by | Dec 20, 2021 | Transmission
When you have a car there are always things that can go wrong. One of the things that can stress you out is figuring out the cause of a leak and how to repair it. Transmission leaks are common and can be a sign of something serious or just something minor. If the transmission is leaking, it is important to repair it. The sooner you notice a leak, the faster you can fix it. If you have a car that is leaking, you should take it to a Mesa, AZ auto repair shop. This will ensure the repairs are made properly and the car is ready to be driven. Here are some things to keep in mind.
What Are The Signs Of A Transmission Leak?
While you might think it would be easy to spot a leak, there are things that can make it difficult to identify. You may notice a leaky spot but not be able to tell where it’s coming form. Sometimes small leaks are difficult to spot, sometimes the problem is obvious, there are several signs of gear leakage. Some of them are:
- Strange smell
- Visible points under the car
- Warning light on the dashboard
- Low fluid level on the rod
- Strange noise
- Delay in shifting gears or moving the car
Is it Safe to Drive a Car with a Transmission Leak?
Leaks in the transmission can cause your vehicle to malfunction. This is not dangerous in itself, but it can damage your vehicle. If the vehicle leaks for a long time, the transmission can be locked or unlocked and the vehicle can no longer be used.
You can get stuck somewhere and have to pay for truck repairs and towing. It’s better to fix a leaky transmission right away rather than walking around with a leak hoping nothing worse will happen.
How Can A Transmission Leak Be Fixed?
How to fix the transmission leak depends on the source of the leak. The most common cause of fluid leakage is a cracked disk or pan. A mechanic can replace the two defective parts quickly and easily. Some people can even replace these parts themselves. If the cause of the leak is more severe. Something like a crack or break in the torque tube, this may require major repairs and an experienced mechanic.
How To Prevent Transmission Leaks
Leaks in the transmission can be tedious and costly. While this can happen to almost any vehicle, there are several ways to prevent it from happening. It is best to take proper care of your car. Check your fluids often and add more as needed. If you notice a change in the shipping method, check for any issues. Use good quality gear oil in your vehicle and make sure you are using the correct type of vehicle.
If you think you may have a transmission leak and you need to get it repaired, take it to a Mesa, AZ auto repair shop. You can call ER or help with all your repair needs.
by | Dec 13, 2021 | Car Care & Driving Tips
Car insurance is a requirement for responsible drivers. Driving an uninsured vehicle is illegal in many states. Insurance can be expensive, but it can be useful if you or your car is in an accident. If you take out cheap car insurance online, you can save substantial costs when it comes to repairs. The better condition or shape your car is in, the better rate you will get on your insurance. You can keep your car in good condition and your car insurance rates low by taking your car to a Chandler, AZ auto repair shop. Here are some other tips that can help you save money on your car costs.
Bundle All Your Insurance
Link your car insurance to other types of insurance you may have, such as home, and health insurance. When you pack your insurance, you get a discount on your insurance policy. Even if you cannot buy your insurance as a package, try to get your car insurance with the same company that you already have other insurances with. You can get a discount because you are a loyal customer. To see if you can get auto insurance with your current insurance company, log into your account online and look for additional options. Pay for additional insurance with your credit or debit card.
Pay Online
Find online auto insurances that offer good credit discounts. Most companies run and monitor insurance and base their premiums and payments on your creditworthiness. Companies that offer good credit discounts will tell you how much you will get in advance. As your credit score goes up or down, so can your franchise amount. If you cannot find information about good credit discounts on the insurance company’s website. You can also ask about discounts for paying your bill online.
Shop Around
Visit the price comparison website to compare rates and insurance policies from many different insurance companies. That way, you can review each policy side-by-side and decide which one works best for you. Once you have found the insurance company that you want to get insurance with, you can go to this website and get the insurance policy you want. When comparing insurance, pay attention not only to the best prices, but also to the best value for money. You want to make sure you aren’t paying a lesser monthly price only to have a higher deductible if you have an accident or need to make a claim.
If you are planning to get insurance for your vehicle and want to make sure you are doing everything to keep it in good condition, be sure to remember to have it serviced often too. You can take your car to a Chandler, AZ auto repair shop to have it checked and repaired. You can call Network Automotive Service Center. We are here to assist you with all your car repair needs. Make an appointment and let us help you keep your car in good condition and save you money on your vehicle ownership.
by | Nov 22, 2021 | Transmission
You back out of the driveway and notice a reddish spot on the concrete where the car was parked. Or maybe the shifts have started feeling a little lazy, and the dipstick reads low. A leaking transmission is one of those problems that seems minor at first, because the car still drives fine, right up until it does not. The truth is that transmission leaks are among the most cost-sensitive problems on a vehicle: caught early, the fix is often simple; ignored, the same leak can lead to one of the most expensive repairs a car can need. Here is what actually happens when your transmission is leaking, and what to do about it.
