The transmission is one of the most expensive components in your car, and the cheapest insurance for it is clean, correct fluid changed on schedule. Old, burnt transmission fluid loses its ability to lubricate and cool, which is how good transmissions turn into rebuild quotes. TAB Motors services your transmission with the exact fluid your vehicle requires, using the wrong fluid does real harm, so this is not a place to cut corners.

What we do

Transmission fluid and filter service
Fluid condition inspection (color, smell, level)
Diagnosis of rough, delayed or slipping shifts
Leak inspection and repair
Correct manufacturer-spec fluid for your vehicle

Signs your transmission needs attention

Catch problems early: a delay before the car engages when you shift into drive or reverse, hard or jerky shifts, a slipping feeling where the engine revs but the car doesn't accelerate, a burnt smell, or red fluid on your driveway. Any of these is worth a look before it becomes a major repair. We'll check the fluid and, if needed, run diagnostics to read transmission fault codes.

Honest advice

If a fluid service will help, we'll do it and you'll feel smoother shifts. If your transmission is beyond what fluid can fix, we'll tell you that honestly rather than sell you a service that won't solve the problem, the same straight talk our customers count on.

What happens next

Tell us what it is doing

Call (703) 243-3080, start a quote online, or stop in. What you hear or feel, and when, narrows things down before anything comes apart.

We look at the car

We check the actual parts rather than guessing from the symptom, and we tell you if the cause turns out to be something other than what you came in for.

You get the price first

We show you what we found, explain what is urgent and what can wait, and quote the work before we start. You are free to think it over or take the quote elsewhere.

We do the work

Once you approve it, the job goes ahead, backed by our 1-year warranty on parts and labor. Payment plans available for larger repairs.

You get the car back

Road tested where it matters, with a plain explanation of what was done and anything worth keeping an eye on.

What it costs

We don't publish a flat price for this, because an honest number depends on your specific vehicle and what we find. What we will do is tell you the price before we start, and not change it without talking to you first.

If we need to see the car before we can quote accurately, we'll say so rather than throw out a number we can't stand behind.

AAA members save

AAA members get 10% off labor, up to $75. Bring your card.

Backed for a year

1-year warranty on parts and labor.

Payment plans available

Spread the cost of a bigger job. Ask us in the shop.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I change my transmission fluid?

It varies widely, some vehicles call for it around 60,000 miles, others longer. We'll check your fluid's condition and your manufacturer's schedule and give you a straight recommendation.

Will a fluid change fix my slipping transmission?

Sometimes, if it's caught early and the fluid is the issue. If there's internal wear, fluid alone won't fix it, and we'll tell you that honestly.

Does using the right transmission fluid really matter?

Very much. Modern transmissions are specific about fluid type. The wrong fluid can cause shifting problems and damage, so we always use the correct spec.

My transmission shifts hard, is that serious?

It can be. Bring it in; we'll check fluid level and condition and scan for codes to find the cause.

I see red fluid under my car, what is it?

That's likely a transmission fluid leak. Come in before the level drops enough to cause damage.

Transmission Service in Arlington

What you get

Come in if you have