stop. Don’t push the pedal down more than one-quarter of the way; this allows the carburetor to function at peak efficiency. You can improve gas mileage up to five percent around town if you avoid jerky starts and stops.
- Use overdrive gears and cruise controls when appropriate. They improve the fuel economy of your car when driving on a highway.
- Keep windows closed when traveling at highway speeds. Open windows cause air drag, reducing your mileage by 10 percent.
- Avoid rough roads whenever possible. Dirt or gravel can rob you of up to 30 percent of your gas mileage.
- Remove excess weight from the trunk. An extra 100 pounds can reduce a typical car’s fuel economy by up to two percent.
- Properly maintain your car. Keep the engine tuned, tires inflated and aligned, change the oil on schedule, and check and replace air filters regularly. Replacing clogged filters can increase gas mileage up to 10 percent.
- Have tire wear, fluid levels, and exterior lights checked regularly.
- Perform oil changes every 3 months or 3,000 miles, which ever comes first.
- Perform cooling system services, transmission services, and rear differential services every 2 years or 20,000 miles, or as recommended by your service manual. These services are best performed during the spring and fall seasons.
- Do not ignore your vehicle's warning lights; they light up for a reason. Warning lights may be yellow in color to signify the need for attention soon, or may be red to signify the need for immediate attention.
- A Check Engine light, often yellow in color, may signify a potential mechanical, electrical, or computer failure. Check Engine lights may be related to vehicle emissions, which can result in lowered gas mileage.
- Check Engine lights may or may not be accompanied by drivability problems such as sputtering, rough idle, or loss of power.
- An Oil, Brake, or Coolant light, red in color, may signify the need for immediate attention due to a low fluid level, or a mechanical or hydraulic failure in that system. These types of problems may be accompanied by other symptoms such as a puddle of fluid underneath the vehicle.
- Regardless of the warning light or color, pay attention to what your vehicle tells you. Refer to your owner's manual or call Ace Auto Repair at (801) 803-6016 for questions. This will help to ensure the safety and longevity of your vehicle
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