We all know how difficult it is to find service professionals we can trust and that make us feel comfortable with the solutions they provide. One of the areas that have more horror stories than others is that of mechanics. The time, money and headaches shady mechanics cause can fill up entire encyclopedias. Sometimes, going to specialized shops can be of help. One such are of specialization is transmission repair. Houston, home of the National Hot Rod Organization (NHRO), probably has hundreds of places that can perform a transmission fluid change on a regular basis.

Thankfully, you will probably need to visit a transmission repair shop once during the life of your car, since the majority of car transmissions are made to last the entire life of the vehicle. All that is required is that the car is properly maintained and serviced regularly. Many automatic transmissions have a filter that should be replaced, and the fluid changed periodically.

No matter how well you take care of the different cars you will own, at some point one of them will need work done. When the dreaded moment comes, here are a couple of things to look for when trying to find a transmission shop:

1. Recommendations from friends and family. This is the obvious place to start, since these are the people whose opinion you trust and that have your best interest in mind.

2. Referrals from trusted mechanics, and their advice. They move in the same circles and know which shops have stellar reputations. A tip they might give you is that any shop that spends less than an hour performing diagnostics should not be trusted.

3. A complete estimate that shows a clear range of costs and stipulates a maximum that will not be exceeded. This is to prevent leaving your car expecting to spend $ 800.00 only to receive a bill for $ 1,200.00.

4. Complaints made to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or a BBB Accreditation. Do not fall for over the top claims made in ads. When asked, they probably would not have a way to back them up.

5. A transparent, well taken care of shop. You should specially be on the lookout for salvage yard units. These are junkyard units that reveal a lack of expertise and professionalism in that shop.

6. A clear explanation of the problem. Do not let yourself be pressured by a technician into making a quick, uninformed decision. Also, do not let the promise of a fast service influence your decision. Extensive work can take up to three days; promising you a 24 turn-around will probably mean you will be returning sooner rather than later.

7. A firm, final quote, in writing, before paying a deposit or leaving your car.

8. A 12 month warranty. This is what any reputable shop will give. You should treat anything less as a red flag.

You will want to get through the whole ordeal as swiftly and as painlessly as possible. That is where solid advice and research comes in to save you time and money.

Author Bio: Penny Lane searched the term transmission repair Houston when she needed help after an accident. Her son searched the term transmission fluid change Houston for some automobile maintenance issues.

Category: Automotive
Keywords: Transmission repair Houston,Transmission fluid change Houston