Christchurch
Specialists
Aisle of the workshop lined with automatic transmissions on pallet racking, ready for reconditioning
Christchurch • Canterbury • South Island

Automatic Transmission Specialists in Christchurch

From CVTs to DCTs and hybrids, we diagnose, repair and rebuild automatic transmissions in family cars, 4WDs, European vehicles, classics and commercial fleets - with the precision, experience and workmanship you can trust.

40+ yearsSpecialist experience
Autos onlyAll we do, all day
WarrantyBacked workmanship

The specialists South Island drivers and workshops call

For over 40 years, Auto Transmissions has helped South Island motorists and workshops solve complex automatic transmission problems. Automatic transmissions are all we do, so a job that stumps a general garage is a normal day for us.

Our experienced technicians combine traditional craftsmanship with the latest diagnostic equipment to accurately identify faults before carrying out professional repairs. Whether your vehicle needs servicing, valve body repairs, torque converter repairs or a complete transmission rebuild, we deliver reliable workmanship backed by decades of experience - and honest advice before any work begins.

Why drivers choose us

  • Over 40 years of specialist experience
  • Automatic transmissions are all we do
  • Advanced electronic diagnostics
  • Honest advice before repairs begin
  • Quality parts and proven repair methods
  • Trusted by workshops and private owners
  • Warranty-backed workmanship
  • Christchurch based, South Island wide

Modern autos need a specialist, not a guess

Today's automatic transmissions are electronically controlled and tightly integrated with the rest of the vehicle. Replacing parts on a hunch is expensive and often does not fix the fault. We start with a proper electronic and mechanical diagnosis, tell you what we find, and only then talk about repair or a full rebuild. Regular servicing keeps most transmissions well clear of that conversation in the first place.

Close-up of the bellhousing face of a rebuilt automatic transmission

Having transmission problems? Book a professional diagnosis with Christchurch's automatic transmission specialists. 03 379 3692

Rebuild or replace

Sometimes a used transmission is the smarter buy

Supplying and installing used transmissions is a genuine part of what we do, and for the right vehicle it is the best way forward. A sound used unit usually costs less than a full rebuild and can have you back on the road sooner. It is not the right answer for every car, though, and we will tell you when it is not.

So we do the same thing every time. Diagnose the fault properly, find out what is actually available for your make and model, then put the cost and the benefits of each option side by side. You make the call with the numbers in front of you.

A complete rebuild

Your own transmission stripped, measured and rebuilt to manufacturer specification with premium parts.

  • Every component inspected and measured
  • Worn and failed parts replaced, not patched
  • Warranty-backed workmanship
  • Usually the better value on a vehicle worth keeping
About our rebuilds →

A quality used transmission

Where a sound used unit is available for your vehicle, we supply and fit it, then road test it before it goes back to you.

  • Lower up-front cost in most cases
  • Often a faster turnaround
  • Sensible on an older or lower-value vehicle
  • Depends on a good unit being available
About used transmissions →

Not sure which way to go? Book a diagnosis and we will price both, explain exactly what is covered either way, and give you a straight recommendation. 03 379 3692

Vehicles we service

We repair automatic transmissions for almost anything

Front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, 4WD, conventional autos, CVTs, dual-clutch and hybrids. If it changes gear on its own, we can help.

Passenger vehicles SUVs 4WDs Light commercial European vehicles Japanese vehicles American vehicles Classic vehicles Performance vehicles Fleet vehicles
Warning signs

Why automatic transmissions fail

Most transmission trouble shows itself early. Catching these symptoms sooner rather than later often prevents far more costly damage - so if you notice any of them, get it looked at.

  • Slipping gears
  • Delayed engagement
  • Shuddering
  • Harsh shifting
  • Transmission warning lights
  • Fluid leaks
  • Loss of drive
  • Unusual noises
How we work

Our process, from first call to final test

Every job follows the same disciplined path, so nothing gets missed and you always know where things stand.

  1. Initial inspectionA first look at the vehicle and the symptoms.
  2. Electronic diagnosticsScan for faults and read live data.
  3. Road testingFeel the fault in real driving conditions.
  4. Fault diagnosisPinpoint the actual cause, not just the symptom.
  5. Repair quotationA clear price and plan before any work starts.
  6. Professional repairCarried out by transmission specialists.
  7. Final testingRoad tested again to confirm the fix.
  8. Quality assuranceChecked and handed back with confidence.
Workshop racking stacked with automatic transmissions and gearboxes for a range of makes

Proud trade member

Capricorn automotive trade cooperative member

Book a diagnosis or request a quote

Tell us the vehicle and what it is doing - slipping, shuddering, a warning light or a leak - and we will come back to you with honest advice and a plan before any work begins. No obligation, and no repairs started without your say-so.

Serving Christchurch, Canterbury and the wider South Island.