The methods by which a transmission repair establishment does business can tip off a car owner to its reliability. Generally, the reliable auto transmission repair shop will follow certain procedures when a vehicle is brought in with a suspected transmission malfunction. The procedures should run along these lines:

• The service personnel carefully question the owner about the vehicles operation.

• The transmission fluid is checked.

• The condition of the motor mounts are considered.

• The vehicle is given a road test to allow the mechanic to experience driving performance.

• The car is examined, put on a lift if necessary, and carefully checked by the mechanic for all possible external causes of the difficulty.

Watch out for the "Metal Shavings"  gimmicks and other unethical practices. If you have a "horror story" you'd like to share, just send it to us and we'll consider it for inclusion so that others can benefit.

For additional consumer information, refer to the pamphlet "Tips on Automatic Transmissions" produced by the Better Business Bureau. It contains valuable consumer tips and is free of charge. We maintain a limited supply of these pamphlets in our shop. Feel free to stop by and pick one up or contact the Better Business Bureau and ask for a copy of publication No.02-139.LBL101295.