AUTO REPAIR
At Metro Transmission & Auto Repair, we proudly offer professional auto repair services in Cedar Rapids, Marion, and surrounding areas. Whether you need routine maintenance, brake repairs, engine diagnostics, or more complex services, our experienced technicians are here to keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely. With a commitment to quality, we provide fast, reliable repairs to ensure your car is back on the road as quickly as possible. Trust us for all your auto repair needs and experience exceptional service right in your community.
Our Services
24/7 After Hour Drop-Offs
Can't visit us during business hours? Don't worry! We have 24/7 after hour drop offs. Simply Complete the Form located in the Drop Off box. put the keys in the provided envelope, and drop the envelope in the round portal on the large overhead roll-up door.
Brakes
Professional Brake Service Available Your brake system consists of a long list of parts and all of them are under a great deal of stress much of which depends on how you drive as each of us is very different in that regard. Some of us are more aggressive than others in both starting and stopping our vehicles, we tend to "ride our brakes" and you may carry heavy loads or pull a trailer which will also impact the life of your brakes. The important aspect of your brakes and their expected life span is that you are absolutely certain that they are working at 100% when you call on them to stop your vehicle at any given time. The task of stopping a car, truck, or SUV which weighs thousands of pounds is certainly not easy and the last thing anyone wants is to find out their brakes have failed catastrophically. When our team goes in to do a full service or repair of your brakes we take it seriously and check the entire system for you taking into consideration multiple factors! What kind of driver are you? Aggressive with hard turns and fast stops? Stomping the brakes or soft taps? Your brake life directly ties into how you drive and brake pads will need to be changed more often based on your driving habits and the number of miles you travel. It isn't just how long it has been since your last brake job. What brand of brakes did you use last time? The material in brake pads can vary greatly from one manufacturer to another. There are pads that are composites of organic compounds, semi-metallic pads, and ceramic pads, and their wear rates are all different. Do you often tow a trailer, haul heavy loads, or drive through steep terrain? The extra braking force needed for any of those will wear out brake pads faster. With all that in mind, brake pads typically last anywhere from 35,000 to 60,000 miles, depending on the above factors. What's maybe more important to know, though, is the warning signs that you do need new brakes. Brake problems come in a variety of forms. Worn brake pads cause squeaking or grinding noises, especially when the brakes are applied, but sometimes constantly. Typically, the sound will vary with the speed of your car, and braking will alter the noise you hear. Bad brakes affect performance too. If you feel like you have to hit the pedal harder than normal to stop your vehicle, the brakes feel weak, or your car pulls to one side whenever you depress the pedal, you likely have a malfunctioning master cylinder, sticking brake caliper, or collapsed hoses. Symptoms may be erratic, sometimes only popping up occasionally, but should not be ignored. Warped or worn rotors damaged by high heat or worn brake pads will cause your car to pulse or vibrate whenever you hit the brakes. This can be damaging to other components, decrease brake performance, and is generally annoying. Things to watch out for include: Longer stopping distances. If it takes longer you have a problem. Low brake fluid—your brakes are worn out or you have a leak! Excessive brake pedal travel. If you are pushing your brake pedal further towards the floor, there is an issue. Brake pedal feels "soft" or "spongy" underfoot. Vehicle pulls to one side while braking. Pulsation or vibrations through the brake pedal or steering wheel while braking. The tendency for one or more wheels to lock up and skid while braking means one of your brakes is working harder than the other. Your brakes don't always wear at the same pace. Loud Noises! Groaning, screeching, squealing, or grinding sound while braking is never a good sign. If you are experiencing any of the above problems, or your vehicle needs any other repair or maintenance, don’t hesitate to give us a call.
