Ray Sanchez, the owner of Mister Transmission Toronto, makes a guest appearance on the Dave’s Corner Garage radio program to offer some professional transmission service and preventative maintenance advice.

Listen here: Dave’s Corner Garage with Ray Sanchez – November 1st, 2014.

About Dave’s Corner Garage: Dave’s Corner Garage (On air every Saturday from 10-11am) is your weekly car-care radio show, hosted by “neighbourhood mechanic” Dave Redinger and Alan Gelman. With decades of hands-on experience, Dave and Alan answer your questions, and present fascinating guests ranging from racing drivers to insurance agents, police spokespersons, car industry executives and critics. Get improved mileage and a Saturday morning smile too.

Tip 7: Preventive Maintenance

Your transmission’s vital parts get clogged with sludge and varnish deposits…just like the oil in your car’s engine. Transmission fluid suffers from heat, friction and electrochemical degradation. In fact, nearly nine out of ten transmission failures are due to overheating and fluid contamination.

Preventive maintenance every 24,000 – 36,000 kilometers is the key to insuring a longer life span of your transmission. Take care of your car so that your car can take care of you and allow you to arrive to your destination safely.

Tip 8: Extreme Conditions can affect the Life Expectancy

Extreme conditions, hot or cold weather, frequent long trips and off road driving can affect the life expectancy of your transmission. Overhauling is a major contributing factor in transmission fluid breakdown. Bring your vehicle in for our Free road test and Multi-Check to keep it running smoothly all year long and inquire about a transmission cooler for your vehicle. Towing can be a cause of transmission fluid overheating. You may require extra fluid cooling capacity if your vehicle regularly pulls a heavy load.

Tip 4: Spot the Warning Signs

If you experience any of the following contact a Mister Transmission technician:

The engine sounds like it’s running, but the vehicle doesn’t move
You hear unusual noises when the vehicle shifts during acceleration
You can’t get your vehicle to move when in reverse
The vehicle is overheating
You’ve noticed a reddish fluid under your vehicle
Your transmission hesitates
Standard transmission is noisy or hard to shift

Tip 5: Worn Clutch Causes Shudder

If your automatic transmission has trouble shifting gears or is slipping between gear changes you might have a transmission problem. If you are experiencing trouble shifting your manual transmission or the shift is difficult or delayed or if your clutch seems to be slipping, you may require a transmission service.

If your manual transmission shudders when you shift, if you really have to work to change gears, or if you hear noise when you shift, it’s time to visit us.

Ask about our 24 month, 40,000 KM clutch warranty. Our install comes with a full two-year 40,000 KM warranty. Visit participating locations.

Tip 6: Two Dipsticks under your Car’s Hood

There are two dipsticks under your car’s hood, one for your oil, one for your transmission fluid. Familiarize yourself with the locations so you can check both while you or your service provider is under the hood.

Tip 1: Inspect the Level and Condition of
Transmission Fluid

Make sure you inspect the level and condition of your transmission fluid and change fluids in accordance with manufacturers’ maintenance schedules to prevent wear and damage. Ensure the car is in park and running while you check. Pull the transmission dipstick out and check the fluid to ensure that it is red and does not have an unpleasant odor. Transmission fluid is transparent red in color when in good condition. If the fluid is cloudy, muddy brown, or black and/or it smells burnt, you should have the vehicle checked out as soon as possible.

Note: there are a variety of transmission fluid types. Make sure the proper fluid is used to ensure proper operation of your vehicle. The use of the wrong fluid will lead to early internal parts failure.

Tip 2 – Be Aware of Unusual Noises

To catch a problem with your transmission before it causes major damage, you should always be aware of any unusual behavior, noises or vibrations from your vehicle and have them checked right away.

Tip 3: Inspect for Leaks

Inspect beneath your car for leaks. The transmission fluid is reddish in color and you should be able to spot it clearly if there is a leak. If you notice a leak, visit a Mister Transmission dealer as soon as possible. If the fluid level goes below the recommended levels, you are at risk of serious transmission damage.

The Win Your Repair program first began in January 2009. The contest allows all Mister Transmission customers an opportunity to enter their name for a chance to win back the cost of their repair (up to $2000). A winner’s name is pulled every quarter. The contest is open to all Canadians, and is a National program.

Congratulations Arthur Whitty of Scarborough, Ontario who “won his repair” at Mister Transmission Toronto in January of 2014. The prize was proudly presented by Ray Sanchez and Gus Katsovos of Mister Transmission Toronto. (photo courtesy of The Scarborough Mirror).

The most common single cause of transmission failure is old or poor-quality fluid and filters. Next time you check your oil, check your transmission fluid level too. Then examine its color. Good transmission fluid should be a bright, clear red. If it is dark or cloudy, it should be replaced. Other signs of developing problems include hard shifting, slipping in gear or stains in the driveway from the center of the car.