If your car isn’t running as smoothly or efficiently as it used to and feels different when you’re driving it, your transmission might be going out. A faulty or slipping transmission is a serious issue that needs to be fixed as soon as possible; otherwise, you could find yourself in an accident or stuck on the side of the road. Some of the causes of a slipping transmission include poor maintenance, burned transmission fluid, clogged transmission filters, broken gears, or clutch issues. We at Leale’s Transmission and Auto Repair in San Jose are always happy to find and fix the issue for you—but first, here are some telltale signs that it is, in fact, a transmission problem.

Slow to accelerate

When a transmission is functioning properly, it will shift into first gear while idling. If your transmission is slipping, though, it may not shift correctly, and when you try to give it the gas, your car can take longer to accelerate as it struggles to shift properly into first gear, finally catches, and then lurches forward. While slow acceleration may not always indicate a transmission issue, if it’s coupled with any of the other signs, you should probably get it checked.

High RPM

On a normal day when your car is running great, your RPM gauge, or tachometer, should show that your RPMs are generally less than 2,000 when idling and less than 3,500 when accelerating. Each vehicle is different, but you should have an idea of what’s normal for your car, and if it goes above 3,000 or 3,500 RPMs while you’re driving, followed by jerking when the car seems to finally “catch up,” you need to have your transmission checked.

Inability to reverse

When a transmission is going out, it’s not uncommon for you to be unable to shift into reverse. Your car might even read that it’s in reverse when you shift, but when you let off the brake or put on the gas, it’ll still roll forward. This can be a serious issue that leaves you stuck in parking spots or your driveway, and it can cause you to hit other cars or objects. If this is happening to your car, it’s definitely the transmission.

Difficulty shifting gears

Even if your car is an automatic, you should be somewhat aware of when it’s shifting gears, such as when you stop, when you’re going up a hill, or when you’re accelerating. Shifting into a different gear should be smooth, almost unnoticeable most of the time. A slipping transmission will make your car pause or slow down while driving because it’s having difficulty shifting into the appropriate gear, putting a strain on your engine and transmission.

Know when to go

If your car has high RPMs, lurches when you’re driving, has rough shifts into gears, or won’t reverse anymore, it’s definitely time to go get it checked. Slipping transmissions can also be accompanied by loud clanks or knocking noises, a burning smell, and a check engine light. If your car has been acting oddly and you have two or more of these signs, bring it into a shop like Leale’s Transmission and Auto Repair so the issue causing the slipping can be diagnosed and repaired before it gets worse. Your car is important, and we’ll get you back on the road as soon as possible so you can get back to your life.

Don’t wait for it to worsen. Call Leale’s today!

Trying to find a new company or product can be a difficult decision if you don’t know who to trust. Studies have shown that 70% of people check online reviews of places and products before they make their final decision, but what site is the best place to look for these reviews? Leale’s Transmission & Auto Service wants to make sure your decision for an auto shop is well-informed and based on trustworthy reviews that aren’t fabricated, so we’ve broken it down for you here.

Yelp vs. Google

Yelp and Google are without a doubt two of the most popular review sites people check before buying a product or service—so which is the best place to look for an auto repair shop?

Some of the benefits of Yelp are that it is the #1 site people like you turn to when looking for reviews, which means it’s also one of the most popular places for people to leave reviews, both good and bad. It doesn’t allow companies to remove negative reviews if they don’t like them, and it has a filter that attempts to weed out falsified reviews left by people who have been pressured into leaving positive reviews or paid to do so. You can also view all the reviews on Yelp without having to be signed in or creating an account.

Google also allows you to see reviews without being logged in, but it currently allows business owners to “manage” the reviews that are left on their business’s page, meaning they have the power to decide which reviews take priority and are shown to you first. It’s also not as easy to navigate as it is on Yelp, and since most consumers go to Yelp first, Google is less likely to have an abundance of reviews for one place.

Fake reviews

One of the main concerns about online reviews found on Yelp is the growing number of fake or dishonest reviews posted. This happens when a business offers discounts or gift cards to consumers if they leave 5-star reviews, or if they hire someone to write fake positive reviews on Yelp for them. It can also occur if a competitor of that company has paid people to post negative reviews to divert business. While this is mostly an issue with restaurants, it can be true for all businesses, including auto repair shops, and since your car’s health is involved in that decision, you want to make sure the reviews you’re reading are honest and trustworthy. Yelp has taken it upon itself to try to filter out fake or misleading reviews and flag businesses that push positive reviews for cash on their site. Their algorithm to filter out dishonest or fake reviews has been improved upon over the years, but it still isn’t perfect, leaving some consumers in doubt.

