Drivetrain6 min read
Automatic transmissions rarely fail without warning. A delay of a second or more before the vehicle engages after selecting drive, a flare in engine speed between gears, or a shudder at light throttle around forty miles per hour typically points to worn clutch packs, a failing torque converter lockup clutch, or degraded fluid that has lost its friction properties.
Many European manufacturers describe their transmission fluid as lifetime fill, a claim written around the length of a lease rather than the life of the vehicle. In our experience a fluid and filter service at appropriate intervals materially extends the life of a modern eight speed or dual clutch unit, provided the unit is not already slipping.
On manual vehicles, a clutch pedal that grabs very high, a burning odor after hill climbs, or engine speed rising without matching acceleration indicates a worn friction disc. Since the transmission has to come out anyway, we replace the release bearing, pilot bearing, and inspect the rear main seal and flywheel in the same visit.
Owner and master technician Luis Valette personally oversees every major drivetrain repair from teardown through the final road test, and the work is covered by our nationwide two-year warranty.
