At Cruz Automotive, we know how important your vehicle’s transmission is to your daily life. Whether you’re commuting to work, dropping off the kids, or heading out on a weekend getaway, your car’s automatic transmission plays a critical role in keeping everything running smoothly. But when that system starts to fail, the warning signs can creep up quietly — until you’re left stranded on the side of the road.
If you’ve been searching for “automatic transmission repair near you” or are noticing strange new behaviors in your car, it may be time to act fast. Here’s what to watch out for and how we can help with reliable automatic transmission repair in Grand Haven.
1. Slipping Gears
Does your car suddenly change gears without any input or feel like it’s struggling to stay in gear? That’s a red flag. Gear slipping is one of the most common automatic transmission problems we see at Cruz Automotive. It typically means the transmission bands or clutch plates are worn, or the fluid is low or degraded.
Ignoring slipping gears can lead to serious internal damage. If your car can’t maintain a steady gear, it’s time to bring it in for a proper diagnostic.
2. Delayed or Rough Shifting
If there’s a delay between when you move the gear selector and when the car actually shifts, your transmission could be in trouble. Similarly, if the shift feels jerky, harsh, or loud, it’s more than just an annoyance — it’s a mechanical issue.
When transmission fluid is old or contaminated, it can prevent the hydraulic system from functioning properly. We recommend scheduling automatic transmission repair near you as soon as you notice these symptoms.
3. Unusual Noises
Hearing clunking, humming, or whining while your car is in gear? These are not normal driving sounds. Transmission components like bearings or planetary gears might be worn or damaged. Sometimes, these noises can also be caused by a low or incorrect level of transmission fluid.
Don’t wait until your transmission locks up. At Cruz Automotive, we specialize in diagnosing and fixing automatic transmission problems before they become costly failures.
4. Transmission Fluid Leaks
Transmission fluid is typically red or dark pink. If you notice puddles or spots under your vehicle that match that description, it’s a clear sign something is wrong.
Leaks can come from a damaged pan gasket, cracked lines, or faulty seals. Left unaddressed, fluid loss can cause the entire transmission to overheat and fail. Searching for automatic transmission repair in Grand Haven? Our team can locate and seal the leak quickly and get you back on the road.
5. Warning Lights
Your check engine light might come on for several reasons, but when paired with transmission-related symptoms, it shouldn’t be ignored. Modern vehicles have onboard diagnostics that can detect internal transmission problems and trigger alerts.
At Cruz Automotive, we use state-of-the-art scan tools to read those codes and pinpoint the issue — saving you time, money, and guesswork.
6. Burning Smell
A burning odor could indicate that your transmission fluid is overheating. When fluid loses its lubricating and cooling abilities, friction increases, leading to excessive wear and potential breakdown.
If your vehicle smells like burnt rubber or chemicals after driving, don’t wait. Call our Grand Haven shop and let our experts take a look.
Why Choose Cruz Automotive?
We understand that finding trustworthy “automatic transmission repair near you” isn’t always easy. At Cruz Automotive, we’re proud to be the go-to choice for automatic transmission repair in Grand Haven. Our certified technicians have years of experience working with both domestic and imported vehicles. We use premium parts and fluids, and we stand behind every repair with our satisfaction guarantee.
Don’t Ignore the Signs — We’re Here to Help
Automatic transmission problems don’t fix themselves — they only get worse with time. If you notice any of the warning signs above, trust the team at Cruz Automotive to get your vehicle back to peak performance.
Schedule your appointment today and let us show you why we’re Grand Haven’s preferred destination for automatic transmission repair.
Cruz Automotive
Cruz Automotive is a family-owned business operated in Holland, MI. We use the latest diagnostic equipment to guarantee your vehicle is serviced correctly while maintaining your manufacturer's warranty. We only use quality replacement parts, and our technicians are ASE-certified. We perform high-quality, guaranteed service you can trust at a fair price. We repair domestic & foreign vehicles. We are the best choice for scheduled maintenance of your car, SUV, truck, and fleet vehicles. Explore our blogs for valuable insights.