Not the best, but not bad

Overall, more than 90% of the reviews on Yelp are genuine and trustworthy, and Yelp is aware of the fake review problem and is constantly working to weed out the dishonest reviews and tighten its algorithm. The best approach to online reviews for auto repair shops, and anywhere else, is variety. Yelp is a great place to start reading reviews—and you’re likely to find more reviews there than anywhere else—but reading reviews on other sites such as Google or the testimonials on the business’s webpage and Facebook page are good ways to get a sense for the overall communal opinion on a business. Take overly glowing and gloating reviews or overly negative and bashing reviews with a grain of salt, and do research on the company before making your final decision. Leale’s Transmission & Auto Service has reviews on Yelp, Google, and our webpage that we don’t pay for. We encourage you to check them out if you’re considering an auto repair shop in the San Jose, CA, area.

Yelp, Google, and more—read unbiased reviews for Leale’s.

Your car is one of your most valuable possessions, not only because of the cost but because of the value it has to your family. Whether it’s going on camping trips in your RV, dropping the kids off at school, taking you to work, or traveling across the country, a lot of great memories are made in your vehicle. When it’s time to take care of it, who can you trust?

Here, Leale’s Transmission & Auto Service in San Jose, CA, gathered the Top 5 signs you’ve chosen the best auto repair shop to take your baby to.

1. Great reputation

A number one sign you’ve chosen a great auto repair shop is the reputation they have in your community. Ask your friends and family who they trust with their cars and check out some reviews online to see what people have to say. Word of mouth is a great resource, and if the shop’s website has a testimonials page with a form to submit your story, that shows confidence in their work and allows you to get some feedback from previous customers.

2. Certifications

The second thing you should check for are the certifications of the shop’s technicians. Most shops will either proudly display their certifications in their customer waiting lobby or on their website. The ASE (National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence) seal for technicians is something to keep an eye out for because, while not all reputable shops will have this seal, it’s still a good indication of a professional repair shop. If they don’t have the ASE seal, look for other certifications in specialty areas or for particular manufacturers of vehicles or products. If they’re certified for the brand your car or faulty automotive part is, then you’re probably in good hands.

3. Guarantees, warranties, and pricing

A shop that offers service guarantees or warranties is a shop that is confident in their technicians and their work. Not only do guarantees and warranties protect you from shoddy service, but they give you peace of mind that the shop knows what it’s doing. Pricing is another important indicator because you usually get what you pay for—though it shouldn’t be the only thing you consider when finding a great auto repair shop. Look for prices that aren’t dirt cheap but are still reasonable, and if the shop offers deals or specials, it means that they’re reliable and popular enough that they can afford to give back to their customersؙ—a good sign of a great shop that you should take advantage of.

4. Community involvement

If your shop is involved in the community, it means they care about the people they provide service to and want to give back to the area that they call home. Service awards, membership in the Better Business Bureau, civic involvement plaques, and certificates handed out by the community (like “Voted Best Local Auto Shop in 2018”) are pretty good indicators that the shop you’re considering is community-friendly. Such recognition is usually displayed in the lobby or reception area.

5. Friendly, professional staff

Finally, you want your shop to make you feel welcome and reassured, not confused, stressed, or in doubt about their service. The shop’s technicians should be able to explain things to you in layman’s terms so you can understand your car’s issues and how they’re going to fix it, without them being demeaning or condescending. They should also be professional and friendly, encouraging you to come back again.

The big picture

While it may not be easy to find a shop that has all of these qualities in your area, it’s important to go by your gut instinct. Look for these signs of a good shop, and canvass the lot to see if they’re working on other cars of the same value as yours. If the staff members are unsmiling and the place seems unorganized or overly dirty, you might want to keep looking. Places like Leale’s Transmission & Auto Service, with great service and exceptional value, can be few and far between, but this list of things to look for should help you find the best shop in your area.

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At some point, the thought of doing a DIY job on your car has crossed all of our mind. While some things are really easy to do, certain car issues should be left to the experts, just to make sure you aren’t putting your car into a worse situation. This especially applies to brake pads: the type of brake pad you use depends on the kind of car you have, so it’s incredibly important to talk to a mechanic. But, since at Leale’s Transmission & Auto Services, we believe in transparency, today we’re going to let you know about some of the different kinds of brake pads and why you need to see a mechanic when you’re having issues with your brake pads, so keep reading!

