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Reliable Transmission Service

703.5 N Anderson Rd

Rock Hill, SC 2973

(803) 324-3999

reliabletransmission@hotmail.com

Reliable Transmission Service Blog

Your Car Needs New Brakes If… Rock Hill, SC

31 January 2014

When it comes to automobile safety, your car needs  routine brake inspections. If you think there may be a problem with the brakes, get them repaired immediately. Brakes that operate properly helps ensure safe vehicle operation and help you maintain control of your car under all kinds of conditions. But, too many people are unaware of the signs that their car’s brakes may need maintenance or repair.

The brakes on any car suffer normal and regular wear and tear. For both performance and safety reasons brakes need to be replaced regularly. Never put off a routine brake inspection. Letting brakes wear to the 'metal-to-metal' point is dangerous and can lead to a more costly repair bill.

Symptoms of Brake Wear:

  • Car pulls to one side during braking
  • Brake pedal pulsates when the brakes are applied
  • Brake pedal feels “mushy”
  • Noise when the brake pedal is stepped on
  • Repeatedly need to add brake fluid to the master cylinder

Several factors that affect brake wear and tear include driving habits, operating conditions, vehicle type and the quality of the brake material.

A professional service technician will inspect the brake linings, drums and rotors, and brake fluid to determine what repairs are needed. The typical “brake job” consists of brake pad or brake shoe replacement, along with related hardware. Depending on the condition or thickness of the drums or rotors, machining or replacement may be necessary. The parking brake should also be checked for proper operation and adjustment. In some cases, the parking brake pads may need replacement.

Questions to Ask a Mechanic:

  • Is there anything I can do to help the brakes on my car last longer?
  • How will the work you are doing on my brakes affect the symptoms I was seeing before?
  • Do I need any other car repairs now that my car is here?
  • What does the brake warning light mean on my car’s dashboard?

For more information on brake inspections and repairs, contact Reliable Transmission Service.

CarMD

Regular Car Maintenance Prolongs the Life of Your Car – Rock Hill, SC

24 January 2014

To prolong the life of your car it needs regular service and maintenance. Some auto service should be performed more frequently than others, some is reliant on mileage and some is reliant on wear and tear. Other auto service is recommended as part of a strict maintenance schedule in order for your car to remain safe and in efficient operating condition.

One mileage based service that your car must have is frequent tune ups. Every 30,000 miles is recommended, or at least once every two years. It is important to check on and replace the parts on your car that wear out over time. Regular car tune-ups helps to prolong the life of your car.

Your car brakes also need to be regularly serviced or, at the very least, inspected. Worn out brake pads can cause unnecessary risks and accidents. Frequent brake inspections are necessary for safety. Brake inspections ensure that your car’s brake pads and rotors are safe and they can also give you an idea of when you will need brake service.

The radiator is responsible for keeping your car’s engine running cool. Over time, deposits can form in the radiator system, causing blockages that impede the circulation of the cooling fluid, this makes the engine run hotter and less efficiently. It is important to do a radiator flush frequently.

For more information on regular car maintenance, contact Reliable Transmission Service.

Choosing Transmission Repair in Rock Hill, SC

17 January 2014

If you have a car in Rock Hill, SC or the surrounding area that needs transmission repair, you need to find a reliable transmission repair specialist. Transmissions are expensive to repair or replace, but it is often worth the expense depending on the age of your car and the loan involved. However, it will only be worthwhile if you have certified transmission technicians to do the work.

An illuminated check engine light could be a sign that you need transmission repair. If you do need repairs to your transmission you need to have the problem addressed immediately and by ATRA certified mechanics.

Choosing the transmission repair shop is the very first step in the process and it is also the most important step. You don’t ever want to shop on price alone. The mechanics that will be repairing your car transmission need to be ATRA certified. ATRA is the world’s largest trade organization of transmission rebuilders, specialists and suppliers.

Here are a few ways to be sure you get the best transmission repair at the right fee:

Some auto repair shops do not specialize in transmission services. You want to choose a auto repair shop that specializes in transmission repair.

Don't use any transmission technicians who charges for a checking or road test done before the repair. These services should be provided for free.

Get your price quote in writing and be sure that it includes a warranty. Watch for any hidden costs.

At Reliable Transmission Service, our mission is to provide you with the resources you need to keep your transmission running, or get it fixed quickly if it requires repair. For more information, contact Reliable Transmission.

Budget for Unexpected Car Repairs - Rock Hill, SC

10 January 2014

Unfortunately every car or truck needs repairs. Other than routine scheduled service, more often than not those car repairs are unexpected. Finding enough money in a tight budget for unexpected car repairs and other expenses can be very difficult.

