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2024

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Best Transmission Shops in Salinas, CA

Our Recommended Top 6

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls

Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Salinas Transmission Shops on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

40Reviewed

26Curated

6Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

235 Front Street Unit H, Salinas, CA 93901
WebsiteLicense: 267910

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Restoration Hydramatics fixes transmission problems in cars owned by motorists in and around Salinas. It repairs various types of transmissions with both soft and hard parts. Its crew assists clients in finding the right transmission for any make, model, and year of classic and muscle cars, and rebuilding them like new. Gene Berck of Transmissions by Gene has more than 40 years of experience rebuilding transmissions. He also overhauls the transmissions in the military APC units.

  • Manual Transmission
  • Clutch Repair

1341 Dayton St A, Salinas, CA 93901
WebsiteLicense: 244577

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (67)
Facebook
4.7 (23)
Yelp
5.0 (14)

Why choose this provider?

Salinas Car Care caters to the transmission repair needs of customers in the metro. Its technicians help extend the life of vehicles through transmission repairs and overhauls. They also perform standard maintenance services, such as filter replacement, oil changes, check engine light repairs, and safety and emissions inspections. The auto repair shop offers a variety of amenities, including coffee, snacks, Wi-Fi, and a courtesy shuttle service. Its partner brands include ACDelco, JASPER, and Advance Auto Parts.

  • Service, Diagnose and Repair

555 Auto Center Circle, Salinas, CA 93907
WebsiteLicense: 170424

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.3 (132)
Yelp
3.5 (81)
Facebook
3.5 (48)

Why choose this provider?

Cardinale Mazda has been providing transmission services to clients in Salinas and the surrounding areas for over 20 years. These include transmission fluid exchanges, inspections and diagnosis, and replacements. The shop also offers other automotive services, such as preventive maintenance, wheel alignment, and brake repairs. Its technicians are factory-trained and Mazda-certified. They use specialized tools and equipment and provide OEM parts for replacements. For the convenience of its clients, the company has an online scheduler to accommodate 24/7 appointments.

  • Mazda Service Center
  • Service, Diagnose and Repair

231 Commission St., Salinas, CA 93901
WebsiteLicense: 298838

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (22)
Google
4.7 (15)
Yelp
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Stage 1 Auto is a locally owned and operated automotive repair shop serving owners and drivers in the Salinas metro and nearby areas. Its technicians service both domestic and foreign cars. They cover a wide range of automotive jobs, from basic maintenance checks to general repairs. The staff is also available to address transmission issues to bring back the drivability of clients' vehicles. Stage 1 Auto has been in business for more than 40 years.

  • ASE Certified
  • Service, Diagnose and Repair

2161 N Main St, Salinas, CA 93906
WebsiteLicense: 279749

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (389)
Yelp
4.5 (113)
Facebook
5.0 (6)

Why choose this provider?

Trustlane Automotive has been serving clients in Salinas since 2011. It provides a variety of repair and maintenance solutions for different automotive components. It handles transmission and engine rebuilds, as well as laser alignment for tires and wheels. Its team of mechanics performs scheduled tune-ups and oil changes and fixes brakes and suspensions. The facility is also equipped to conduct emission and smog testing. Company owner Juan started his career in the industry at the age of 15.

  • ASE Certified

1299 N Main St, Salinas, CA 93906
WebsiteLicense: 296310

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.4 (64)
Facebook
5.0 (5)
Yelp
3.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

A-1 Automotive is a full-service repair shop that offers solutions to the transmission needs of motorists in Salinas. Its team of mechanics diagnoses drivability problems and repairs or replaces engines and transmissions. The team locates the root cause of check engine light activation, runs electrical and mechanical diagnostic tests, and performs regular fluid servicing. These mechanics service a wide range of makes, from Ford and Acura to Kia and MG. Additionally, they install transmission products from Jasper.

  • Service, Diagnose and Repair

Compare our Top Transmission Shops

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Restoration Hydramatics
235 Front Street Unit H, Salinas, CA 93901
Salinas Car Care
1341 Dayton St A, Salinas, CA 93901
Cardinale Mazda
555 Auto Center Circle, Salinas, CA 93907
Stage 1 Auto
231 Commission St., Salinas, CA 93901
Trustlane Automotive
2161 N Main St, Salinas, CA 93906
A-1 Automotive
1299 N Main St, Salinas, CA 93906

FAQs

  • Introduction

    Transmission repair technicians work in auto body shops and assist with broken transmission adjustments, new transmission installs, transmission resealing, and inspections. Vehicles often require transmission repair when they're leaking fluid, making grinding noises, or shaking. Most transmissions are designed to last between 80,000 and 150,000 miles.

    In certain vehicles, the check engine light may come on when there are transmission problems, and in most cases, transmissions don't completely go out without giving off warning signs. Minor transmission issues can often be remedied by flushing out the system or repairing small parts of the system, while more extensive matters may require complete replacement.
  • What is transmission repair?

    Transmission repair refers to multiple types of repairs performed on a vehicle's transmission. Repair options include fluid replacement, adjustments, resealing, leak repair, and complete transmission overhaul. In cases where transmissions have completely failed due to age or severe damage, full replacements are often required.

  • What are signs that your transmission is going out? 

    Signs that a transmission is going out can include fluid leakage, slow response or a total lack of response, grinding and jerking when driving, and a burning smell coming from the vehicle. A vehicle owner may also notice that their car doesn't easily go into gear, and the service engine soon light may come on more frequently.

  • What causes a transmission to go out?

    Transmissions can go out for a variety of reasons, including overheating, failure to maintain fluid levels, starting the vehicle too quickly, and abrupt stopping. In certain cases, using the wrong type of fluid can also lead to transmission failure.

  • Can you drive with a bad transmission?

    In certain cases, it's possible to drive with a bad transmission. However, depending on the extent of the damage, it can be risky and dangerous, and it's not recommended. When a transmission continually slips out of gear into neutral or it's continually leaking fluid, it should be assessed by a mechanic immediately.

  • Can you repair a transmission without replacing it?

    If only one specific part of a transmission requires repair, or if a transmission is simply in need of a tune-up or fluid replenishment, a full replacement may not be needed. Replacements are generally recommended when there is total transmission failure or vehicles have been driven between 80,000 and 150,000 miles.

  • Should I repair my transmission?

    When a transmission is leaking fluid or causing the vehicle to jerk or not start properly, it's important to consult with a skilled mechanic who can perform repairs to prevent further damage and potentially dangerous driving conditions. In certain cases, such as complete transmission failure, replacements or rebuilds are often recommended.

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