Strut & Shock
Your struts are vital to vehicle safety and the comfort you experience while driving! Most drivers don't understand that a bad strut can increase the distance you need to stop your vehicle and that is putting the need for keeping your struts in good working order a necessity! Here at Metro Transmission Auto Repair we typically have drivers that don't know that bit of information nor what a strut actually does as it isn't used in casual conversation like brakes or tires. Unless you need strut repair or replacement it isn't a concern for most people. Our mechanics have been fixing struts on vehicles for many years and understand the complexity of your struts and how they work within the suspension system of your car or truck. We also understand just how important they are to your ability to drive safely in comfort. The strut is a component of your suspension system, the system that connects your car to the wheel, and is one of the most important parts of the system as it supports the weight of the vehicle which is necessary for steering, absorbing most of the shock. The strut is the name of the assembly that connects your vehicle to the wheel assemblies and consists of mounts, a spring, and a shock absorber which runs through the spring. Not all cars have struts, or have them on one set of wheels; on some designs, the shock absorber and the spring are separate, though the same basic principles of suspension still apply. They also help stabilize your vehicle and enhance control while turning, braking, or accelerating. Your strut assemblies are under constant stress, even when the vehicle is just sitting. For this reason, rubber bushings that the strut pivots on have a tendency to wear out, causing squeaking sounds while turning or driving. If you notice your struts are noisy or your car doesn’t ride as smoothly as it should, have them replaced. Even if you haven’t noticed a reduction in ride quality, it’s a good idea to have them inspected regularly. They often fail slowly over time, and many people don’t realize their struts are bad until they can compare the ride quality after they’ve been replaced. How do you know your struts are going bad? 1. Noise, that squeaking noise we just mentioned while turning or driving 2. Your vehicle is "leaning" when you turn 3. Tires are bouncing it seems like after hitting a pothole or going over a speed bump 4. Front end seems to dive down when you hit your brakes aggressively 5. Your vehicle doesn't feel stable - as if it is bouncing up and down or "floating" Replacing your struts is typically done as a pair vs one at a time and is based on the owner's manual recommendation. However, driving on rough or unpaved roads, towing a trailer, or carrying heavy loads can shorten the life of your strut. If you are experiencing any of the issues noted we would be glad to take a look at your vehicle for you and if your car, truck, or SUV has a bad shock, worn bushings, and bearings, or broken and worn out suspension components, our mechanics will get you taken care of.
Wheel Bearings
The wheel bearing allows your tire and wheel assemblies to spin as fast as possible with the least amount of friction. You’ll know your wheel bearings are going bad when you hear knocking, humming, snapping, clicking, or popping while driving.
Diagnostic Testing
Vehicles are complex pieces of machinery with various components and systems that are constantly needed for maximum efficiency. It’s important that when a dashboard light comes on or your vehicle is not working properly that you bring it to a professional to look at it before a small problem becomes a big one. With state-of-the-art diagnostic technology, our technicians can read and understand the codes your vehicle is sending to help pinpoint your vehicle’s issue. The signs you need diagnostics are: • Vehicle electronics are unreliable. • A Check Engine light is illuminated. • Black smoke or excessive white smoke from the tailpipe. • Strange noises. • Abnormal smells. • Other Illuminated dashboard lights. Our technicians have the skills and equipment to diagnose your vehicle’s issue, as well as come up with a solution. Whether it’s the engine or cooling system, trust our technicians to find the solution that best works for you. Contact us today!
Engine
Engine Performance: *Diagnostics *Fuel Injectors/Filters *Computer System Diagnosis *Check Engine Light *Ignition Systems/Plugs and *Wires *Emission Diagnosis and Repair Engine Service: *Fluid Leaks *Timing Belts *Timing Chains
Exhaust System
The exhaust system works very hard to control the harmful exhaust gasses that are excreted from a car. It's one of the many reasons why we should give the needed credit to our exhaust system, and not think of it only when it makes a sound. The exhaust system is part of a bigger picture that also involves your emission control system. Both the exhaust and the emission control system work closely together in order to regulate the harmful gasses and pollutants that are emitted from your vehicle and control your car's noise at the same time. When you have an efficient exhaust system, you create a healthier environment and make your vehicle quieter while driving down the road. Each one of us has heard a moving vehicle that is in need of an urgent muffler repair service. This particular sound cannot be mistaken. There are two types of mufflers – the first one uses a sound absorbing material and the second one is a baffled chambered muffler. If your car is having muffler or exhaust system problems, our trained technicians at our auto repair shop can assist you in making a decision about what type of service would be best for you. The maintenance of your exhaust system can be an easy task, if you stay on top of your vehicle's general preventative services. Pay a visit to our auto repair shop and let our technicians take care of your exhaust system.
