Are you having problems with your car’s transmission? Does It feel like your car won’t stay in gear or the gears are slipping? Those are signs that your transmission is failing. Now since the transmission is the most essential system for your car to operate properly, it is crucial that you get it fixed by a trained professional. A highly trained transmission mechanic will be able to give you a proper diagnosis of your transmission.
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The transmission is complex and constantly working to help your car move forward. You don’t have to diagnose any of these issues on your own. Always make sure that you contact a reputable repair shop to find a transmission mechanic. They will be able to repair your transmission and fix any leaks that might be occurring in the system. Additionally, they will give you a price estimate before starting their work so you can financially plan.
What Does A Transmission Mechanic Do?
Once you have determined that you might have transmission problems, you will want to go see a transmission mechanic to figure out what the exact problem is. You might be wondering what exactly does a transmission mechanic do? It is important to understand their jobs before you have them do a serious repair on your car.
A transmission mechanic is also sometimes called service technicians. Their job is to inspect, maintain, and repair cars. They have a list of duties that they routinely partake in. Some of their day to day duties include the following:
- Identifying problems using computerized diagnostic tools
- Test car parts and car systems to make sure they work properly
- Perform basic care and maintenance such as oil changes, rotating tires, and checking fluid levels
- Use charts and technical manuals to plan work procedures
- Follow checklists to make sure cars are working properly
- Repair and replace worn car parts that include sensors and brake pads
- Explain car problems to clients
- Perform quality repairs up to manufacturers standards
As you can see from this list above, their job is to ensure they perform quality repairs. These transmission mechanics specifically work on traditional mechanical systems like transmissions and engines. They also need to be familiar with the constantly changing electronic systems. All of these systems are interconnected. What does that mean? So, your car's braking and transmission systems are controlled mostly by computer systems and electronic components.
Mechanics utilize many different tools to perform their jobs efficiently. They use computerized diagnostic tools and power tools. Some examples of power tools include lathes, welding torches, jacks, hoists, and pneumatic wrenches. The majority of times the employers own these tools because they can be expensive and are critical for certain repairs. Mechanics also need to know how to use common hand tools like wrenches, sockets, and ratchets. Often a mechanic will own these tools since they are pretty common. Many transmission mechanics have thousands of dollars invested in their own set of tools.
Transmission mechanics specifically work on gear trains, hydraulic pumps, couplings, and other parts of the transmission system. Their job is to diagnose the problem and then have the ability to repair multiple parts of the transmission. These mechanics need extensive knowledge of computer controls to help them repair certain parts.
They also have the ability to diagnose electrical and hydraulic problems so they can work on the complex components of a transmission. If you are having problems with your transmission, you will want to find a mechanic that specifically works on transmission systems. This system is very complex so it is important that a mechanic has specific experience with transmissions.
How Can I Become A Transmission Mechanic?
You might be wondering what are the qualifications to become a mechanic? This is an important question. In fact, employers prefer that automotive mechanics complete a formal training program. This typically is done at a postsecondary institution. Often an industry certification is required once the person is employed. Repair shops have certain standards they abide by. They want to hold a great reputation by hiring knowledgeable mechanics.
Education
Many high schools offer courses in automotive repair, electronics, and computers. This provides a basic background for individuals interested in becoming a mechanic. Often, those classes are not enough to actually become a mechanic. More training is needed to become entirely qualified. If you are interested in becoming a mechanic, the high school classes are a great option because they will expose you to a lot of great information that will help you through training.
If you are looking to apply for an entry-level position, you should complete a postsecondary education program in automotive service technology. This will prepare you to become a highly trained mechanic. These programs typically last anywhere from 6 months to a year. They will provide you with intensive preparation through classroom led instruction as well as hands-on practice. Both of those are very important. You need some classroom instruction to learn the basic material. The hands-on work will help you learn exactly how to do repair things. They both are very necessary in order to get qualified.
Some transmission mechanics will get an associate’s degree. This education route is also a great option. These courses typically include automotive repair, electronics, and mathematics. You will also take important courses on customer service so you know how to interact with your clients when you start to repair their cars. It is very important to know how to communicate correctly with individuals. You want to be personable and confident when you are talking to your client about a car repair. It is important to build trust with your clients to put their minds at ease. Transmission repairs cost a lot of money so customers want to know their car is in good hands.
Training Programs
Once a mechanic graduates from postsecondary programs in automotive service technology, they will have to go through some on-the-job training. This is very important so they understand what is expected of them on the job. This also allows them to get comfortable with the specific tools at this repair shop. They also need to understand the rules that this repair shop implements. A training program at the job site is a perfect way to clear up all expectations.
