IS IT TIME FOR A TRANSMISSION SERVICE?

Like all automotive systems, your transmission needs standard maintenance services from time to time. How often you need a transmission service will depend on a variety of factors including the age of the vehicle, the type of vehicle and even your own driving habits. In other words, if you push your transmission a little harder than the average driver (riding the clutch, towing heavy loads, mountain/off-road driving, etc.), you will likely need service more often to keep the transmission running well over time.

Typically, a standard transmission service is recommended every 30,000-60,000 miles. At Ralph’s Transmission in Modesto, here’s what our standard transmission service entails:

Remove and Clean Transmission Pan – First, we drain the transmission pan. Then we remove it and clean it with a special solution to get rid of any gunk, grime or grease.

Replace Transmission Filter – If the transmission filter needs replacement, we will change it out with a new one. This keeps the transmission fluid as clean as possibles so that contaminants aren’t running through the system.

Reinstall Pan with New Pan Gasket – After the transmission pan is cleaned, it is reinstalled along with a new pan gasket. The transmission pan gasket is a vital seal that helps prevent fluid leaks. It usually wears out with time and should be replaced periodically for ideal transmission performance.

Refill Transmission Fluid to Proper Level – Once the pan and gasket are reinstalled, new transmission fluid is put in and filled to the recommended level. It’s important to note that a fluid change is not a full fluid flush. That is only recommended in severe cases where the fluid is really burnt or discolored, and our service team will walk you through that process if our technicians deem it necessary.

Ralph’s Transmission Driveability Test – Once the transmission service is complete, one of our technicians will perform a road test to make sure everything is running smoothly.

Lift Check for Leaks – After the road test is completed, the vehicle is put back up on the lift to check for any leaks. We want to be absolutely sure that everything is working well and sealed up tight before we put you back on the road.

Diagnostic Testing – Diagnostic tests are also conducted during the transmission service. If fault codes are detected by the computer, then it may warrant further inspection to determine if there are additional repairs needed.

If you are due for a transmission service or just want to have your vehicle checked out by our transmission repair experts, call Ralph’s Transmission today at 209.526.1909 or schedule your service appointment online.