Pre-Purchase Inspection
There’s no need for you to rely on luck when purchasing a used car. You need to know the history of the vehicle before you make that big decision. The majority of dealerships around the country offer services such as a Carfax report in order to assist in shining some light on the history of the vehicle. Bear in mind that even though these pre-purchase reports can tell you the history of the vehicle, they cannot tell you for certain whether the vehicle is safe to drive or not. It is extremely important for vehicles to have the proper preventative maintenance. A pre-purchase inspection can give you an expert opinion on the vehicle's systems and parts. For example, inspecting a used vehicle's tires, engine, hoses, belts and other important engine components can determine the difference between asking the price of the car, or the never-ending investment in repair bills. Our shop has a longstanding reputation with our customers in the area. We pride ourselves on superior customer service and provide top-quality auto repair, without trying to sell you unnecessary repairs or services. You can put your trust in our auto repair facility to provide you with a comprehensive review of your potential vehicle. Before you decide to buy a used car, let our team of technicians provide you with a complete and affordable pre-purchase inspection!
Radiators
Here at Metro Transmission Auto Repair, we like to keep our drivers on the road and a radiator issue will put your vehicle in Park faster than most issues! Every liquid-cooled engine on the road has a radiator; without it, the engine would overheat in no time, causing catastrophic engine failure. What you don't want to see is steam coming out from under your hood so proper maintenance is key. While the efficiency of radiators, the materials they’re made out of, and the shape and size of them have changed over time, radiators haven’t actually changed much over the last century or so. How your radiator works. In concept, a radiator is pretty simple. Coolant circulates throughout the engine, heating up as it makes its way through the system. It moves from the engine into the top of the radiator, which consists of passageways to lengthen the amount of time the coolant is in the radiator and to dissipate heat. Thin metal fins further facilitate the dissipation of heat. Air moving through the radiator, either by the motion of the vehicle or the cooling fan, rapidly drops the temperature of the coolant before it enters the engine again. As a result, the engine stays cool and runs smooth. What goes wrong? Radiators are pretty durable components - they generally last a long time. However, they do occasionally fail and when they do the first call should be here to our shop. There are multiple reasons why you might suffer a failure and many can be avoided with standard maintenance. Here are some common issues your radiator might have: Debris in the system. If rust, sludge, or other contaminants make their way into the coolant system, the radiator is likely to get clogged. Those small passageways are great for cooling liquid but almost act as a collection place for dirt and debris. Sometimes it can be flushed out, sometimes not and that results in a need for a new radiator. Damage. Radiators are sensitive to any kind of damage - it isn’t hard to put a hole in one or collapse the cooling passages inside the radiator. Damage can occur during other engine work, front end damage, an object contacting the radiator, or even just from age. They’re always under pressure, so there’s a tendency for radiators to come apart at the seams after many years of use. Overheating. Sometimes a bad radiator causes overheating, sometimes overheating causes a bad radiator. Either way, overheated coolant can put too much pressure on the radiator, causing it to balloon or develop leaks. Radiator Maintenance At Metro Transmission Auto Repair we will help you prevent the need for any future radiator repairs by providing maintenance. By far, the most important aspect of radiator maintenance is coolant servicing. By having the coolant flushed as recommended by our technicians, you prevent debris from clogging or damaging passageways in the radiator, and ensure the cooling system is up to the task of keeping your engine cool. Since overheating and debris are two of the main causes of radiator failure, a coolant flush goes a long way. Keeping your thermostat, hoses, and other cooling system components in good working order are also crucial. If your engine runs hot, the radiator will fail faster. Watch for leaks and overheating issues, and let one of our technicians know if there is a problem. When you see fluid under your vehicle and it is not simply water from running the air conditioning then we need to know about it quickly as it is typically a radiator issue. No matter your repair or maintenance needs, we’ve got you covered!
