Just south of Hayes, Harlington drivers have a family-run garage close by for gearbox faults, from reluctant gear changes to leaks, with a straight explanation of what is wrong.
Gearboxes are tough, but they are not immortal, and the way a car is used matters as much as its age. Short hops, regular stop-start driving and long gaps between services all add up. The first sign might be nothing more than a faint whine, or an odd feel as you change down for a junction.
We are MTS Garage Services, a family-run independent garage at Chesterfield Way in Hayes, and we work on cars and vans of all makes and models. Bring the car, tell us what you have noticed, and we will find the cause, explain it simply and give you an estimate before repairs begin.
There are seven things worth taking seriously. First, gears that are hard to select. Second, slipping. Third, delayed engagement. Fourth, whining, rumbling or clunking noises. Fifth, vibration through the lever or floor. Sixth, oil marks where you park. Seventh, a gearbox or transmission message on the dash. You do not need to know the cause, only to notice the change. The longer a gearbox runs with low oil, slipping or a failing bearing, the more it can damage inside. If the symptom is intermittent, say so. Intermittent faults are still real faults, and the pattern gives us something to work from.
A fair diagnosis begins outside the gearbox. On manual cars we check clutch travel, hydraulics, the release bearing and the linkage. On automatics we look at fluid condition, level and leaks, then plug in a diagnostic tool and read what the control unit has recorded. Gear selection repairs often come down to a worn bush, cable or mount. Harsh or delayed automatic shifts can come from a sensor or a software issue. Only after these are ruled in or out do we discuss opening up the gearbox. This saves you from an expensive job based on a guess, and you keep control of each step.
Once we know what has failed, we explain the routes open to you. Repair suits an isolated fault. Reconditioning involves a strip-down and renewing worn items, so the gearbox is rebuilt with your car's own unit. Replacement means fitting another gearbox. The right route depends on the damage, how the rest of the box looks, and what the car is worth to you. We talk through the trade-offs, say what we would choose and why, and give you a clear estimate. There is no pressure and no surprise: if we find something else along the way, we stop and speak to you first.
Harlington is an older village-style area south of Hayes, close to Heathrow, with cottages near its old centre and mostly 1930s and post-war housing around it. Because we are a short way off in Chesterfield Way, Hayes, it is simple to bring the car over. We also work with drivers in Sipson, Harmondsworth and Cranford. If the car will still move safely, bring it in. If it will not, get in touch, explain what has happened, and we will work out the next step together.
We also help drivers with gearbox and transmission repairs from nearby Hayes, Sipson, Harmondsworth, Cranford, and the garage in Hayes is the base for all of it.
Choose the job that matches your vehicle:
Pictures are for illustration purposes only.
“My request and my car looked at and reported to me, as to my next move, honest response from the staff.”
“Have received amazing customer service, always up to date with my repair and their diagnostic was on point. Very good experience overall would definitely recommend.”
“Thank you MTS you have ensured you fixed my car straight away. Diagnosed the problem straight away, fixed efficiently. Friendly staff. I highly recommend MTS.”
It can be. A small weep may be harmless for a while, but if the level drops, the gearbox can run short of oil and wear quickly. We find the source, which is often a seal or gasket, and advise whether it needs attention now.
Reconditioning means your own gearbox is stripped, checked and rebuilt with worn parts renewed. Replacement means fitting a different unit. Which is sensible depends on the damage and the car, and we talk through both before you decide.
Yes. Automatic transmission servicing usually means checking and changing the fluid, and sometimes the filter, using the correct type for your car. We also look for leaks and note any shifting problems while we are there.
The garage is in Hayes. Choose your area to see how we help locally.
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Prefer to talk? Call 0208 843 9091. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8:30AM - 5:30PM, Saturday 9:00AM - 1:00PM, Sunday closed.
MTS Garage Services, 5 Chesterfield Way, Hayes, Middlesex, UB3 3NW