What are the Different Kind of Brake Pads?

• Semi-Metallic Pads: These pads are roughly 30-65% metal compounds (steel wool, wire, copper, etc). They can last a long time, but the durability can lead to premature wear because the pads are strong. They’re also not as functional during cold climates. Usually, they’re found in fuel-economical cars.

• Non-Metallic Pads: Also known as organic pads, they’re made from glass or rubber or fiber. They’re lightweight and don’t make much noise, and are best for lightweight vehicles. However, they produce more dust and wear down more quickly.

• Low-Metallic NAO: These pads are made mostly from an organic formula mixture, with a little bit of copper or steel. This assists in the heat transfer and allows for better braking. It does add extra brake dust, and the pads can be noisier than the others.

• Ceramic Pads: Made primarily of ceramic fibers and filler materials, they’re more expensive than other pads. They’re usually found in racing or performance cars. They have the ultimate braking ability and can handle the excessive pressure on them. There’s little wear and tear on the rotors, and have a much longer lifespan and durability levels than the other brake pads.

Why Is an Expert Needed?

When you need new brake pads, it needs to be chosen based on many different variables. The type of vehicle, how it’s driven, and the weight all play into choosing the proper brake pads. For example, a lighter car doesn’t need as much force, whereas a medium-sized car would need more stopping power. SUVs need to find a good blend between brake pads with metal and noisiness. If you have a tow truck with semi-metallic pads, the vehicle wouldn’t be able to stop quickly enough because of all the weight. Not having the proper brake pads could put your safety at risk, as well as others on the road. Having an expert accurately diagnose your car and situation will allow you to have the brake pads that are most compatible with your vehicle.

Choosing the Experts

If you need reliable experts in the San Jose, CA area, look no further than Leale’s Transmission & Auto Services. We’ve been in the business for more than 50 years, so we’re sure we’ll be able to fix any sudden issues or provide maintenance for your car. If you need to book an appointment, call us at (408) 286-5353. We’d love to hear from you!

When you drive a lot, you can get used to small malfunctions with your car. Your check engine light can stay on constantly, your brakes might squeak a little, or your car might rumble a little. But if you have no issues with driving and nothing seems to be really wrong, it’s easy to ignore those issues. After all, why spend hundreds when nothing’s actually wrong? Today, Leale’s Transmission & Auto Services is going to explain just why it’s not a good idea to ignore your check engine light or squeaky brakes.

Is the Check Engine Light Really Important? Why?

If the check engine light comes on, but your car seems to be running fine, it may seem like a smart idea to just ignore it and save some money. However, that’s not really wise. When the light comes on, there’s an error code sent from the car’s computer, which can be checked with a code scanner or at an auto shop, allowing you to know exactly what’s wrong. However, it could be a wide variety of issues. Many times, it could simply be solved by checking the gas cap. It might be missing, loose, or cracked. Simply tighten it, and if it’s cracked, buy a new one for a few dollars.

If it’s not, it could be something minor but it could also be very serious. The more you wait, the worse the issue could become, making it possibly incredibly expensive to fix. Sometimes it might just be a spark plug or wire that needs to be replaced, or that an oxygen sensor is malfunctioning. If it’s the latter, while it’s a fairly quick repair, ignoring the engine light and letting the oxygen sensor stay damaged could lead to you having to pay expensive fees to fix the catalytic converter. Eventually, your car won’t run at all. Ignoring these issues can lead to an outrageous amount of money to be spent and no car to use.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Squeaky Brakes

It may seem okay to ignore some squeaking or whining from the brakes, but again, you really shouldn’t. If they’re wet and there’s moisture, it can be a one-off occurrence. But if it continues, your car needs attention. Your brakes may need servicing, or your brake pads could be worn out. If the squeaking progresses to a grinding sound, then it’s too late: you won’t need to just replace the brake pads, the rotors are probably damaged as well, which is a very costly repair. Also be on the lookout for other signs: the car pulling or dragging, vibrating brakes, and leaking fluid. While these can often easily be fixed, ignoring these is an unwise decision.

Getting Your Car Serviced

If you notice any of these warning signs and you’re unsure where to go, consider coming to Leale’s Transmission & Auto Services in San Jose, CA. Our 50+ years of experience as a family-owned and operated business means that not only are we extremely good at what we do, but that we’re also holding your best interests in mind. Give us a call at (408) 286-5353. We’d love to hear from you!

