When you are shopping for a new car, you may have the option of selecting a vehicle that is equipped with a manual or an automatic transmission. While manual transmissions were the standard for decades, automatic transmissions are now very popular for many drivers. No matter what type of transmission you use, you may eventually encounter transmission problems in your vehicle. For help solving your transmission problems, be sure to visit a transmission specialist that offers auto transmission repair in Rockville. To help you determine which type of transmission will be best for your lifestyle, here is a quick comparison of manual and automatic transmissions.

Initial Costs

Manual and automatic differ in their initial costs. As you are comparing models at the car dealership, you may find that manual transmission vehicles are more affordable than their automatic counterparts. Typically, a standard transmission vehicle will cost up to a thousand dollars less than a car that is equipped with an automatic transmission. If you are shopping for a budget-friendly vehicle, you may want to purchase a stick shift car.

Maintenance Requirements

The maintenance requirements of manual and automatic transmissions are very different. When you drive an automatic transmission vehicle, you can rest assured that your car will last for tens of thousands of miles before it needs a major transmission repair service. However, automatic transmissions require regular fluid flushes, whereas manual transmissions do not. A manual transmission may need to be adjusted by a technician at regular intervals in order to remain in good operating condition.

Ease of Operation

Many drivers choose automatic transmissions due to their ease of operation. When you drive a car that has an automatic transmission, you will not need to worry about operating a stick shift or engaging a clutch pedal. If you love to drive, however, you may appreciate the deeper level of control that is offered by a manual transmission. Some drivers like the close connection that manual transmissions provide them to their vehicles.

When you are shopping for a new car, you may need to choose between a vehicle that is equipped with a manual or automatic transmission . Since automatic transmissions offer fantastic convenience, they are very popular with many drivers. A manual transmission, however, can provide many benefits. By learning about the benefits of manual transmissions from a transmission specialist in Silver Spring, MD, you will have a better sense of what type of transmission is right for your driving needs.

A top benefit of a manual transmission is that this type of transmission will provide you with great fuel economy. Along with being highly fuel-efficient, manual transmissions also experience fewer transmission problems than their automatic counterparts. If your car does require transmission service, a transmission repair shop will be able to fix your transmission quickly and easily. Finally, your manual transmission will provide you with a better sense of connection with the driving dynamics of your vehicle.

Transmission problems can take your car off the road for an extended period of time. While your car will typically not need transmission repair on a very frequent basis, neglecting transmission issues when the arise may eventually result in the total breakdown of your vehicle. When your car starts showing the signs and symptoms of transmission failure, a transmission specialist serving Rockville, MD , can fully repair the issue. A transmission mechanic will have access to special tools that your regular auto repair technician may not have in his shop. If your car is having transmission troubles, read on for some advice on choosing a reliable transmission mechanic.

Consider Customer Service

Your experience with a transmission mechanic begins with your initial phone call to the shop. A reputable transmission mechanic will offer great customer service, and will be able to answer all of your questions in preparation for your service appointment. Along with relying on your own experience with a shop’s customer service, you may also want to research whether the facility has received any awards or recognition for its great consumer and community services.

Ask About Policies

A reliable transmission mechanic will have a series of policies in place that will protect you against transmission problems in the future. When a transmission mechanic stands behind the quality of his work, he will offer a full warranty for all repairs. Before you book your transmission service appointment, you may want to ask about any warranty policies that will cover your services.

Research Certifications and Accreditations

One of the best ways to find a reliable transmission mechanic is to find a shop that has been certified by nationally recognized organizations. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, for example, provides an extensive certification program for transmission repair facilities. Taking the time to become certified and accredited shows a transmission mechanic’s dedication to excellent repairs. With these factors in mind, you can book your transmission repairs confidently.

Have questions about transmission repair? We have answers! Of course we can’t answer all of your questions here, but we find these are among the most frequently asked questions we receive. If you have a specific question or need clarification, get in touch with a transmission specialist at your local transmission repair shop in Bethesda, MD .

Q: How much does transmission repair cost?

A: It’s tough to say exactly how much it will cost to repair your transmission without first knowing a few specific things, like the age and condition of your transmission and the extent of the trouble with it. For more expensive repairs, some shops like Superior Transmission will offer financing to help ease the sudden burden on your wallet of getting your transmission fixed.

Q: What’s the difference between a rebuild and a replacement?

A: As the name implies, a rebuild is when your existing transmission is rebuilt using new or refurbished parts and components. A replacement is when your existing transmission is swapped out with a new one. Your transmission specialist will make a recommendation based on the extent of the transmission trouble you are experiencing.

Q: Should I get a second opinion?

A: You’re always welcome (and even encouraged) to get as many quotes as possible in order to feel comfortable with the transmission repair shop you end up doing business with. However, keep in mind that the lowest quoted price is not always the best option. Take other factors into consideration such as the quality of the work the shop provides.

One of the common misconceptions about manual transmissions is that they are significantly more fuel efficient than automatic transmissions. While there was a time when this was true, manual and automatic transmissions achieve virtually identical fuel economy. More than anything, your fuel economy depends on your driving habits and how well you maintain your vehicle, including your transmission. Watch this video to learn more.

If you want to get the best fuel economy in your car, make sure you have your manual transmission checked out by an experienced transmission technician in Rockville, MD at the first sign of transmission trouble. Poor transmission performance can rob your car’s gas mileage, and can also end up costing you a lot more in repair or replacement costs the longer you wait to have the problem checked out at your local transmission shop.

