Transmission Trouble? Here’s What You Need to Know

Jefferson Auto Service • May 28, 2025

When to Worry, What to Watch For, and How to Save Your Transmission

Your car’s transmission is one of its most important—and most expensive—systems. It’s what makes your vehicle move, shift, and respond when you hit the gas. But when it starts acting up, it doesn’t always scream for attention right away.

At Jefferson Auto Service, we specialize in transmission repairs and diagnostics, and we know how crucial early detection can be. Whether you drive a commuter car, pickup truck, SUV, or minivan, catching problems early can save you time, stress, and thousands of dollars in repairs.

Here’s what every driver should know about spotting—and solving—transmission trouble before it gets serious.

⚠️ Signs Your Transmission Might Be in Trouble

Your car won’t always throw a check engine light when the transmission is struggling. Instead, you might notice:

Slipping gears (RPMs climb but the car doesn’t accelerate smoothly)
Delayed shifting or hesitation when going from park to drive
Hard shifts that feel jerky or clunky
Strange noises, like whining, buzzing, or clunking
Fluid leaks under your car that are reddish in color
Burning smells, especially after driving for a while

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to schedule an inspection. Transmission issues don’t fix themselves, and the longer you wait, the more damage (and cost) can build up.

💡 Don’t Panic—Not Every Transmission Issue Means a Full Replacement

One of the biggest myths we hear from customers is: “If it’s the transmission, it’s probably toast.”

That’s simply not true. In many cases, the issue may be:

A low fluid level or fluid that needs replacing
A worn-out sensor or solenoid
A clogged transmission filter
A problem with the computer system, not the transmission itself

Our team uses advanced diagnostic tools to get to the root of the problem, so you’re not stuck guessing or paying for work you don’t need.

🧰 Why Regular Transmission Service Matters

Transmission fluid works hard to keep your gears cool, clean, and shifting smoothly. Over time, that fluid breaks down, especially in Michigan’s hot summers and cold winters.

At Jefferson Auto Service, we recommend checking your transmission fluid as part of your routine maintenance schedule. For many vehicles, service is recommended every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, but we’ll always check your manufacturer’s guidelines and driving habits to give you the best advice.

Regular fluid changes can:

Extend the life of your transmission
Improve performance and shift quality
Prevent overheating and internal damage
Save you thousands in the long run

🛠️ Why Drivers Trust Jefferson Auto Service

Transmission work is complex, but it doesn’t have to be confusing. At Jefferson Auto Service, our ASE-certified technicians specialize in diagnostics, repairs, and rebuilds for all makes and models.

And because we believe in treating our customers with respect and transparency, we’ll walk you through:

What’s going wrong (in plain English)
What your options are
What can wait—and what can’t
What the cost will be before we do the work

No pressure. No surprises. Just honest, reliable service you can count on.

Having Transmission Issues? We’re Here to Help.

Don’t let a minor symptom become a major breakdown. Whether you’re hearing a strange sound or just want peace of mind before your next road trip, we’re ready to take a look.

📍 Stop by one of our 3 convenient locations in Harrison Township, Clinton Township, or Shelby Township
📞 Call or schedule an appointment online
🛠️ Jefferson Auto Service—Where real answers and real solutions come standard.

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Behind the Scenes: Meet the Jefferson Auto Service Team

