The blog
Straight answers about your transmission.
What a slipping transmission means, what a rebuild costs, and when a repair is worth it.
Wednesday 21 October 2026
Transmission fluid color: what red, brown, black and milky meanA color chart with carmaker quotes, why fluid is dyed red, when dark is normal, the milky pink warning, and fluids that are green, blue or amber.
Wednesday 14 October 2026
How to check transmission fluid level (engine on or off?)Why Ford, Honda and Kia disagree on engine on or off, a step-by-step dipstick check, what low, high or dark fluid means, and what to do with no dipstick.
Monday 12 October 2026
How often to change transmission fluid (and why Phoenix is different)Real owner's manual intervals side by side, why Phoenix heat counts as severe driving, the truth about lifetime fluid, and change versus flush.
Friday 9 October 2026
Transmission fluid leak: how to tell, where it comes from, and what it costs to fixThe five-fluid puddle lineup, the usual leak sources, whether it's safe to drive, real repair costs, and whether stop-leak bottles work.
Thursday 8 October 2026
CVT transmission problems: the signs, the Nissan and Honda years, and what to doShudder, RPM surges and sudden power loss explained, every Nissan, Honda and Subaru CVT warranty extension in one table, and why Phoenix heat matters.
Tuesday 6 October 2026
Transmission slipping: how to tell, what causes it, and how to fix itThe signs, the six usual causes, whether new fluid or a stop-slip bottle will help, the codes behind it, and whether it's safe to keep driving.
Monday 5 October 2026
Transmission problems: the warning signs, what they mean, and what to do nextSlipping, harsh shifts, leaks, smells, noises and warning lights: what each one usually means, what fluid colour tells you, and whether it's safe to keep driving.
Wednesday 30 September 2026
Can a CVT transmission be rebuilt? Yes, and here is when it is worth itWhy many shops refuse, how we decide rebuild or replace, the factory warranty check to do first, and a CVT we rebuilt that is still going strong seven years later.
Tuesday 29 September 2026
Rebuilt vs remanufactured transmission: what is actually different, and which one to pickWhat the FTC says the words mean, how cost, warranty and turnaround compare, and when we recommend each one.
Monday 28 September 2026
How long does a rebuilt transmission last? Miles, warranties and what kills one earlyReal mileage figures, warranty terms side by side, and the heat, towing and fluid habits that decide how long a rebuild lasts.
Saturday 26 September 2026
How much does a transmission rebuild cost? Rebuild, repair and replacement prices for 2026National price ranges for rebuilds, repairs, replacement, labor and CVTs, each with its source, and what makes yours cost more.