Transmission Repair in Petaluma
Transmission diagnostics, leak inspection, and repair to keep your drivetrain shifting smooth.
A transmission problem rarely announces itself all at once -- it usually starts small, a slight hesitation or a slip you can almost talk yourself out of noticing. Caught early, most transmission issues are a fluid or seal repair. Caught late, they're a rebuild. We diagnose early rather than waiting for it to get obvious.
Signs your transmission needs attention
- Slipping, hesitation, or a delay when shifting
- Rough or hard shifts, especially into gear
- Grinding or shaking during shifts
- Fluid spots under the car -- often bright red or brown
- A burning smell, which often means the fluid is overheating
What we do
- Full transmission diagnostics, automatic and manual
- Leak inspection and seal repair
- Fluid service on manufacturer schedule
- Honest assessment of repair vs. replacement
Why the fluid matters so much
Transmission fluid does more than lubricate. It carries heat away, and in an automatic transmission it's also the hydraulic fluid that makes the shifts happen. That's why low or worn-out fluid shows up as the symptoms above: slipping, late or harsh shifts, and a burning smell as it overheats. It's also why a small leak is worth fixing early. If you notice any of these, our mechanics can take a look before a fluid problem becomes a rebuild.
A transmission leak found early is often a seal or gasket, not a rebuild -- worth a look the first time you notice a spot on the driveway, not after it's been dropping fluid for months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the first signs of a transmission problem?
Usually subtle at first -- a slight hesitation or slip when shifting that's easy to talk yourself out of noticing. Caught early, most transmission issues are a fluid or seal repair. Caught late, they're a rebuild.
I see red or brown fluid under my car -- is that serious?
Worth a look right away. It's often a seal or gasket, which is a manageable repair -- but a leak left unaddressed for months can turn into bigger damage from running low on fluid.
Does a transmission problem always mean a rebuild?
No -- caught early, it's often much simpler. We diagnose first and give you an honest read on repair versus replacement rather than jumping to the most expensive answer.
How often should transmission fluid be serviced?
On your manufacturer's schedule, which varies by vehicle -- some call for it every 30,000-60,000 miles, others are different. We service on schedule rather than guessing.
What does a burning smell from my transmission mean?
Usually the fluid is overheating, which can happen from a low fluid level or the fluid breaking down over time. Worth getting looked at before it causes more damage.