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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

Trusted Transmission Repair and Maintenance – Rock Hill, SC

22 November 2013

If a the work you are paying for is no guaranteed, do you trust it? Can you rely on it?  With something as important as the vehicle care and maintenance you need to choose a car mechanic you can trust. For every make and model car you can’t just trust any mechanic with the complexities of transmission repairs and service. In fact, not every mechanic can handle major engine repairs. And not every mechanic shop will guarantee their work 100%.

When you’re looking for transmission repair or maintenance, you need mechanics who are certified and trained in auto repair, maintenance and service.

Transmission mechanics should be ATRA certified. ATRA is the world’s largest trade organization of transmission rebuilders, specialists and suppliers.  All transmission repairmen at Reliable Transmission Service we provide The Golden Rule Warranty, from 3 months to 3 years.

Every transmission repair is performed by certified trained automotive technicians who are fully educated and up to date on all car models.

Our services include:  Clutches, Standards, Automatics, Differentials, Allison Specialists, Heavy Duty, Driveline Repair, CV Joints & Axles, 4x4's & Transfer Cases, and High Performance. We also specialize in repairing and maintaining fleet services.

For more information on transmission repair in Rock Hill, SC, contact Reliable Transmission Service.

Signs That Your Car Needs New Brakes – Rock Hill, SC

15 November 2013

Some would argue that your brakes are the most important part of your vehicle. Surely you need operating brakes for your safety and for the safety of the other drivers. Therefore, you should know the warning signs that tell you your brakes are wearing down.

When talking about brake repair, we are talking about your brake pads as well as your rotors. There are several signs that your brakes may be starting to wear, one is a pulsating feeling whenever you try to slow down. For example, whenever you try to slow down, the car doesn't coast to a smooth stop, instead the vehicle comes to a pulsating stop.

Another sign of brake wear and tear is high pitched squeaking. However, this should not be confused with the brake squeaking that happens in newer vehicles, or the sound of new brakes. These are the two times when some squeaking is normal and should fade over time. However, if you have had brakes on your car for a while and notice a noise or squeak whenever you decelerate, you should probably have your brakes checked; it could be a sign of brake wear.

A grinding noise when your car comes to a complete stop or starts from a stopped position is another sign of brake wear.  This sound may indicate that your rotors need to be replaced along with your brake pads.

If you think you need new brakes, contact Reliable Transmission Service.

Get A Car Tune-Up Before Winter Starts – Rock Hill, SC

8 November 2013

The holiday season is almost upon us. Most people drive more during the holidays, whether it is from gift shopping, running extra errands, or heading to holiday parties. With gas prices as high as they, do all that you can do to keep your car in shape and increase gas mileage, get a tune-up. But a car tune-up also helps get your car ready for winter. Now is the time to make the appointment.

Cars are expensive, in both maintenance and gas. There is no way around paying for gas. But there are ways to improve gas mileage and you can prevent more costly car repair bills with regular car maintenance and changing the oil.

Don’t neglect regular car maintenance.  Get a tune up. A tune up will not only increase your gas mileage, in fact, after your car tune-up, you may see the best gas mileage that you have seen in some time, if not ever.

Reliable Transmission Service recommends scheduled maintenance every 30,000 miles. Because when you get a tune up the mechanic is checking your spark plugs, timing, and adjusting the gas and airflow through the carburetor or fuel injectors.

For example, your car could misfire which increases gas use all because of poor spark plug wires. If your car has a bad oxygen sensor, replacing this could actually increase your gas mileage by 40%. That is almost a half of a tank of gas! Replacing a dirty air filter can increase gas mileage up to 10%.

If you're looking for better gas mileage or you want to extend the life of your car, get a tune up. Contact Reliable Transmission Service.

Increase Your Gas Mileage with Regular Car Maintenance – Rock Hill, SC

1 November 2013

While gas prices have been more consistent, and in some areas they have even gone down, it is still painful to fill your gas tank. As we drive more and more transporting kids, running errands, holiday shopping and working, we can almost watch the gas gauge go down. And, if you like to drive to a winter get-away on the weekends, gas mileage is very important.

You can improve gas mileage. Many car owners neglect some regular car maintenance.  If it has been awhile since you have had a tune up on your car, schedule one! Be sure to keep up on your car’s regular maintenance. Regularly maintained cars get the best gas mileage. You will be pleasantly surprised.

Reliable Transmission Service recommends scheduled maintenance regularly and would like to see your car get a tune up at 30,000, 60,000 and 90,000 mile intervals. Why? A tune up means the spark plugs, the timing, the gas and airflow through the carburetor and the fuel injectors are all getting checked out.

