FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

At Transmission Discounters, we strive for complete and total customer satisfaction. We hope that, if you have any questions about your vehicle's service and maintenance needs, you will not hesitate to ask us.

Factory Recommended Maintenance and Service:

You have the right to choose who performs your factory recommended maintenance and service! You don't have to pay dealer prices. Transmission Discounters can perform your factory recommended maintenance and service at very competitive prices and your factory warranty will not be affected! We follow your particular vehicle manufacturer's recommended service intervals as listed in your owner's manual.

If you are not sure when your vehicle is due for service, just ask us!

Common Service Intervals Include:

Transmission Discounters highly recommends a semi-annual inspection!


As some of our customers can already attest, a semi-annual inspection can discover a worn component before it creates major or more costly problems. Plus, a semi-annual inspection can increase the resale value of your car, as a well maintained vehicle can bring two to three times as much as one that has been neglected.

 

Will it hurt my engine if I drive while the check engine light is on?

You do need to get your vehicle checked out as soon as possible.  You may see a decrease in performance, as an engine or emissions code, or there could be a problem occurring in the transmission.

How do I know when my car needs a tune up?
You may see your gas mileage decrease.  Your vehicle may start running rough.  If your check engine light comes on that could  also be an indicator that your vehicle needs a tune up.  The owner's manual that came with your vehicle may suggest a tune up at a certain mileage.
When should I have my timing belt changed?
Depending on the vehicle a timing belt needs to be replaced between 60,000 and 120,000 miles.
When do I need to replace my belts and hoses?
If you see cracks in your belts, it is time to have them replaced.  We recommend replacing your belts and hoses at least every three to four years.  If your hoses look swollen or soft that could be an indicator that they need to be replaced.  However, hoses can deteriorate on the inside and if this happens there is no visual evidence that the hose needs to be changed.
Why do I need to have my engine oil changed every 3,000 miles?
The additive in the oil starts to break down as soon as it heats up to high temperatures.  The engine in your vehicle will reach over 200 degrees almost every time you drive it.  History has proven that the 3,000 mile mark is a good interval to have your engine oil replaced.  You never want to just drain your engine oil out and put new oil in without changing the oil filter.  The oil filter will hold about a quart of oil.  If you do not change the oil filter when changing the engine oil in your vehicle you are combining your clean engine oil with deteriorated engine oil and this will lessen the effectiveness of the new engine oil you just put in your vehicle.
What types of services are available?
Our shop's primary focus is on transmissions, and there are a variety of services available. If you think you are having a problem with your transmission, our expert transmission technicians will perform an External Diagnostic Service. The External Diagnostic Service includes checking the level and condition of the transmission fluid, road testing your car, and a diagnosis of the external transmission controls. If you have a transmission problem, the EDS determines if the problem can be corrected with an external repair or adjustment. In some cases, the replacement or adjustment of a transmission or drive-train related component(s) will correct the problem. In other cases there could be an electronic or computer malfunction. In still other cases the transmission needs to be rebuilt. The best thing to do if you are having transmission problems is contact us to schedule an External Diagnostic Service.