What Transmission Fluid Does, and Why Losing It Hurts
Transmission fluid is not just lubricant. In an automatic transmission it is the working fluid of the whole system: it transmits hydraulic pressure to engage gears, lubricates fast-moving internal components, and carries heat away from clutches and gearsets. When the fluid level drops, all three jobs suffer at once. Pressure falls, so shifts get soft or delayed. Lubrication thins, so wear accelerates. And cooling weakens, so the transmission runs hotter, which matters enormously in Arizona, where summer heat already pushes transmission temperatures toward their limits. Heat is the number one killer of automatic transmissions, and a low fluid level in a Mesa or Gilbert summer amplifies it.
How to Recognize a Transmission Leak
Transmission fluid is typically red to reddish-brown, thinner than engine oil, and often has a slightly sweet smell when fresh. Signs to look for:
- Red or brown spots under the middle or front-middle of the vehicle after it sits.
- A low reading on the transmission dipstick, on vehicles that still have one.
- Shifting changes: hesitation, slipping, flaring RPMs between gears, or harsh engagement into drive or reverse.
- A burning smell, which can mean fluid dripping onto hot exhaust components or fluid overheating inside the transmission.
- Delayed engagement when shifting from park, especially after the car has been sitting.
Not every driveway spot is transmission fluid; engine oil runs browner and coolant is brightly colored. Placing a piece of cardboard under the car overnight is a simple way to see the color and location of a drip before you call the shop. Note how quickly spots appear as well; a drip that shows up overnight carries a different urgency than a stain that takes a week to form, and both are useful facts for your technician.
Where Leaks Come From
Most transmission leaks trace back to a handful of sources. Pan gaskets and drain plugs seep as gaskets age and harden, a process our desert heat accelerates. Axle seals and the output shaft seal wear over time. Transmission cooler lines, which carry fluid to and from the radiator, can corrode, chafe, or loosen at fittings. And on some vehicles the torque converter or front pump seal can leak, which is a more involved repair because of where it sits. The point is that “transmission leak” covers everything from a simple gasket to a job requiring transmission removal, and you cannot tell which you have without a proper look. A technician puts the vehicle on a lift, cleans the area, and traces the leak to its actual source rather than guessing from a drip that has spread along the underbody.
What Happens If You Keep Driving
This is the expensive part of the story. Driving with a leak means driving with a slowly dropping fluid level, and the failure curve is not linear. For a while the transmission compensates, and you may notice nothing. Then slipping begins, and slipping generates heat, which degrades the remaining fluid faster, which causes more slipping. Internal clutches wear rapidly once this cycle starts. What began as a seep that a gasket would have fixed becomes glazed clutches, burnt fluid, and internal damage, and at that point the conversation is about rebuilding or replacing the transmission rather than sealing a leak.
There is a safety angle too: a transmission that slips or engages unpredictably is a hazard in traffic, especially when merging or crossing intersections. If your car has reached the point of obvious slipping, treat it as urgent and call (480) 444-0242 before putting more miles on it.
Can You Prevent Transmission Leaks?
You cannot make rubber last forever, but you can slow the clock. Regular transmission service replaces fluid before it degrades and gives a technician scheduled opportunities to spot seepage while it is still a stain rather than a drip. Heat management helps too: if you tow or haul regularly in Arizona, ask whether your vehicle would benefit from additional transmission cooling, and avoid prolonged heavy throttle when the drivetrain is already heat-soaked. Finally, fix engine oil leaks and keep the underbody reasonably clean, because a clean transmission case makes any new leak visible immediately instead of hiding under years of grime.
The Smart Response to a Leak
If you spot the signs, act in this order. First, check the fluid level if your vehicle allows it, and top up with the exact fluid your manual specifies if it is low; transmissions are picky about fluid type. Second, do not treat topping off as a fix; it is a stopgap that buys you time to get the leak diagnosed. Third, schedule an inspection promptly, and mention what you have seen: spot color and location, any shifting changes, and any smells. From there, a proper diagnosis will tell you whether you need a gasket, a seal, a cooler line, or something more involved, and you can decide with real information. You can read more posts on this topic in our transmission archive, and it is worth glancing at our current coupons before your visit.