Axles
Your vehicle’s axles are vital to keeping you safe on the road. They are just as important as other safety devices on your vehicle -such as brakes and tires- and are integral to the performance and drivability of your vehicle. In most cars, the axles are an essential part of the steering system, working with power steering fluid and other components to ensure smooth turning. If your vehicle is not turning as smoothly as usual, you might need an axle repair and service - when it comes to an axle inspection, we are your source for professional and knowledgeable service. It’s essential for the equipment that carries you and your family to wherever you need to go. Let us help you and You’ll be back, safely on the road, in no time!
Steering & Suspension
When you are on the road, the steering and suspension system of your vehicle is what helps you stay in control. The entire weight of your vehicle is carried by your shocks and steering system. Additionally, the steering system assists in providing a safer and smoother ride and keeps your tires on the road while driving. You should inspect your steering and suspension system at least once a year or more, depending on your driving conditions. When you notice the first warning signs of a faulty steering and suspension system, you should pay a visit to our auto repair shop. If you don't attend to these problems early, this may result in serious safety threats in the future. Common warning signs that indicate you need to have your steering and suspension system inspected by our technicians include: *Tires shake or wander *Problems while driving on uneven roadways or dips *Having difficulties when steering *Steering seems to be slipping *Vehicle is still bouncing after going over a bump *Pulling to the side Our experienced technicians can examine all of your steering and suspension components in order to make sure that your steering and shocks are operating properly, and will also inspect: *Uneven wear or tires *Alignment issues *Power steering fluid *Steering wheel alignment *Shocks or Struts *Tightness of bolts and nuts *Used or loose power steering belts Call us today to schedule an appointment for your next steering and suspension repair.
Fuel Pumps
Has your vehicle started to lack power when you hit the gas, is it hard to start, or have you noticed a drop in fuel economy lately? If the answer to these questions is yes, then you may have been having an issue with your fuel system. For those in the Marion, Cedar Rapids, Springville, Hiawatha, Anamosa, Martelle area, the dedicated auto mechanics at Metro Transmission Auto Repair are ready and waiting to help diagnose and fix whatever fuel system auto repairs you may have. The fuel system is made up of a variety of components to deliver fuel to your car’s engine while driving. Included in that system are the fuel tank, fuel pump, filter, and the fuel injectors or carburetor. Each portion of the fuel system is necessary for the proper performance of your vehicle. Over time, your vehicle’s engine performance will slowly diminish due to buildup within the fuel system, which can cause clogs throughout its components and reduce the overall fuel efficiency and power of your car. Whatever your fuel system needs, our skilled auto mechanics will work with you to figure out what part of your fuel system is having trouble.
Timing Belt Replacement
Our auto repair shop is the best option for you when you are looking for a timing belt replacement. We have a team of professional and experienced technicians, who are committed to the highest standard of customer care and providing top-quality services and repairs. When To Replace Timing Belt or Chain? At some point during your vehicle's life, you will have to change the timing belt. The majority of vehicles require that the timing belt needs to be replaced at 100,000 miles. Sometimes, there are cars that have timing chains instead of a timing belt. These timing chains can still stretch or break and could be noisier. The owner's manual of your car will tell you when you have to change your timing belt. You have to change it before it becomes a serious problem. A lot of vehicles have complicated internal systems that must work in perfect synchrony all together and when the timing belt breaks, the internal parts of the engine can be destroyed and the synchrony is gone. This happens so fast that you might not get a warning. While You’re At It… When you are having your timing belt replaced, there is another component that runs on this belt, and that is your water pump. We advise you to replace your water pump at the same time, when you are replacing your timing belt. As a matter of fact, they are most commonly done together, because when we have to replace your water pump, we have to do almost the exact same work as replacing your timing belt. This does not apply to all makes of vehicles, but does apply to most of them. At our auto repair shop, our technicians have been replacing timing chains, timing belts and water pumps for years. If your vehicle needs a new timing belt, water pump or timing chain, give us a call to schedule an appointment.