Bad spark plug wires can cause and increase in gas usage. Replacing a faulty oxygen sensor could increase gas mileage up to 40%. Replacing a dirty air filter can increase gas mileage up to 10%. At Reliable Transmission Service we can help you save money at the pump; contact us.

Transmission Repair Costs – Rock Hill, SC

24 October 2013

Having a transmission repaired or rebuilt can be expensive. Most people who hear that their transmission needs to be repaired start to sweat. But often, depending on what the exact situation is, transmission repair is far less expensive than buying a new car. Especially when you choose the right, certified transmission repair techs to repair your car.

What you will be charged for transmission repair or for rebuilding a transmission depends on a few factors. The biggest factor to cost depends on what work needs to be done on what type of engine. Whether it’s a simple repair or a complete rebuild, certified transmission repair specialists can help.:

  • Clutches
  • Standard transmissions
  • Automatic transmissions
  • Differentials
  • Heavy Duty truck transmissions
  • Driveline Repair
  • CV Joints & Axles
  • 4x4's & Transfer Cases
  • High Performance vehicles

The type of engine and the make and model of your car will affect the cost of your transmission repair. However, the state of your automobile transmission will affect the final price tag. But, most importantly, you should never base your decision on which auto mechanic shop to use based on price.

Reliable Transmission Service gives you high quality transmission repair services for all types of transmissions for all types of cars. When looking for transmission repair services, only use ATRA certified technicians. ATRA is the world’s largest trade organization of transmission rebuilders, specialists and suppliers. For reliable transmission repair in Rock Hill that you can be confident in, contact Reliable Transmission Service.

Is Your Car Ready for Winter – Rock Hill, SC

17 October 2013

Cooler weather is fast approaching. It is time to get your car ready for winter because no one likes to be stranded in the cold. Here are some tips to be sure that your car is ready for the cooler weather.

1. Oil change. A 30,000-mile check up is needed on your vehicle. This is a full-service check. This service should include an oil change, and the oil should have the right viscosity for your vehicle for this time of year. Oil tends to thicken as it gets colder, and if it’s too thick it won’t do the best job of keeping your engine lubricated.

2. Windshield wipers. Replace your windshield wiper blades. Generally, they work effectively for one year. While you are at it, fill up your windshield washer reservoir with windshield washer fluid. Have your heater and defroster checked to be sure they are working properly so your windshield will be clean and clear.

3. Car battery. This time of year make sure your battery’s posts and connections are corrosion-free. If your battery is more than three years old, have a certified repair shop test its ability to hold a charge.

4. Examine your car's belts and hoses. During the full service on your vehicle, the mechanic should check the belts and hoses for wear and tear, even if you’re driving a modern car. Cold weather can do a number on belts and hoses.

5. Tire pressure. Your tires have to be inflated properly for the best possible traction as you drive. Traction is jeopardized in wet or icy conditions. The air pressure in your tires drop as the weather gets colder. You can lose 1 psi whenever the temperature drops by 10 degrees F.

6. Antifreeze mixture. You should have a 50-50 mix of antifreeze and water inside your radiator. This will prevent the mixture from freezing even at very cold temperatures. If the mixture is off, your cooling system should be drained and refilled or flushed.

7. Keep the gas tank as full. Gas condenses, which inevitable causes water in your tank and lines. Keeping your tank full can prevent the gas lines from freezing, and your gas tank from rusting.

For complete auto service by certified mechanics, contact Reliable Transmission Service.

Car Tune Up Increases Gas Mileage and Extends Life of Car - Rock Hill, SC

10 October 2013

There are a couple of regular expenses in your life that over the course of the year can really add up. Your car is one of those. In fact, after your home, your car is usually your second highest expense. Regular auto tune-ups can extend the life of your car and keep auto repairs to a minimum. But, did you know that regular car tune-up and car maintenance will also increase your gas mileage?

Beyond gas and oil changes, many car owners forgo spending money on their car. But as gas prices rise, car and truck owners are trying to figure how they can cut down on commuting in order to spend less on gas. But, there is a better and easier way, regularly scheduled car maintenance.

By skipping regularly scheduled maintenance, you will unfortunately encounter very expensive and labor intensive car repairs down the line. You will also see your car’s gas mileage decrease over time.

Have you ever looked at the owner’s manual service chart? If you have had your car or truck for a few years you cannot remember the last time you had a tune up, get one! This could affect your gas mileage; you will see an increase, but you may also see the best gas mileage your car has had in a long time.