A transmission leak is your cheapest warning about your most expensive drivetrain component. Network Automotive Service Center has been family-owned since 1995, and we would much rather fix your gasket than rebuild your transmission. If you have spotted red fluid under your car or felt your shifts change, explore our services or call (480) 444-0242 to schedule a diagnosis. Catch it while it is still a small story.
by | Nov 15, 2021 | Car Care & Driving Tips
Maybe you are a winter visitor heading back north, a family with a convertible that only comes out for perfect weather, or someone deploying, traveling, or simply parking a second car for a few months. Whatever the reason, how you store a car matters far more than most people realize. A vehicle that sits for months without preparation can come out of storage with a dead battery, flat-spotted tires, degraded fluids, and even pest damage. Here is how to put a car away properly, with help from a Mesa, AZ auto repair shop for the steps best done professionally.
Start With Fresh Oil and Topped-Off Fluids
It seems backwards to change the oil in a car you are about to park, but it is one of the most important steps. Used oil carries acids and combustion byproducts that slowly work on engine internals while the car sits. Fresh oil means the engine rests in clean lubricant instead of contaminants.
While you are at it, have the other fluids checked and topped off. Coolant should be at the correct level and in good condition, since it protects the cooling system from corrosion even when the engine is not running. Brake fluid, transmission fluid, and washer fluid should all be where they belong. Storage is also a convenient time to handle any fluid services that are coming due, so the car is ready to drive when it wakes up. Our oil change and maintenance articles cover what each fluid does and when it needs attention.
Fill the Tank and Stabilize the Fuel
Gasoline degrades over time, and a partly empty tank invites condensation as temperatures swing. The standard practice for storage beyond a month or two is to fill the tank and add a fuel stabilizer, then drive briefly so treated fuel reaches the whole system. A full, stabilized tank resists both moisture buildup and the varnish deposits that stale fuel leaves behind in fuel systems.
Protect the Battery
The battery is the most common storage casualty. A modern car draws a small amount of power constantly, even parked, and over weeks that drain kills the battery. Arizona heat makes it worse, since high temperatures accelerate a battery’s natural self-discharge and internal wear.
You have two good options. If the car is stored where power is available, a battery maintainer keeps the charge topped off safely for months. If not, disconnecting the battery slows the drain considerably. Either way, have the battery tested before storage if it is more than a few years old. A battery that is already weak going in will almost certainly be dead coming out. More on this in our battery and electrical articles.
Take Care of the Tires
Tires that sit in one position for months can develop flat spots where the rubber rests against the ground. Before storage, inflate all four tires to the pressure listed on the door jamb sticker, or slightly above it if the manual allows, since tires slowly lose pressure over time. If you can, move the car a short distance every few weeks to change the contact patch. For very long storage, some owners put the car on jack stands, but for a season of storage, proper inflation and an occasional roll are usually enough.
Clean It, Cover It, and Keep Pests Out
Wash and dry the car thoroughly before it sits, because bird droppings, sap, and grime become much harder on paint when left for months, especially under the Arizona sun. Clean the interior completely and remove every trace of food, since crumbs are an open invitation to rodents.
Pest prevention deserves real attention in the desert. Rodents love parked cars, and they chew wiring, build nests in air boxes, and cause damage that can cost far more than the rest of your storage prep combined. Close the windows fully, consider deterrents around and inside the vehicle, and check the engine bay periodically if you can. Indoor or covered storage is ideal. If the car stays outside, a quality breathable car cover protects the paint and interior from relentless UV exposure.
Handle the Small Details
- Leave the parking brake off for long storage if it is safe to do so, using wheel chocks instead, since brake components can seize against each other over time.
- Top off insurance and registration decisions before you park, so the car is legal and covered while it sits.
- Note the date and mileage so you know exactly how long the car sat when it is time for its wake-up service.
Schedule a Pre-Storage Service Visit
Most of the mechanical items above can be handled in one appointment: fresh oil, fluid checks, battery test, and tire pressures, plus a general inspection so nothing goes into storage broken. It is much easier to fix problems now than to discover them months from now on a car that will not start. Call us at (480) 444-0242 to set up a pre-storage checkup, and let us know when the car is coming back out. A quick post-storage inspection makes sure everything that sat for months is ready to drive safely.
The Wake-Up Checklist
Taking a car out of storage deserves the same care as putting it away. Before the first start, check the oil level and look under the car for any fluid spots that appeared while it sat. Look over the engine bay for signs of rodent visitors, especially chewed wiring or nesting material near the air intake. Reconnect or remove the battery maintainer, set all four tires back to proper pressure, and inspect the wipers, which may have dried out even while parked.