Mechanics who have not completed their post-secondary education will start as a trainee technician. They will help out with certain repair jobs and lubricate parts. This hands-on job will help them learn how to become a mechanic and allow them to gradually acquire more knowledge and experience.
Licenses and Certifications
There are certain requirements and certifications that a mechanic must have to perform their work. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires all technicians who work with refrigerants to be certified. There are certain training programs they can go through to get certified. One common certification is from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. This is the standard credential for mechanics and it demonstrates an individual's competence. This certification typically means they will get paid more as well.
Every mechanic can choose which area they want to get certified in. They can choose areas such as automatic transmissions, brakes, diesel engines, electrical systems, engine performance, and many more. To become certified, a mechanic must have at least 2 years of experience and pass an exam.
What Qualities Do I Need to Become A Mechanic?
While the training and education is important, there are some important qualities that a transmission mechanic should possess. Listed below are some of the most important qualities:
Customer-service skills: Since mechanics are constantly working with clients, they must be able to have great customer service skills. They need to be able to deliver important automotive problems to their customers. They also need to be able to clearly explain their customer’s options to fix their car. Mechanics rely on repeat customers so it is critical that they are courteous, great listeners, and attentive. These individuals need to answer any questions their customers have along the way.
Mechanical skills: Mechanics must be familiar with the engine components and transmission systems. These two components are essential to the car’s operation. Their job might require them to take apart these major parts to repair something and then put it all back together.
Detail-oriented: Since mechanics are constantly inspecting parts, they need to be aware of every small detail. Many issues are due to misalignments so they have to pay attention to every small detail within a system.
Organizational skills: It is crucial that a mechanic keeps their workspace clean and organized. This will help them ensure they keep record of all important parts and keep a safe work environment. Organization is so important so they don’t put a part in the wrong spot.
Physical strength: Often mechanics will be required to lift heave parts. They will need to maneuver parts such as engines and body panels. It is important that they have the physical strength to be able to perform these important tasks.
What Should My Mechanic Be Providing Me?
There are a few things that every transmission mechanic should be providing you. It is important to understand exactly what is offered through your transmission repair. This is the job of the mechanic to give you this information. If they don’t, always make sure to ask them any questions you might have so you fully understand what they are doing and what you are getting. Listed below are a few common things that every transmission mechanic should provide you.
Diagnostics Before Pricing: A mechanic should always run diagnostics before giving you a price estimate. This allows them to understand what the exact problem is so they can determine how to fix it. Once they know what the job will entail, then they can give you a price estimate.
Map Out Your Transmission Repair: Once your mechanic has run diagnostics on your transmission, they should map out what they need to do to repair it. It is important that you both are on the same page before they start the repair. You want to make sure you fully understand what they are going to do and how much it is going to cost. This will help you financially plan before the repair happens.
Free Local Towing: Your repair shop should offer your free towing. Transmission companies should understand that if your transmission is not working properly, you cannot move your car. The repair shop should be responsible for towing your car and getting it back to their repair shop.
Comprehensive Transmission Warranty: If you are having your transmission repaired, you should ask your transmission mechanic about the type of warranty they offer. Often, you can purchase a warranty. It is smart to purchase a warranty for your transmission since it is such an essential part of your vehicle.
Conclusion
Is your car’s transmission failing? It is critical that you get it repaired by a highly trained transmission mechanic as soon as possible. Bad problems will occur if you continue to drive your car with a faulty transmission. It can be difficult to find a trustworthy transmission mechanic. Always reach out to multiple repair shops so you can speak with the mechanics and get price quotes.
Since this is an extensive repair job, you want someone who is very knowledgeable with transmissions. Look online at the reviews to see if they are reputable. Often talking to a transmission mechanic will give you the best idea if you want them to repair your car or not.
These repairs are not cheap. Since the transmission is an essential system, it is very expensive to repair. Cash Cars buyers purchase cars to refurbish and sell at the best price. We understand that you might not be able to afford a transmission repair. If you are in this situation, consider selling your car to us. We will give you cash for it and you can put that money towards a newer car.
We don’t care what condition your car is in, we will take it regardless if it runs properly. We will use it for its working parts and repair the parts we want to. Are you interested in selling your car to us? Head over to our website and get a quote.
Repairing the transmission of a vehicle is expensive. Furthermore, finding a reliable and trustworthy transmission mechanic can be difficult. If you can’t afford to repair your transmission, sell your car to us instead. Contact us today to get a quote!