Maintaining customer satisfaction is a crucial aspect of any business, but it’s even more important for transmission repair companies that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award. For Mark’s Transmission Service, the key to achieving and maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction is simple: utilize its industry knowledge, professional capabilities and passion for fixing vehicles to make sure every job is done right the first time. “We know exactly what it takes to ensure our customers’ cars stay on the road for as long as possible,” says owner Mark Garcia. “We have total confidence in our abilities, and that’s been an important part of our success.”

Mark’s Transmission Service has been providing transmission services for all types of vehicles at its Fremont facility since 1982. In addition to its comprehensive transmission capabilities (which include other drive train aspects like transfer cases and differentials), the company offers general auto repair services such as tune-ups, air conditioning and heating system repairs, brake and suspension work, engine replacements, and more.

Unlike less experienced transmission repair shops that strive to maximize their workload volume by simply swapping out old transmissions for new ones, Mark’s Transmission Service prides itself on its ability to rebuild transmissions–a specialized service that few companies are qualified to offer. “When we rebuild a transmission, we incorporate all the updates and modifications that the manufacturer has made since it was originally built,” explains Mr. Garcia. “Our customers end up with much better results than if we were to simply swap out the parts.”

Another distinguishing feature of Mark’s Transmission Service is its status as a family-owned and operated business, which Mr. Garcia says has been a crucial aspect of its longevity. “As a family business, the last thing we want is to take our work problems home with us, so every day we focus on performing great work that’s satisfying to both us and our customers. Everything we do has a lot of integrity behind it, and our customers understand and appreciate that.”

If your car is having transmission problems, consider the benefits of rebuilding over replacing. The standard mode of operation in the transmission repair business is “exchange,” where a shop will simply swap out a failing transmission with a new one of the same model. While this method is fast and allows a shop to be more productive, it doesn’t always produce the best results. “When a shop rebuilds a transmission, it’s able to incorporate all the latest modifications and updates, so the customer ends up with an upgraded product,” explains Mark Garcia, owner of Mark’s Transmission Service in Fremont. “In my opinion, rebuilding is just a better way to ensure a transmission’s overall efficiency.”

Mr. Garcia says transmissions have become increasingly complex over the years, so it’s important to find a transmission repair shop that stays at the forefront of industry advancements. “There’s a lot of new technology out there, and transmission manufacturers are constantly updating and modifying their designs. Make sure you find a shop that stays current with all the training, updates and modifications necessary to work on these types of transmissions.”

According to Mr. Garcia, technological advancements have also made the transmission repair process more expensive. “Oil and parts in particular have increased in price, and since electronics have become more complex, repair shops need to have state-of-the-art electronic diagnostic equipment,” he says. “Just 25 years ago, a transmission could be rebuilt in one day; now, it takes two or three days.”

After you have your transmission rebuilt, Mr. Garcia recommends having it serviced once a year to ensure it stays in the best condition. Also, don’t forget to check your automatic transmission fluid every 1,000 miles or so. Look for signs of trouble like low levels, a dark color or a burnt smell. If the fluid is lower than usual, your transmission might have leaking seals or a problem with one of its components.

Q: Do I need to make an appointment?

A: No, but we recommend making one so you can reduce your waiting time as much as possible

Q: How much does it cost to rebuild a transmission?

A: It depends on your vehicle and the condition of its transmission. Once we complete the initial inspection and determine the extent of the work, we’ll tell you exactly how much it will cost.

Q: How long does it take to rebuild a transmission?

A: It usually takes about two or three days to rebuild a transmission, but the process can take longer if we have to order parts.

Q: Can you arrange for towing?

A: Yes. We have a local towing service that charges wholesale rates, and we absorb the towing costs for major repairs. We can accommodate long-haul towing as well.

Q: Do you offer free inspections and estimates?

A: Yes.