On the first drive, keep it short and gentle. Listen for new noises, feel for pulling or vibration, and test the brakes early, since rotors often develop harmless surface rust in storage that should clear after a few stops. If anything feels off, have it inspected before returning the car to daily duty. A brief post-storage checkup is a small step that catches the problems months of sitting can create.
Store It Right, Drive It Later Without Drama
An afternoon of preparation is the difference between a car that starts right up in the spring and one that greets you with a dead battery and a repair list. Network Automotive Service Center is family-owned and has served Mesa and the East Valley since 1995. Take a look at our services and call (480) 444-0242 before you put your vehicle away. We will make sure it sleeps well and wakes up ready.
by | Nov 8, 2021 | Car Care & Driving Tips
If you have ever lost your keys or accidentally locked them in your car, you know how frustrating it can be to pay and wait for a locksmith. If you want to avoid such a scenario, you can learn to pick car door locks yourself. Not everyone can master lock picking and it takes a lot of patience and practice to get it right. Here is how you can learn to do it yourself. Keep in mind it’s always better to call a locksmith to open your car’s doors if the keys are locked inside or take your car to a Chandler, AZ auto repair shop if the doors will not open due to a mechanical issue.
Buy The Right Tools
Purchase a slim jim from your local auto parts store or order one online. These tools will help you pick your lock and is necessary if you are going to pick car door locks yourself. While a slim jim is the easiest way to pick your door locks open, it can also damage your car. It’s better to call a locksmith or have your car services to see what the doors will not open. If you don’t want to buy the tools or can’t afford them, you might want to consider taking it to a mechanic for help.
Find The Lever
Slide the slim jim between the window and the door. Be careful not to break the window glass as you do this. Gently move the slim jim along the window track until you feel it touch a lever. This lever is control the locks. Of course, depending on the type of car you have, this level may look different and be in a different location.
Be Gentle
Slowly pull up on the slim jim and allow it to catch on the lock lever. It may take several tries before you can actually hook the lever and pull it up with your tool. Keep trying until you get it. Pull the slim jim out from the window opening. Again, be very careful not to hook the glass or break it. You will need to be very gentle because it will jerk slightly when it releases and the slim jim could jar and hit the glass.
If you want to pick car door locks, you need the right tools and technique. If you are unable to pick the lock yourself, contact a lock smith or roadside assistance. In most cases, someone from one of these companies. Always use caution when trying to pick your car locks because you can easily damage your doors or windows. You may also get the attention of car thieves who may see your car as an easy target in the future. If your car doors are not functioning properly, you can take your car to a Chandler, AZ auto repair to have the doors repaired. Make an appointment with Network Automotive Service Center. We are here to help you with all your car repair needs.
by | Nov 1, 2021 | Car Care & Driving Tips
If you buy a car for the first time, you will love it. It has an unparalleled new car scent and the car is yours. Over time, this will start to change and you may feel like a new car. In most cases, you’ll want to sell your old car first before you buy a new one. This will allow you to have space for your new car, and the cash you get from the sale will help you pay for a significant portion of your new car. Here are some tips to keep in mind when selling an car and why you should take it to a Mesa, AZ auto repair shop.
Choose Your Selling Method
Decide how to sell your car. You can post to an online site like Craigslist for people all over the world to see, sell in the yard, or sell to car dealers. This is the easiest option to sell to retailers, but keep in mind that it often makes less money than selling personally. It’s always best to sell it in person, as is this allow you to talk with the person who buys it and explain any necessarily information.
Have It Inspected
Get ready to sell your car before you sell it. Thoroughly clean the inside and outside, including vacuuming and other work, to make sure the car looks new. In addition, it’s a good idea to fix small, easy-to-solve problems and take your car to a mechanic so that everything runs smoothly. If you have a dirty and damaged car, it’s not only hard to sell, but it could make you much less if it’s finally sold. If you aren’t comfortable making the repairs on your own, you should take your car to a repair shop and have the repairs made by an experienced mechanic.
Check The Value
Check the value of your car online before selling it to make sure you are worth the money. There’s nothing worse than getting out of an old car much less. You can find out how much your car is worth if you trade it in, sell it yourself, or try to sell it to a dealership. This will give you an idea of how you will want to sell the car or which method will give you the most money for your car. It will also help you decide how much to ask for it.
When you are planning to get a new car of if you just want to sell your car for another reason, you will want to keep the above tips and suggestions in mind. They can help you sell your car more easily and be able to get the most amount of money possible. When it comes time to have your car serviced at a Mesa, AZ auto repair shop before you sell it, be sure to take it to Network Automotive Service Center. We are happy to help you with all your mechanical needs. Make an appointment with us today to get your car serviced so you can sell it.