By Pete Jancola
Renton Transmission is a family owned and operated auto-repair business that has been serving Renton in the same location since 1985. In the 24 years we’ve been in business, I have seen several up-and-down cycles in our economy. But this economy has been our greatest challenge. Those business cycles have allowed us to learn how to run lean and efficiently, while maintaining our high standard of quality repairs.
For example, I have used my imagination instead of a lot of money to advertise. My most popular advertisement has been turning my vehicle into a billboard with a transmission mounted on the roof to attract attention. Another thing that has worked well is monthly specials mailed to my wholesale customers. We have also developed more options for repairs to help all of our customers who may be struggling in the poor economy as well.
One of the most distressing things I’ve seen in this economy is the number of people who are taking their vehicles to tire stores or general repair shops for transmission repair. While these places do well at what their names imply, they lack the experience and equipment to accurately diagnose today’s complex transmissions and as a result their customers are quite often being sold an expensive transmission replacement, when a lesser repair would have solved their problem. Industry estimates show that 60 percent of all transmissions that were “exchanged” could have been repaired much more inexpensively, often without removing them from the vehicle had they been properly diagnosed.
Renton Transmission can be found at 4233 N.E. Sunset Blvd. across from the state Department of Motor Vehicles in the Renton Highlands. Contact Renton Transmission at 425-235-0101 or at www.rentontrans.com.
At Renton Transmission, we specialize in transmission repair as well as clutches, differentials, 4WD transfer cases, wheel bearings and axles but can help with most any repair on foreign and domestic automobiles, light trucks and SUVs. We are your one stop for complete drive train repair.
The thing that sets Renton Transmission apart and has kept us successful for so long is our commitment to quality workmanship. We repair every vehicle as if a member of our own family will be driving it. We also stand behind our work 100 percent or more. On the rare occasion that someone has a problem, we do our best to make it right. This means giving their vehicle priority and sometimes even honoring a warranty that may be expired. I also only employ people who I trust to work on my own car. I need to know that everything that leaves our shop has been done correctly.
Pete Jancola is the owner of Renton Transmission
