Transmission Service
Regular maintenance makes the difference between a vehicle that runs for tens of thousands of miles and one that runs for hundreds of thousands of miles. Transmission service is one of the most critical maintenance operations any GMC will need during its running life. A lack of regularly scheduled maintenance eventually causes transmission breakdown, which means expensive part replacement. Let’s look at what signs suggest a transmission service, the tasks performed during a service, and why you should choose Meadowland GMC for this important maintenance task.
Signs a Transmission Needs Service
The frequency of normal transmission service varies depending on the transmission type. Manual transmissions require maintenance every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, standard format automatic transmissions require maintenance every 30,000 to 100,000 miles, and continuously variable transmissions require maintenance every 30,000 miles. Every GMC vehicle has an owner’s manual that lists a specific transmission maintenance schedule.
Sometimes, signs of a transmission needing service appear before those scheduled periods elapse. Two of the most notable signs a transmission fails are an inability to shift gears and slipping between gears without driver or computer-timed activation. Other signs include odd noises when shifting into neutral, a dragging clutch, a burning smell, leaking fluid, and grinding or shaking when shifting. If your vehicle shows any of these signs, it is unsafe to drive, and you should arrange for it to be towed for service.
Transmission Service vs. Transmission Flush and Total Flush
It’s essential to be able to differentiate between a standard transmission service and a transmission flush. We check all transmissions for leaks before we perform any of these services.
Transmission Service
Routine service begins with a transmission history check. After that, we drain about half the transmission fluid and check it for contaminants caused by damage to internal components. This can be done with or without a sump pan, varying by transmission design. We then refill the lost fluid and replace the transmission filter and gasket material with new versions. We check, repair, or replace the clutches on manual transmissions as needed during standard transmission service.
Transmission Flush
A transmission flush is a fluid exchange that replaces 100% of the transmission fluid. The filter is not changed during transmission flushes. Flushes can be performed with specialized flushing machines or by disconnecting the transmission’s cooling line.
Total Flush
A third type of service, called a total flush, is also available. This service combines complete fluid replacement and filter and gasket material replacement, essentially making it a standard transmission service plus a transmission flush. The old fluid is flushed by a flood of new fluid during a total flush, causing it to rain down into the pan or basin for discard.
Transmission Repair and Replacement Cost
Transmission flush and standard transmission services cost between $125 and $250, depending on the vehicle. Minor transmission damage may be repairable. These repairs run between $300 and $1,400 on average, depending on the components that need to be replaced. Heavy leaks or multiple damaged internal components may suggest a need for transmission replacement, which costs between $2,300 and $4,600 for parts and labor, depending on the type and model. It’s easy to see why sticking to a regular transmission maintenance schedule is well worth the time and effort.
Transmission Fluid Replacement Cost
Manual transmissions and continuously variable automatic transmissions contain nine to 13 quarts of transmission fluid, depending on transmission size. Standard format automatic transmissions tend to contain between 12 and 16 quarts, depending on size. Transmission fluid prices tend to hover around $25 a quart or $100 a gallon.
Have Your GMC’s Transmission Serviced at Meadowland GMC
There are many reasons you should have your transmission serviced at Meadowland GMC.
Our Experienced Professional Service Team
The first is our expertise. We know every GMC transmission down to the finest detail, and our people are best qualified to service all GMC transmission units. Our maintenance teams have many decades of combined experience, and we frequently retrain them in the ins and outs of all new GMC parts, equipment, and procedures. In short, their knowledge advances in step with industry advances. That isn’t something most independent shops can claim.
Our Original Equipment Manufacturer Parts Standards
Our replacement transmissions and transmission components are always original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts designed to fit and operate perfectly with their connecting parts.OEM parts are longer lasting and more reliable than aftermarket parts on average. You can be sure you’re getting the best parts we offer at Meadowland GMC, whether individual gears, fluid, or a full transmission is required.
Available GMC Performance Transmissions
Our service crews can also provide and work on performance-tier GMC transmissions, so let us know if you want to upgrade and increase your vehicle’s capabilities. Performance transmissions are capable of precision control in gear shifting, allowing for faster acceleration. They last longer, are more durable, and have lower running temperatures. That last advantage is beneficial for GMCs in areas with hotter climates, as increased heat means increased wear.
Available Service Specials
Check out our service specials for savings on transmission and other GMC service varieties. We often discount many of our services by a certain percentage and even offer some for free. Available offers vary over time, so you should check back regularly if you’re looking to maximize your savings.
Competitive Service Rates, Warranty Coverage, and Service Hours
Meadowland GMC offers competitive transmission service, transmission flush, total flush, repair, and replacement rates. We also offer service freely to all drivers with GMCs under warranty. The GMC Powertrain Limited Warranty is the one tied to transmission services and is valid for five years or 60,000 miles. Our service center is open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. It’s closed every Sunday.
Please feel free to contact us online and schedule transmission service to keep your GMC in fine working order. Our service center pros will gladly answer any questions you have about transmission services and upgrades.