Best Way to Learn to Do Automatic Transmission Repairs

Maintaining a healthy and functional automatic transmission is incredibly important to your car's overall health as well as your bank account's overall health. A faulty transmission can be one of the most expensive repairs for a car owner and learning how to do repairs yourself can be a well worthy investment.

There are a number of ways one can learn how to do automatic transmission repair. Because it is a formidable task that is quite costly if done improperly, it is best to get formal training in automotive repair. Certified auto repair schools are numerous and will provide the best training. To find one in your area, visit the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) website for a list of schools in your region. Not all schools offer the same types of programs or specialties, so be sure to look for one that specifically offers training in transmission maintenance and repair.

The next best option, if possible, is to apprentice yourself with an experienced and trusted mechanic. This will provide you with invaluable one-on-one training and schooling. Though finding a mechanic that will have the time to invest in your training may be difficult, you may entice him by offering your services as a part-time employee to help with mechanical tasks as you learn them or clerical work while you are training.

Though not necessarily recommended, one can also learn to do particular transmission maintenance and repair skills by consulting the Internet, reading books or watching instructional videos. This is not ideal because it does not provide you with the feedback and advice that comes with an experienced teacher or mentor. Again, a repair mistake can end up being very expensive or, at the very least, ineffective. However, if you have the resources, such as an old junk car, to be able to fiddle on the mechanics of a car with little consequence, it may be an enjoyable hobby or side project to learn automatic transmission repair in this way.