$100 off
transmission repair
on qualifying repairs of $1,000 or more before tax
$15 off transmission fluid service
Good through . One coupon per visit; not combined with other offers. Mention or show this coupon when your estimate is written — honored for walk-ins and phone customers too. Many repairs involve additional parts or labor at extra cost; your written estimate shows the total before any work. Encinitas STAR Smog & Auto Repair · 310 Encinitas Blvd #B, Encinitas, CA 92024 · BAR license #300634 · (760) 753-1000.
Shifts feel off, slipping or delayed? Encinitas STAR Smog & Auto Repair diagnoses, repairs and replaces transmissions, with a technician experienced in transmission work on staff. We rule out fluid, sensors, misfires and software first, then put the repair in writing before work begins. Visit 310 Encinitas Blvd, book online or call (760) 753-1000.
Transmission trouble worries drivers, partly because it's hard to know what's really wrong. A shift that feels off can come from the transmission itself, but it can also come from low fluid, a sensor, an engine misfire, or software. The first job is finding out which.
Our transmission services include diagnosis, repair, and transmission replacement.
- 4.9★ · 1,948 Google reviews
- ASE-certified technicians
- Written estimate before any work
- Walk-ins welcome
Signs of a transmission problem
- Engine revs climb but the car doesn't speed up
- The transmission is slipping, often from low fluid or worn internal parts.
- Delay when shifting into Drive or Reverse
- Low fluid, worn internal seals or clutches, or a control problem.
- Harsh, clunky or late shifts
- Fluid condition, a shift solenoid, or a transmission control issue.
- Red or brown fluid under the car
- A leak at the pan gasket, cooler lines, or a seal.
- Burning smell after driving
- Overheated transmission fluid, which wears the transmission faster.
- Whine or hum that changes with speed
- Low fluid or wear inside the transmission.
- Check engine or transmission warning light
- The computer has stored a code that may point to a shift, pressure or sensor problem.
How we handle a transmission repair
Inspect
We check fluid level and condition, look for leaks, scan for stored codes and road test the car to feel the problem the way you do. We also rule out engine and sensor problems that can feel like a transmission issue.
Explain and estimate
We tell you what we found and what the realistic options are. Depending on the cause, that can be fixing a leak, replacing an external part, a fluid service, a repair, or replacing the transmission. You get a written estimate for the option you're considering.
You approve
Nothing is repaired without your OK. If a deeper inspection is needed to pin down the cause, we explain that step and get your approval before starting it.
Repair
Our technician experienced in transmission work does the approved job. If something new turns up, we stop and call you.
Road test
We drive the car through normal shifting, from a stop through highway speed, to confirm it engages and shifts the way it should, then walk you through the work.
Why diagnosis comes first
Replacing a transmission is a big decision, and it isn't always the answer. Low fluid from a leak, a failed sensor, or a fault in the controls can all make a healthy transmission behave badly. Some shifting complaints turn out to be engine problems. Taking the time to confirm the cause is what keeps you from paying for a repair you didn't need.
Why customers choose us
A technician experienced in transmission work on staff.
Your car is diagnosed by someone who does this work, not handed off.
Test and repair under one roof.
A transmission code can turn on the check engine light, and a lit check engine light can keep a car from passing smog. We're a STAR-certified smog station, so the repair and the smog check can both happen here.
Makes we service
- Toyota
- Lexus
- Ford
- Honda
- Jeep
- BMW
- Subaru
- Mercedes-Benz
- Chevrolet
- Nissan
- Mazda
- Volkswagen
- Acura
- Hyundai
- Kia
- Dodge
- Porsche
- GMC
- Audi
- Cadillac
- Volvo
- Mini
- Land Rover
- Infiniti
Recently in our bay: Toyota RAV4, Subaru Outback, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Honda Accord, Toyota Highlander, Ford Escape, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Tundra, Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150.
What customers say
These reviews speak to the shop as a whole, not to this one service.
5 out of 5 stars
"Super happy with the crew here. Great friendly service and they did a great job for a very fair price. Couldn’t ask for better! I’ll bring my truck here for any and all future work and will recommend them to friends and family. Thanks!"
5 out of 5 stars
"Great shop Fair price. They've worked on my Audi and Corvette providing great service. I highly recommend them. Happy to have found them."
Frequently asked questions
Is it definitely my transmission?
Not always. Low fluid, a sensor, an engine misfire or a software issue can all feel like a transmission problem. We confirm the cause before recommending a repair.
Should I keep driving if my transmission is slipping?
We recommend having it checked as soon as you can. Driving with a slipping transmission or low fluid can turn a smaller repair into a larger one.
How do you decide between repair and replacement?
It depends on what failed. External leaks and many control problems can be repaired. Internal damage may mean replacement. We explain what we found and give you a written estimate for the option you choose.
Who works on transmissions at your shop?
We have a technician experienced in transmission work on staff, and transmission jobs go to that technician.
Will a transmission problem affect my smog check?
It can. If a transmission fault turns on the check engine light, the car can fail smog until it's repaired. We do both, so we can repair it and then test it.
Location and hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–4 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–4 PM |
Encinitas STAR Smog & Auto Repair
310 Encinitas Blvd #B, Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 753-1000
Encinitas STAR Smog & Auto Repair · 310 Encinitas Blvd #B, Encinitas, CA 92024 · BAR license #300634 · (760) 753-1000
Transmission customers drive in from Encinitas Ranch, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Carlsbad, Solana Beach and Del Mar.
Get your transmission checked
Bring it in or book a time. We'll find the cause first, then give you a written estimate.
$100 off
transmission repair
on qualifying repairs of $1,000 or more before tax
$15 off transmission fluid service
Good through . One coupon per visit; not combined with other offers. Mention or show this coupon when your estimate is written — honored for walk-ins and phone customers too. Many repairs involve additional parts or labor at extra cost; your written estimate shows the total before any work. Encinitas STAR Smog & Auto Repair · 310 Encinitas Blvd #B, Encinitas, CA 92024 · BAR license #300634 · (760) 753-1000.