Reliable Transmission Services recommends scheduled maintenance every 30K, 60K and 90K miles. Why? When you get a tune up your mechanic is looking at your spark plugs, checking the timing, adjusting gas and airflow through your car’s carburetor or fuel injectors. If you have bad spark plug wires your car could misfire causing you car to increase gas consumption. In getting a tune up the mechanic may find other problems such as faulty oxygen. Replacing this one faulty sensor could increase gas mileage up to 40%. Replacing a dirty air filter can increase gas mileage up to 10%.

When your car is properly tuned up it will run smoother, quieter and potentially save you money on future repairs and at the gas pump. If you're looking for the best mileage do not overlook a tune up and contact Reliable Transmission Services.

Regular Car Maintenance For Better Gas Mileage and A Longer Car Life – Rock Hill, SC

3 October 2013

To keep your car running longer and more efficiently you need to perform regular car service and maintenance.  Some auto service needs to be done according to your cars’ mileage and is recommended as part of a maintenance schedule designed to keep your car safe and in efficient operating condition, other service depend on your car's health and your driving style.

One mileage based service your car needs is frequent tune-ups. Every 30,000 miles is recommended, or at least once every two years. There are unseen parts on your car that wear out over time and need to be checked and maintained.  Regularly tuning up your car helps to prolong the life of your car.

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

Full service oil and lube services and fuel injection service also involve getting rid of deposits, and once performed, your car will run better and more efficiently. The oil in your car is a lubricant, and a full service oil and lube will get rid of old, used oil that has accumulated deposits allowing your car parts to move more easily. Fuel injections clean the car's fuel injectors, and sometimes even the car's fuel tank, from carbon deposits that have built up.

There are a lot of systems on your car that need frequent maintenance. Not only will regular car service prolong the life of your car, but it will also improve your gas mileage.  To keep up you need a reliable car care service partner, contact Reliable Transmission Service.

Check Engine Light, Is it On? – Rock Hill, SC

26 September 2013

Are you driving a car that has a check engine light on? If so, relax, but don’t ignore it. Check engine lights can come on for lots of different reasons, most are related to emissions problems, but most definitely the check engine light could represent a serious problem. It is best to get it checked out right away.

In order to save time and money, it is important to have it diagnosed properly and quickly. Certified technicians and state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment can find the specific problems that cause the MIL (Malfunction indicator light) to go on.

If the check engine light is lit the first thing you want to check is your gas cap. Each time you start your vehicle, a test is run on your emissions systems; if a leak is found, like a gas cap not secured properly, the light will go on.

Beyond that, you should have your car scanned for trouble codes. When the check engine light is illuminated, your vehicle sets a trouble code in one of its computers. These codes are used to point to the problem areas in the vehicle but not what parts to replace. Further diagnosis and testing in the trouble area is required to further figure out why the check engine light is on.
 
Keeping up with scheduled auto maintenance on your car can keep your service lights off and ensure that your car is always running properly and efficiently.  The main thing to remember when the engine light goes on, however, is to relax and have the problem addressed quickly to avoid further damage to your vehicle. For an auto diagnosis, contact Reliable Transmission Service.

Transmission Repair or Replace the Car? - Rock Hill, SC

24 September 2013

“Your transmission needs to be repaired.” These are not the words that car owners want to hear when they take their car in for work. Often, when you get the estimate on transmission repairs you may start to panic. Oftentimes, car owners will start to consider replacing their car instead.

Should you just sell your care and start over? Transmission repair can get costly, but what makes it a more viable, economic options over buying a new car? First you need to compare the costs.

Here are your options, fix the car or invest in a new car. Both options will cost money. But you need to consider which will be more expensive. In many scenarios a new car is more expensive in the long run. With transmission repairs, find out if you have an extended warranty or any other program that may help decrease the price. Do you have a loan on your car, and if so, how many more months do you have on it? If you buy a new care, how much do you have to spend, will those payments be larger than your existing payments, and how long will it take to pay off a new car? New cars require a higher level of  car insurance as well, so be sure to figure that expense into the equation.

When considering transmission repair, no regular car mechanic will do. You may have a trusted mechanic, but if they are not an auto transmission specialist, go elsewhere for an estimate and for the actual repairs. All transmission repair and service should be done by ATRA certified technicians. ATRA is the world’s largest trade organization of transmission rebuilders, specialists and suppliers and they warranty transmission work.

While your transmission is being looked at, ask about the potential for future problems. Is everything else in your car in good shape? If so, auto transmission repair is a better, less expensive option in most cases.  

Don't be afraid to ask the transmission technician for their professional opinion. You will get a clear picture of what you can expect out of your car and get an idea about what would be best for you. Take your time and come up with a cost effective solution. Transmission troubles? Before you replace your vehicle contact Reliable Transmission Service for advice.