Heating & Air
Your vehicle’s HVAC system is important not only for comfort, but for defrosting and defogging windows, uninterrupted flow of engine coolant, and proper operation of belts which drive your alternator, power steering, and water pump. Heating and cooling issues come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the type of car or truck you drive and the make or model of that vehicle, but Metro Transmission Auto Repair in Marion, IA can handle them all. Your heat and A/C system are complicated, to say the least, requiring the right tools, and constant training to keep up-to-date on the new information and diagnostic tools required to take care of your specific system. Our technicians have experience in most makes and models and can quickly find and solve any issue you might have with your heat and A/C system should it be due to an issue with your compressor, high-pressure lines, freon, condensers, actuators, electronic and vacuum signals, or multiple other aspects of your car or truck. Your air conditioning system has to work in harmony to effectively cool your vehicle infrastructure and when needed heat the inside of your vehicle for your comfort. The longer an A/C system remains broken the more problems it will develop, so it’s a good idea to have it serviced regularly. We have found that the heating systems are generally far more reliable than A/C since they primarily operate on circulating engine coolant. However, if you’re having heating issues, the consequences are usually far greater if neglected. Lack of defrosting and defogging ability is not just inconvenient but also extremely unsafe. A clogged heater core can cause engine overheating, and a failed heater core will leak coolant into your vehicle, damaging other components. If your heater is misbehaving, have it inspected immediately. When you bring your vehicle to our automotive specialists for an HVAC check or a repair of your air conditioning, heating, and ventilation system, our highly trained technicians may perform any of the following services: ● Air conditioning performance test ● Radiator cooling fan and condenser check ● Thorough inspection and repair and replacement of HVAC components due to leaks degraded seals and malfunctions including hoses, gaskets, and belts ● System pressure checks, such as with hi and low-pressure hoses ● Refrigerant refill ● Replacement or cleaning of the cabin air filter ● Condenser repair and replacement ● Compressor repair and replacement ● Evaporator repair and replacement ● Accumulator/receiver-drier repair and replacement ● Radiator repair and replacement ● Thermostat repair and replacement ● Water pump repair and replacement Regular and preventative maintenance of your HVAC system will ensure you avoid many of the preventable extensive repairs that arise from failure to properly service and maintain your vehicle’s air conditioning, heating, and ventilation system. If you have noticed exterior or interior leaks, odd smells, or a failure to maintain cabin temperature, our technicians are qualified and prepared to quickly diagnose any HVAC issues in your vehicle and efficiently complete any necessary maintenance or repair services to have you back on the road as soon as possible. Sometimes just rolling down the windows and living with the problem isn't the "simple solution" you think it is, but the start of really causing major damage to your vehicle. Our shop is here to save you money and keep you on the road going where you want - when you want, so if you have questions or issues with getting your service work done simply give us a call! Whether your car, truck, or SUV needs a coolant flush, an A/C system charge, actuator replacement, or any other sort of repair or maintenance we will ensure you drive in comfort again. Typical Wear and Tear: Factors that affect the replacement of cooling system parts include: ● Driving habits ● Operating conditions ● Type of vehicle ● Type of coolant ● Frequency of regular maintenance such as coolant changes Symptoms that you are having an issue with your engine cooling system include, ● Overheating ● Sweet smell ● Leaks ● Repeatedly need to add fluid
Seals & Gaskets
Gaskets and oil seals should be replaced if worn or leaking, or whenever removed during servicing. Replacement is simple, but some engine dismantling may be necessary to reach them. Car seals play a vital role in keeping out moisture, dust, and noise while ensuring proper insulation. However, over time, these seals can become worn or damaged, compromising their effectiveness. That’s where car seal repair services come in handy. Whether it’s the door seals, window seals, trunk seals, or any other type of seal on your vehicle, our professional repair technicians have the expertise to restore them to their optimal condition. By addressing issues such as cracks, tears, or deterioration promptly, you can prevent further damage and ensure a tight seal that enhances both comfort and safety.
