Ed. Note: The following is a KHTS Feature story based on a recent radio interview with Reeves Complete Auto Center

A Santa Clarita auto repair expert is debunking several common transmission repair myths for Santa Clarita Valley motorists.

Dave Reeves of Reeves Complete Auto Center on KHTS AM-1220.

When it comes to transmission service, the traditional belief that vehicles require it every 30,000 miles has largely become a myth when it comes to newer cars, according to Dave Reeves of Reeves Complete Auto Center.

“It’s not like it used to be in the olden days,” Reeves said. “A lot of these newer cars now, they don’t even call for transmission services– some of them –until 150,000 miles.”

Another common myth that can be perpetuated by unethical mechanics is the belief that shifting delays can be fixed by a transmission service.

Related: Santa Clarita Auto Repair Expert Discusses Air Conditioning Service, Repair

“If you’re ever experiencing any type of transmission problem at all– and what I mean by that is a delayed engagement from park to reverse, reverse to neutral, neutral down to drive –you never want to get a service,” Reeves said. “You don’t want anybody to talk you into a service taking care of that problem, because, trust me, it will make it worse.”

He went on to explain that transmission fluid contains necessary materials from the transmission itself, and replacing that fluid during a transmission service removes those materials.

“The new fluid nowadays has so much detergent in it, it washes all those particles out and it will actually make your problem worse,” Reeves said.

This type of shifting delay doesn’t necessarily mean that that the transmission is “terminal,” Reeves added, but simply servicing it will never fix the problem.

The last myth Reeves is debunking is the notion that a “clunking” noise made by a vehicle when it is put into gear is always a transmission problem.

Because most cars today are front-wheel drive vehicles, the engine typically sits “basically sideways” on mounts, according to Reeves, creating the opportunity for the motor to “rock” back and forth if the mounts aren’t working properly.

“Some people take that and equate it to a transmission problem,” he explained. “It’s a bad mount that’s actually giving you that sensation of the transmission clunking or something of that nature.”

Regardless of whether a motorist is in need of transmission repair or other form of auto repair, new customers at Reeves Complete Auto Center can take advantage of a complimentary preventative maintenance inspection when they bring their vehicle in.

The inspection takes about 20 minutes, and can help keep motorists informed of potentially dangerous vehicle issues in need of repair.

“All four wheels come off, we check the brakes, check tires, check hoses, check belts, everything, and advise the customer what we find,” Reeves said. “That is at no charge, and basically that is to make sure that your car is road worthy.”

KHTS Feature Story

Reeves Complete Auto Center is a Santa Clarita auto repair business that specializes in engine repair, transmission repair, brake repair and air conditioning service and repair. Established in the SCV in 2008, the auto repair experts at Reeves Complete Auto Center work on all makes and models, including light duty trucks and vans. Owner Dave Reeves started out in the auto industry at an early age, working primarily with race car engines. Reeves was nominated for the SCV Man of the Year award in 2014 and 2015 for his work with the SCV Rotary Club.

Reeves Complete Auto Center

26821 Ruether Ave, Unit G

Santa Clarita, CA 91351

661-252-1400