Posted by ike moya on Sat, May 15, 2010 @ 02:02 PM
Many times your auto repair concerns are greater than the actual problem! We had the opportunity to help someone this week with just that dilemma! A customer called who was going out of town and began smelling gas while driving. Fortunately, she thought to call us and we were happy to diagnose and resolve the issue quickly. It turned out to be a gas inlet baffle that was out of place. We did not charge her -- a courtesy repair. An incorrect diagnosis would have been costly! It is our number one goal to do honest, dependable repairs and keep Austin talking positive about us!
Another female customer who is new to Austin is here doing the U.S. Census and could not be happier with the service she received! Someone on her team referred her to us and were able to do turn what seemed to be a major repair into the replacement of a sensor for the transmission. This particular repair with the wrong analysis could have cost her hundreds...her bill was $85.00. It is such a great part of our business to welcome people to Austin with a positive experience! Making a difference in your auto repair experiences is what we are all about!
WE WANT TO KEEP AUSTIN MOVING!!! THANK YOU FOR TRUSTING US AUSTIN!!!
Posted by ike moya on Tue, Apr 20, 2010 @ 10:36 PM
Taking an interest in your transmission and it's life is important to the longevity of your automobile and your wallet! I want to help you understand the steps needed to check your transmission fluid -- a thorough check can mean the difference between a reasonable fluid change and expensive repairs! Let's help you take charge...
Find the transmission dipstick. On rear wheel drives, if you are standing in front of the car facing the hood, it is usually on the left side of the engine. On a front wheel drive vehicle, it is usually found on the right side of the engine. Th proper time to get a reading is at normal operating temperature. (1/2 mile to a mile will suffice). Have a towel handy. When you pull the dip stick out, you should hold it with the reading end down. (Keeps the fluid from running up the dipstick, giving you an inaccurate reading).
- First, you look at the color of the fluid. Should be red cherry colored.
- Second, smell it. You will detect a burnt odor if something is wrong.
- Third, wipe fluid between fingers (a hot fluid would mean the transmission is running hot). Caution: The fluid can truly be hot! (This is not a good sign -- could indicate poor transmission cooling).
- Fourth, when you wipe the dipstick with your fingers you will also be checking for any contamination or gritty feeling or metal flakes in the oil.
- Fifth, wipe the dipstick clean on a rag.
- Sixth, re-insert the dipstick and pull it back out to check fluid level. Keep the tip of the stick in a downward position while checking. (Otherwise it may run up the stick and give you an incorrect reading.)
- Seventh, if the fluid level is low this may indicate that you may have a leak in your transmission.
- Eighth, by turning the stick over and looking on both sides you need to observe if the fluid level is the same on both sides. If it is low on fluid, the backside may be dry.
If the fluid level is at the add mark, you would only add 1 pint (not one quart as in adding engine oil). Fluid specification is in your car manual.
Some vehicles do not have dipsticks. Some require special procedures to check fluid levels.
We are here to help you make transmission maintenance and repair the last thing to bother you in your busy world! It is our goal to treat you like family and friends -- the Austin, Texas way! You'll like IKE'S. Here is recent testimonial:
"We decided to take a chance on Ike's Transmissions and drove the car there. Through several phone conversations (Ike or one of his guys always answer the phone and are so friendly it's amazing), Ike actually figured out it was the starter instead of the transmission. We paid way less than 10% of what the dealership had quoted us, and were outta there with a smooth-running car."
Read the rest at Yelp
512-467-7881 or visit our contact us page
Posted by ike moya on Wed, Mar 31, 2010 @ 11:13 PM
At Ike's Transmissions and Auto Repair here in Austin, Texas we pride ourselves for staying on the cutting edge of technology and industry updates when it comes to keeping our customer's cars going! Our new blog will be another way for us to keep you informed and get feedback from our wonderful customers! President Eisenhower's supporters used the slogan: I Like Ike. At Ike's our customers tell us: I LIKE IKE'S! We hope you will feel the same way after receiving professional, courteous car car here in Austin.
I want to begin a conversation about changing ATF or automatic transmission fluid on your vehicle. Change the fluid every 30,000 miles, but be careful, make sure that the filter is replaced. Many places advertise transmission fluid flushes but DO NOT replace the filter! Transmissions need extremely clean fluid to work properly, so when they flush a transmission without changing the filter, metal shavings and other things can get stirred up and sent through the transmission causing problems or even failure later down the road. Another sure way to know when to change it is by referring to the owners manual in the glove box. In the book you will see the recommended fluid change intervals for all your fluids. They are recommended by mileage for normal driving, but if you drive hard or do severe driving and a lot of stop and go, then change the fluids more often. Check transmission fluid on the dip stick and look for a nice red color and no burned smell. My next blog entry will give you specific instructions on how to check your own transmission fluid. Please look for it!
We urge you to do preventative care on your car just like you do for yourself. The same theory of keeping your body fit and fed properly is just like your car! The law of consequence is equal in both cases -- in the keep - your- car - in - excellent - shape part of your life, Ike's is committed to keeping your car maintained and you feeling great behind the wheel!
We can't wait to hear from you...you are like family to us here in Austin!