Transmission
** Due to the rising complexity of automatic transmissions and transfer cases, Metro Transmission Auto Repair no longer rebuilds transmissions in house. We now offer assembly line remanufactured transmissions and transfer cases which come with up to a 3 year unlimited mileage nationwide warranty. Please Note that Not All makes and models qualify for this warranty. ** The transmission is the vehicle’s brain and is a giant gearbox that determines how your vehicle shifts. The transmission transforms the combustion created by the engine and morphs it into real power. Regular maintenance of the transmission is necessary to sustain the life of the transmission and your vehicle. Servicing a transmission is similar to servicing the engine, with an oil and fluid change, inspecting panels, replacing or cleaning the filter, and more. Signs you need transmission service: • Leaking transmission fluid. • Check engine or transmission light. • Poor acceleration. • Poor shifting. • Slipping. Our technicians have the tools and skills to efficiently inspect and service the transmission. Contact us today for transmission service!
Tune-Up
If you want your vehicle to last as long as possible and be in top condition, you should bring it to Metro Transmission Auto Repair for regular tune-up services. The technicians at our shop can perform various preventative maintenance services, including tune-ups on your vehicle. The majority of vehicles are in need of a tune-up service every 30,000 miles. Our shop offers dependable, affordable and quality tune-ups, as well as various other auto repair and maintenance services. A regular routine tune-up can give you protection against a major engine problem by locating and replacing worn components, like fuel filters and spark plugs. Having a regular tune-up schedule will assist your vehicle in boosting efficiency, preserving a higher fuel mileage and lasting much longer. Each component of your vehicle has a certain life expectancy, so it should not come as a surprise when for instance, your transmission or suspension breaks down. The life expectancy of each component is shown in your owner's manual with specific manufacturer benchmarks, roughly around every 30,000 miles. However, sometimes these components can last much longer than the suggested time frame. Nonetheless, it's a good idea to have them inspected by a qualified and experienced technician at our auto repair shop, on a regular basis. Symptoms that indicate your vehicle is in need of a tune-up service include: * Engine sounds, like knocks or pings * Slow acceleration * Noticeable gauge issues * Poor gasoline mileage The complete tune-up service, performed by our certified technicians, consists of: * Inspection and filling all fluids * Installing new spark plugs and spark plug wires * Switching out Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve, if plugged * Replacing the air filter * Switching out the fuel filters * Inspecting the distributor cap and putting in a new one if needed At our auto repair shop, we are aware of the fact that preventative maintenance services, such as tune-ups can prolong the life of your vehicle and save you money in the long run. Schedule an appointment for a tune-up service today with one of our technicians to avoid major vehicle problems and extend your car's life.
Alternator & Starters & Charging Systems Diagnostics
There could be several causes to a bad charging system. If you need to jump start your battery frequently, or the new battery you just purchased is not holding a charge, it could be a side-effect of a bad alternator. The alternator provides electricity to different components in your car; including your air conditioner and dashboard lights. Any additional power created by the alternator is stored for later use in your car's battery. This situation is often misdiagnosed as a result of a bad battery, especially if it’s an old one. However, you can save both time and money by getting your vehicle serviced properly by our experienced and trained technicians. Bring your vehicle to our auto repair shop for top-notch alternator repair and replacement, that you can trust.
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