Same-Day Automatic Gearbox Servicing - Sittingbourne and Isle of Sheppey

FSC Motor Repairs services automatic gearboxes in Sittingbourne and Isle of Sheppey, with no appointment needed. We’ll change the transmission fluid and filter where fitted, using the correct specification for your gearbox, and have your car back to you the same day.

An automatic gearbox is one of the most expensive parts of a car to repair, and fresh fluid is one of the simplest ways to protect it.

Why automatic gearboxes need servicing

Transmission fluid does several jobs at once: it lubricates the moving parts, keeps the gearbox cool, and on most automatics, it’s also the hydraulic fluid that makes the gear changes happen. Over time, heat breaks it down and tiny particles of wear build up in it. Old fluid doesn’t protect as well, and gear changes can become slower, harsher, or less predictable.

Some cars are described as having “sealed for life” gearbox fluid and in practice, “life” often means the expected life of the warranty, not the car. Many gearbox specialists recommend changing the fluid at regular intervals regardless, particularly on cars that tow, do lots of stop-start driving, or cover high mileage.

Types of automatic gearboxes we service

Not all automatics work the same way, and each type has its own requirements:

• Conventional automatics with a torque converter, found in everything from family hatchbacks to large SUVs
• Dual-clutch gearboxes, such as Volkswagen Group DSG units and Ford Powershift, many of which have set fluid change intervals
• CVT gearboxes, which use a belt or chain instead of fixed gears and need a specific type of fluid

Using the wrong fluid can cause serious damage, so we always match the specification your gearbox needs.

Signs your automatic gearbox needs attention

• Gear changes that feel jerky, harsh, or delayed
• A pause before the car moves after selecting drive or reverse
• Revs rising without the car speeding up, a sign of slipping
• Shuddering or juddering at low speeds
• A gearbox warning light, or the car going into limp mode
• A burning smell or fluid leaking under the car

If you notice any of these, a fluid service may help, but it’s also worth having the gearbox checked so we can tell you whether something more is going on.

What’s involved in an automatic gearbox service

We drain the old fluid and, where your gearbox has one, replace the filter. The gearbox is then refilled with the correct fluid. On many automatics, the fluid level has to be set while the gearbox is at a specific temperature, and getting this wrong can cause problems, so we follow the manufacturer’s procedure.

On some cars, the gearbox’s adaptations also need resetting after a fluid change, so it relearns how to shift smoothly. Our dealer-level diagnostic equipment, including Ford FDRS and dedicated tools for VW Audi Group, Mercedes-Benz, and Land Rover vehicles, lets us carry this out properly.

Why choose us

You can drive in without booking, and most automatic gearbox services are completed the same day. We’ll confirm the price before we start and talk you through what we find. If the fluid shows signs of a deeper problem, we’ll explain your options honestly rather than leaving you guessing.