For most, having a reliable car is a necessity not a luxury. Without a means of transportation, finding and keeping a job may be nearly impossible not to mention handling day to day errands.

Regardless of if you have a brand new car, or a used vehicle regular and consistent car maintenance is the key to holding off unexpected car repair expenses. You will eventually need new tires, and brakes will need new to be replaced for continued safety. Budgeting for these repairs is already challenging.

Here are some ideas on how to budget for those unexpected car expenses.

Evaluate the condition of any used car before you buy it. A used car is always going to have some wear. Buying a certified used car is always the best option. However, if you buy a used car from a private individual, always have a certified mechanic check it out first.

Never buy a car that pushes your budget to the breaking point. Always figure in routine expenses like gas, oil changes and licensing fees, plus the cost of the car loan (if you have one) and the insurance. If you assume a monthly budget of $200 on essential car items alone, you need to be sure that is a number that you can afford taking into consideration your other expenses and your income. You can keep the $200 as the maximum point, but do everything you can to keep the actual car and repair expenses around $150 or less.

News Olio

Timing Belt Repair, What are the Symptoms? Rock Hill, SC

3 January 2014

One of the most common reasons why cars break down is a failing timing belt.  Getting the timing belt changed on your car or truck is one of the most important maintenance jobs in your vehicles life.  Replacing the timing belt correctly will give your car many years of trouble-free life.

The timing belt keeps the top half of the engine, or cylinder head, in step with the bottom half of the engine.  The timing belt controls the opening and closing of the engines valves. When your timing belt fails, both halves of the engine can collide, which often results in major engine problems. Worn timing belts don’t do the job right, so they can often lead to performance problems even before they break.

Some symptoms of timing belt issues:

  • Your car puts out more exhaust than usual
  • The car’s engine vibrates causing the entire car to shake
  • The car is difficult to start, or
  • Strange noises coming from the car’s engine

It is better to have your timing belt repaired before it fails. Contact Reliable Transmission Service if you suspect you need timing belt repairs.

Car Travel Tips – Rock Hill, SC

26 December 2013

There is an increase in Americans who are taking trips over the Christmas/New Year’s winter break, says AAA.

This season, an estimated 94.5 million Americans are either visiting family or friends; or vacationing between Saturday, Dec. 21, and Wednesday, Jan. 1.

According AAA reports, the upward national trend marks the fifth consecutive year of increases during the year-end holiday period. In addition, the national number reflects the highest holiday travel volume AAA has recorded for the season.

Of the overall 94.5 million folks traveling nationally, 91% or 85.8 million people will travel by auto, a 9/10th of a percent increase over last year.

But, before you hit the road for the holiday, there are three things you should check before driving anywhere: oil, fluid and tire pressure.

Check the engine oil, making sure it's clean and full so the engine stays lubricated. Also, check the antifreeze because if that's too low, your car won't defrost and won't get the heat it needs.

And, if there's an antifreeze leak, things could get tricky on the road.

If your car has a small antifreeze leak, that leak could empty the radiator, which will cause the car to overheat and blow the engine. You will be stranded on the side of the road, rather than relaxing and socializing with family and friends.

The last thing to check is the tires. If the tires are under-inflated, and you are driving long distance you could add extra wear to your tires, blow a tire, and adversely affect your gas mileage.

If you are having car trouble before or after a long trip, contact Reliable Transmission Service.

Flooded Roads Can be Bad for Your Car – Rock Hill, SC

20 December 2013

There is the potential for lots of rain in Rock Hill, SC this weekend, and this winter is predicted to have above average precipitation. With more driving on the agenda this holiday week, you might want to keep in mind how bad all this water can be for your car. For all types of car engine repairs, choose a reliable auto mechanic.

Rain and bad weather can affect your car in ways you didn’t think about. Do you drive through all those huge, standing puddles? There are parts of your car engine that are not supposed to get wet. Your car engine is powered by gas, usually, but the engine itself has lots of electrical components, and those electrical parts make your car run.

Just a small amount of water in your car’s engine can create problems. Falling rain is no problem, only a nuisance to drive in. But those deep, standing puddles of water from heavy rains can be bad for your car and require a trip to the mechanic.

When you drive have you ever come upon that huge puddle that you “have” to cross to get where you are going? Even if you do make it to the other side, you are not “out of deep water” yet.

The force and volume of the water as you drive through deep puddles and flooded areas can soak parts of your car engine that are not supposed to- and aren’t used to-  getting wet.  These are areas of the car that don’t and should not get wet, nor are they designed to get wet.

