Edmonds Auto Repair

A red or brown stain under your car usually means one thing—transmission fluid is leaking. While a few drops may not seem like a big deal, ignoring a transmission leak can lead to much more serious problems. Transmission fluid doesn’t just lubricate—it cools the transmission and maintains the pressure needed to shift gears smoothly. Without enough of it, performance suffers, and internal damage can happen fast. If you’ve noticed signs of a transmission fluid leak, here’s a look at the most common causes and what can be done to fix them. 1. Worn Transmission Pan Gasket One of the most frequent sources of a transmission fluid leak is the gasket that seals the transmission pan. Over time, this rubber gasket can dry out, crack, or become damaged from heat and pressure. Leaks from the pan area are often easy to spot—a drip or small puddle right under the center or front of the car. Replacing the gasket usually solves the issue, but it ... read more

Transmission maintenance is one of those things most drivers don’t think about until there’s a problem. But if your car has a transmission filter—and most do—keeping it clean is critical to long-term performance. The real question is: does your specific vehicle have one, and if so, does it need to be replaced? Not all cars are built the same. Some use traditional, replaceable filters. Others have internal screens or lifetime filters tucked away inside sealed transmissions. And for many drivers, the answer isn’t as clear-cut as they expect. Here’s how to figure out whether your car has a serviceable transmission filter and why it matters. What a Transmission Filter Does Before we get into whether your vehicle has one, it’s helpful to know what the transmission filter is for. Simply put, it keeps your transmission fluid clean by trapping metal particles, clutch material, and debris that accumulate as your car runs. Clean flui ... read more

Your transmission is one of the most important parts of your vehicle, working behind the scenes to transfer power from the engine to the wheels. When it’s running properly, shifting gears feels effortless. But when a transmission overheats, it can lead to performance problems, expensive repairs, or even complete failure. The problem is that most drivers don’t realize their transmission is overheating until it’s too late. By the time you notice sluggish shifting, slipping gears, or a warning light on the dash, the damage may already be done. So, what’s causing the heat buildup, and how can you stop it before it becomes a bigger issue? How Overheating Affects Your Transmission A transmission operates best when its temperature stays within a safe range of 175°F to 200°F. If the temperature rises above this range, transmission fluid begins to degrade, losing its ability to properly lubricate and cool the system. As a result, metal compone ... read more

Life gets busy, and it's easy to push car maintenance down on the priority list. Oil changes, brake inspections, fluid replacements—these things don’t always seem urgent until a warning light appears on the dashboard. But skipping factory-recommended maintenance can do more than just put a dent in your car’s performance. It can lead to costly breakdowns, lower fuel efficiency, and even safety risks on the road. Ignoring routine service might not show immediate consequences, but over time, neglecting factory maintenance will take a toll. From worn-out brakes to a failing transmission, small issues can snowball into major repairs that could have been avoided. How Skipping Maintenance Hurts Your Car Every part of your vehicle is designed to work together efficiently. When one component starts to wear out, it can put extra stress on other systems. A simple service appointment might feel unnecessary at the time, but it plays a critical role in preve ... read more

Your vehicle’s ignition coils play a crucial role in its performance. They convert the battery’s voltage into the high-voltage charge necessary to create a spark in the spark plugs, which ignites the fuel-air mixture in your engine. However, ignition coils wear out over time, leading to performance issues and potentially leaving you stranded if not addressed. So, how can you tell if your ignition coil is failing? Let’s explore some warning signs and their implications for your vehicle. Misfiring or Rough Engine Performance One of the most noticeable signs of a failing ignition coil is engine misfiring. You might feel your car hesitate, jerk, or sputter, especially when accelerating. This happens because the ignition coil is not supplying enough voltage to the spark plugs, causing an inconsistent combustion process. Left unchecked, misfiring can lead to increased emissions, decreased fuel efficiency, and even damage to other engine components like th ... read more