What is an Automatic Transmission?

An automatic transmission is multi-speed transmission used in motor vehicles that does not require any driver input to change gears under normal driving conditions. The major types of automatic transmissions are:

Hydraulic automatic: This automatic transmission uses a planetary gearset, hydraulic controls, and a torque convertor.

Dual-clutch automatic: This automatic transmission type depends on a pair of clutches to engage the gears.

Automatic transmission benefits:

• Easier in heavy traffic: Heavy traffic forces a driver in a constant stop and go cycle. An automatic transmission allows them to focus on traffic by using only the gas and brake pedals. 
• Better to drive in hilly areas: Automatic transmissions allow the driver to focus on the road over which gear they are in while driving on steep graded hills. 

A CVT transmission stands for continuously variable transmission. The CVT transmission does not have individual gears but does have one gear that is variable for all driving conditions. It uses a belt-and-pulley system to transfer engine power to the vehicle's wheels, allowing for an infinite gradient of ratios

Benefits of a CVT Transmission:

• Driving Experience: Depending on the vehicle and the driver, a CVT can provide a smoother driving experience when comparing it to a traditional automatic.
• Fuel Efficient:  The biggest advantage of a CVT transmission is they are more fuel efficient than a standard automatic transmission

When should I get my transmission checked?

1.  Strange noises: buzzing, clunking, whining, grinding  
2. Gears  slipping: Gears slip when shifting, hesitation going from park to drive, vehicle hesitating to catch up
3. Surging and stalling: vehicle stalls, vehicle surges forward or backwards
4. Check engine light: transmission codes can appear when a mechanic scans your vehicles computer
5. Leaking fluids: fluid leaks, puddles of red fluid under vehicle, low level of fluid from dipstick indicator

Servicing Frequency

The frequency of getting your transmission serviced depends on the vehicle use, miles on the vehicle, and transmission type. If your vehicle is new we recommend servicing after 60,000 miles and then continued servicing every 25K-30K miles. 

If you tow frequently with your vehicle we recommend you increase the frequency of your servicing. 

If you purchased a vehicle with over 100,000 miles we recommend you bring it in to be checked by the AC Transmission Center Master Certified Technicians.

Servicing options:

1. Transmission fluid flush: We hook up your transmission to our state of the art fluid exchange system that flushes the transmission and all of its components from the old fluid to the new fluid.
2. Transmission fluid flush, filter, and adjustments: This entails a complete transmission fluid flush, replacing the old transmission filter, and adjusting any linkages and bands.