This can cause lots of electrical damage in the engine. But that could be the least of your problems if any of this water manages to make it into your engine; your engines internal components could really get caused some damage.

If you come upon deep water in the road, find a different way home or to your destination, it is not worth the risk or the expense of auto repairs. If your car engine suffers damage from water, contact Reliable Transmission Service.

For Transmission Repair Only a Transmission Specialist Will Do – Rock Hill, SC

13 December 2013

You may not be a mechanic, but if you think there might be a problem with your car’s engine, you are probably right. If your car all of a sudden does not sound or feel right, you most likely have an issue. If it is a transmission problem, then you want to see an actual transmission repair specialist, not just any mechanic.

Transmission repair is a specialized field. This is not a tune up or a simple tire rotation. For a mechanic to be certified in transmission repair over 100 more training hours are required and 1000’s more hours in hands on experience. After all that is complete, there is then an exam in order to become certified as a transmission specialist. These requirements alone are reason enough to seek out a certified transmission mechanic for transmission repairs.

Your transmission is the connection between your engine and your wheels. But it isn’t just that simple, there is quite a bit in-between. So, what are the symptoms of transmission issues and problems? Illuminated engine light, strange noises, slipping gears, delayed shifting, leaking pink transmission fluid, lack of- or fluctuating power among other things. If your car is suffering from any of these problems, transmission repair may be in your car's future.

However, the check engine light is not always an indicator of transmission issues. However, that combined with noises or any of the other above listed issues, may signify the need for transmission repair.

These are just a few common indications of transmission problems. As the owner, you drive you're car every day and you'll notice if something doesn't sound or feel quite right. Don't hesitate to bring your car in to be looked at by a trusted mechanic or transmission repair specialist. Where cars are concerned, it's definitely better to be safe than sorry!

You drive your car regularly. If you sense that something is not right, see an auto mechanic right away. But if transmission troubles have been diagnosed, only a certified transmission mechanic should treat your car. For more information on transmission repair in Rock Hill, SC, contact Reliable Transmission Service.

Find a Good Mechanic – Rock Hill, SC

6 December 2013

It is always tough to find a reliable and trusted service provider; especially a good mechanic. When your car breaks down or when you need regular car maintenance checks, you need a good mechanic. Finding one is often very difficult, especially if you have just moved to the Rock Hill area.

The first step in finding a mechanic is to start by asking around and getting referrals. Ask your co-workers and neighbors, but you’ll likely get as many good stories as bad.  Check online for auto mechanic testimonials and reviews. Your automobile was a big investment and the cost of repairs can be as well, so it is very important to have a mechanic you can trust and who you can rely on. You need a mechanic that offers customers quality auto repair at a fair price.

Some people take their car to the dealership, but again, mixed reviews. Some dealerships are too big and may just treat you like a number, they can often be more expensive. Car mechanics should be specifically trained to offer the service you need on your car. They also need access to the most updated repair manuals.

At Reliable Transmission Service, we are a family owned full-service transmission and auto repair shop in Rock Hill, SC. We offer comprehensive automotive maintenance and repair for all vehicles, foreign and domestic.

As members of the Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association we know what we are doing and are ASE and ATRA certified. Certified. Mechanics need to pass the certification test that demonstrates their knowledge and professionalism, and are more reliable than those who are not certified.

Want a trained, trustworthy and reliable mechanic, contact Reliable Transmission Service.

Thanksgiving Driving Safety – Rock Hill, SC

27 November 2013

Thanksgiving is one of the biggest travel holidays of the year. If you driving during this holiday weekend to visit with friends or relatives for dinner, there are many reasons to drive safely, and conscientiously; gas mileage and safety are two of them.

Did you know that the way you drive affects your gas mileage? So if you are concerned about your gas mileage, drive safely and considerately.

Speeding and aggressive driving (speeding up and slowing down) uses loads of gas. It also puts lots of wear and tear on your car's engine. Drive carefully and conscientiously for your own safety and for the safety of the others on the road. Remember, it is the holidays and you and those around you don’t need the aggravation of a fender bender or worse during this holiday season.

Right now, gas prices are higher than we’d like. AAA says that despite gas prices, most people drive to get back home for the holidays. For most, this is because your car is still more affordable, convenient and flexible than any other way to get around. So take care of it, avoid unnecessary car repairs and drive carefully.

American families spend 8% of their income just on gassing up the car. Drive carefully and Happy Thanksgiving from Reliable Transmission Service.