While it’s generally not the part of the car that looks attractive or catches your eye, brakes are incredibly important to make sure your car keeps functioning properly, which is why you need to pay attention to the signs that point at saying it’s time to replace your brake pads or have them checked. Not sure what they are? No worries! That’s why Leale’s is here to clue you in so you’re well-equipped to notice the warning signs.

Signs to Look Out For

• The Brake Pedal is Pulsating . If you press down on the pedal and it starts to pulsate, there’s a good chance you need new brake pads. Pulsating is when the brakes vibrate or “grab” and usually happens when the brake pads are worn out or warped because of the heat. You can have them re-machined or replaced.

• The Brakes Screech. If you hear a high-pitched sound when the brakes are depressed, that’s a sign to replace the brake pads. It’s caused by a metal shim, and the pitch can vary. However, you’ll usually hear it if your windows are closed. That said, if this only happens one time, you may not need a replacement, since if it was exposed to water, the moisture could cause that. If this happens constantly, it’s vital to go to an auto shop.

• The Brakes Make Grinding or Clicking Sounds. If there’s a clicking or rattling sound when you apply brakes, that’s a sign to get them replaced. A grinding sound means that they’re often beyond replacement, because it’s caused by the metal disc and caliper grinding together since the brake pad is completely worn down. If possible, repair or replace them before it gets to this state, because you’ll probably have to replace the rotors as well.

• The Car is Pulling. If it feels like your car wants to make turns when you drive or brake, the braking system may be compromised. It could be a stuck caliper, which causes friction on one of the wheels. It could also be a collapsed brake hose or uneven brake pads, which would put varying amount of pressures on different wheels. However, it doesn’t always have to be related to the brakes: it could mean your tires are not evenly inflated or worn down, or something could be wrong with your suspension system. No matter what, take it to a mechanic’s shop for a once-over.

• The Brake Pads are Thin. This isn’t something you can feel, but something to see. If you take a look at the brake pads through the car wheel spokes, you can see if a replacement is needed. The outside brake pad is the material against the metal rotor, so if you see less than 1/4 inch, head to a repair shop.

Where Do I Go?

If you’re looking for a reliable, experienced mechanic in the San Jose, CA area, Leale’s Transmission & Auto Service is your to-go shop. With more than 5 decades of experience, we can diagnose and repair car, truck, bus, or other vehicle, all for a fair price. Call us at (408) 286-5353 today!

While it would be nice to have a car that works all the time without any hassles, breakdowns and unexpected issues are bound to happen at some point. Plus, it’s always a good idea to have your car routinely checked to help avoid any of those issues. Choosing a good auto repair shop that’s the right fit for you can be difficult, so take a look at some recommendations we have to help you choose the best repair shop for you and your vehicle.

Tips to Make the Search for the Right Mechanic’s Shop Easier

• Don’t Wait Till You Have an Emergency. If your car won’t start or it’s smoking, you probably don’t have time to shop around and you’ll settle for the first repair shop you’ll find. This hinders you from getting the best service at a reasonable price, and there’s a high chance you won’t be able to effectively judge the shop and choose the best one. Instead of waiting to be stranded, look in advance so you won’t be in that situation.

• Check Reviews and Word of Mouth. See what people have to say. Check out reviews online since you’ll be able to see how the shop treated different major issues, but also pay attention to word of mouth: listening to real people spreading the news is a good indicator to go with that repair shop. Any business can put out ads; but if people are talking positively about it, it’s a good sign that they’re to be trusted.

• Ask Good Questions; Don’t Just Look at Price. When you’re choosing a place, don’t just try to go as cheap as possible; ask the right questions. Will you get a written warranty? How long for? Ask about the stipulations and conditions. You also want to know about insurance for theft and fire. If your car is burglarized or stole while at the shop, are you covered? Ask about their license and ratings, and make sure to question about the materials. Do they use new or used parts? Are they aftermarket? Of course you want an affordable rate, but don’t sacrifice service for price. If at any point you don’t understand what you’re being told, don’t be afraid to ask again: you need to be sure before committing, and a good mechanic will use terminology that you won’t have trouble understanding.

So, Who Do I Choose?

Of course, the final decision is up to you, as it’s important to trust your intuition. That said, at Leale’s Transmission & Auto Services, we’re a close, family-owned and operated business. We’ve had more than 5 decades of working on vehicles: cars, trucks, buses, RVs. We’re of the highest quality, and we’re dedicated to not making easy money from you. Our experienced, qualified team will gladly explain any issue, so you’ll leave confident with your car. To book an appointment or get any more info, give us a call at (408) 286-5353 today!