A slipping or failing clutch is among the most common transmission problems in cars with manual transmissions. If you drive a car with a manual transmission , you should be on the lookout for transmission issues that are originating in your clutch system. There are several transmission problems that may indicate impending clutch failure. First, you may start to notice that your clutch feels strange or spongy when you go to shift gears. When your clutch is in proper working condition, it will be smooth and responsive at all times. You may also notice a burning smell whenever you shift gears in your vehicle. When your clutch is experiencing friction as you shift, this strange odor may arise. Finally, you may also find that your car is very difficult to shift. With the help of a transmission specialist at a transmission shop near Silver Spring, MD, you can restore the performance and safety of your car’s clutch.

Although the automatic transmission is not a new invention by any means, it still remains one of the great marvels of modern engineering. There are a lot of actions that occur inside an automatic transmission that help transform energy into forward or backward vehicle movement. There are also lots of different components that make up the modern automatic transmission, including clutches and bands. As these clutches and bands engage and disengage, different gears are connected and disconnected to convert energy into momentum. There are two bands and four clutches inside an automatic transmission, and a problem with any one of them can translate to drivability and performance issues with your vehicle.

If you recognize any noticeable problems with your transmission , visit a transmission repair shop in Silver Spring, Rockville or North Rockville and let an experienced technician have a look under the hood. Transmission issues can be caused by any number of different problems, including worn clutches and bands. The only way to know for sure is to perform a thorough transmission diagnostic to pinpoint the problem and recommend the best transmission repair service.

If you suspect that there might be something wrong with your automatic transmission, don’t delay visiting an experienced transmission repair shop in Silverspring or Bethesda Transmission problems will only get worse over time, so while you might not want to spend money on transmission repairs at the moment you stand to spend a lot more in the future if you wait. You may feel more prepared and less anxious about visiting a transmission repair shop if you know more about the process of automatic transmission repair.

Step 1: Diagnose the Probl em

The first step is to diagnose what’s wrong with your transmission and what’s causing the problem. A thorough transmission diagnostic is the only way to ensure that the exact problem that’s causing your transmission issues is fixed. When you’re looking for a transmission repair shop in the surrounding areas of D.C, be sure to ask about their diagnostic services and make sure this is a part of their transmission repair process.

Step 2: Discuss Your Options

After diagnosing the problem, the next step is to review the findings and explain to you exactly what’s going on inside your transmission. Next, your transmission repair technician will lay out your options and discuss the pros and cons of repairing or replacing your transmission. Not all transmission problems require replacement, but it may be a good idea depending on the age and condition of your transmission.

Step 3: Repair or Replace

The final step is to carry out the service that you agreed on with your transmission expert. After the transmission is repaired or replaced, the technician will perform a final road test and diagnostic to ensure that your new transmission is operating without issue. When your vehicle is returned to you, your technician should explain the details of the warranty and what to do in the event that your repaired or rebuilt transmission experiences any problems—though that is unlikely if you bring your vehicle to a highly-rated transmission shop.

Do you have a 1998 Honda Accord? If so, this video will show you exactly where the transmission fluid dipstick is located and tell you how to add transmission fluid. If you drive a different year, make, or model, this video is still beneficial as it provides some general tips for checking and adding transmission fluid to your vehicle.

To keep your Honda in tip-top shape, visit a transmission repair shop in Silver Spring, MD that specializes in Honda transmission service . Trusting your vehicle with technicians who know the ins and outs of Honda transmission maintenance and repair will give you the peace of mind of knowing that your vehicle is in the best hands for the job. For transmission problems big and small, visit Superior Transmissions. Call (301) 960-2282 to learn more about the Honda transmission services offered by Superior Transmissions.

If you take your car to a transmission service shop in Bethesda for routine maintenance, you can leave it up to the professionals to select the best fluid for your automatic transmission. However, if you’re the do-it-yourself type you will need to choose your own transmission fluid when changing out the old fluid. It’s recommended that you leave this maintenance service to the professionals, but if you insist on changing your own transmission fluid make sure you choose the right fluid to prevent damaging your car’s transmission. Here are some important things to know about selecting automatic transmission fluid for your vehicle.

When to Change Transmission Fluid

First and foremost, when talking about transmission fluid it’s important that you know when you need to change the fluid inside your transmission. Generally, transmission fluid should be changed every 24,000 to 36,000 miles, or approximately every two to three years. Refer to your car’s owner’s manual for more specific transmission fluid change interval information related to your make and model. You can also ask your transmission technician for a recommended fluid change interval based on the condition of your transmission.

Automatic Transmission Fluid Types

There are two main types of transmission fluid, Dextron and Mercon. Your owner’s manual will tell you which type of transmission fluid your vehicle uses. You will also need to decide between synthetic and conventional transmission fluid . Synthetic fluid is more expensive than conventional oil, but it performs better at higher temperatures and provides better overall protection. However, if you drive an older vehicle the transmission might not be designed with synthetic fluid in mind.

Transmission Fluid Brands

When it comes to brands, there’s little difference between the major transmission fluid brands. If you want a specific brand recommendation, check with a transmission repair shop in your area or ask for a recommendation at the auto parts store you frequent to purchase fluid.