By Jefferson Auto Service • May 1, 2025

The People Who Keep You Safely on the Road When you drop your car off at Jefferson Auto Service, you’re not just handing your keys to a technician—you’re trusting your safety, your time, and your investment to a team that takes that responsibility seriously. That’s why, this month, we’re pulling back the curtain and inviting you to get to know the faces behind the wrench . Because we’re more than just a repair shop—we’re a local, family-rooted business filled with hardworking, skilled professionals who genuinely care about doing right by our customers. Here’s a look at some of the incredible people who make Jefferson Auto Service what it is. 🔧 Kenneth – Owner & Lead Technician If you’ve been to our Harrison Township location, there’s a good chance you’ve met Ken. With decades of dealership and high-tech diagnostic experience under his belt, Kenneth brings top-tier skill and a calm, respectful approach to both vehicle repair and team leadership. He bought Jefferson Auto Service with one goal: to create a shop where customers are treated like real people and employees are treated like family. Mission accomplished. “I believe in doing the job right, being honest, and standing behind every repair. That’s how trust is built—and that’s what this business is all about.” – Kenneth 👩‍🔧 Kylie – Service Advisor & Community Champion Kylie is often the first friendly voice you hear when you call us, and she’s a big part of what makes our customer service shine. She keeps the shop running smoothly, helps walk customers through what their cars need (and why), and always brings a sense of humor and heart to the job. She’s also deeply involved in local events and giving back —from fishing derbies to bike parades. “This isn’t just where I work—it’s where I live, shop, and raise my family. I want every customer to feel like they’re being looked out for, because they are.” – Kylie 🛠️ Our Techs – Trained, Trusted, and Always Learning Behind every repair is a technician who takes pride in their work—and we’re proud of the team we’ve built across our Harrison Township, Clinton Township, and Shelby Township locations . Our techs are: ASE-certified and constantly learning Skilled in diagnostics, electrical, and engine work Committed to clear communication and honest assessments Trained on the latest tools and inspection technology Whether they’re rebuilding a transmission or replacing a battery , our techs approach every job with precision, respect, and professionalism . 💬 Why It Matters We know dropping your vehicle off for repairs isn’t always fun. That’s why we work hard to make it feel different here. You’ll always be treated with respect You’ll get transparent, straightforward advice You’ll never be upsold on things you don’t need You’ll be supporting a local business that supports you back At Jefferson Auto Service, we’re proud of the team we’ve built , and we’re even prouder of the relationships we’ve built with drivers and families all over Macomb County. Stop By and Say Hello Need maintenance or repairs this month? We’d love to see you—and now that you know a little more about the team, we hope you’ll feel even more confident bringing your vehicle to us. 📍 Visit us in Harrison Twp, Clinton Twp, or Shelby Twp 📞 Call or book online —real people, real help 🛠️ Jefferson Auto Service: Where respect, reliability, and real skill come standard.

Professional AC Inspection Before Summer | Jefferson Auto Service

The Benefits of a Professional AC Inspection Before Summer Hits

April 25, 2025

Stay cool this summer with a professional AC inspection at Jefferson Auto Service in Clinton Twp, Harrison Twp, and Washington Twp, MI. Schedule your service today!

The Truth About Preventative Maintenance (and Why It Saves You Thousands)

By Jefferson Auto Service • April 1, 2025

It’s Not a Sales Pitch—It’s Just Smart Car Care We get it. “Preventative maintenance” can sound like one of those vague buzzwords tossed around in the auto world. But here at Jefferson Auto Service , we want to break it down for you—because the truth is, staying ahead of repairs is one of the smartest ways to save money and extend the life of your vehicle . And it’s not just about oil changes (though yes, those are important). Preventative maintenance means catching issues early, staying on top of wear-and-tear, and keeping your car running safely and reliably —before small problems turn into big, expensive ones. 🚗 What Is Preventative Maintenance, Exactly? It’s the routine service your car needs to stay in good shape. Think of it like going to the dentist—you wouldn’t wait until you have a toothache to go in, right? Preventative maintenance includes : Oil and filter changes Brake inspections and replacements Fluid checks (coolant, transmission, power steering, etc.) Tire rotations and pressure checks Battery and charging system testing Suspension and steering evaluations Belt and hose inspections These aren’t “extra” services—they’re the foundation of good car health. 💰 Why It Saves You Money (Yes, Really) We’ve seen it time and again: a $100 service that gets skipped turns into a $1,000+ repair. For example: Ignoring a coolant leak could lead to overheating—and a blown head gasket Letting your brake pads wear down too far can destroy your rotors Skipping tire rotations means uneven wear and early replacement By catching issues early, we help you avoid breakdowns, towing, rental cars, and stress. That’s real savings—financially and emotionally. 🔧 Your Car’s Maintenance Schedule Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All Your vehicle’s needs depend on your driving habits, mileage, the Michigan weather, and more. At Jefferson Auto Service, we don’t push generic checklists. We tailor maintenance to you and your vehicle . Whether you drive a truck, SUV, commuter car, or family van, our ASE-certified team will walk you through: What your car needs now What’s coming up next What can wait—and what can’t We’ll even keep track of your maintenance schedule for you. Three locations. One dependable team. Always in your corner. 🛡️ It’s Not Just About Performance—It’s About Safety Preventative maintenance isn’t just about avoiding big repair bills—it’s also about keeping you and your family safe . A worn brake line, a failing battery, or low transmission fluid can all leave you stranded (or worse). That’s why so many local drivers trust Jefferson Auto Service. We’re here to keep you safe, informed, and on the road—with repairs you can trust and advice you can actually understand. Ready for Your Spring Maintenance Check? Spring is the perfect time to give your car the attention it deserves. Whether you’re gearing up for road trips or just shaking off a long Michigan winter, our team is here to help. 📍 Visit us at any of our three locations—Harrison Township, Clinton Township, or Shelby Township 📞 Schedule your appointment online 🛠️ Jefferson Auto Service: Honest work. Fair pricing. No nonsense.