Durham Transmission & Total Auto Care

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Fluid color change

fluid oxidation and contamination
Tips & Advice

Why Transmission Fluid Turns Dark

You might notice that your transmission fluid has darkened over time, but understanding why it changes color can be less straightforward. Factors like heat, oxidation, and contamination all play a role in this process, and each can affect your vehicle’s performance in different ways. Recognizing what causes this darkening is essential for maintaining your transmission’s health, yet it often raises questions about when to take action and how to prevent potential damage. The Composition of Fresh Transmission Fluid Fresh transmission fluid is a carefully formulated blend designed to keep your vehicle’s transmission running smoothly. Its color is typically clear or light

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November 6, 2025
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Estimates

A fair Estimate using high quality parts and craftmanship all based on a precision diagnostic. You are always in control. We make only the repairs needed nothing more and nothing less.

Trusted

Lots of satisfied clients return to our certified service to get preventative maintenance or get help from our skilled car mechanics!

Guarantees

High quality parts from trusted vendors. Specialized workmanship, honesty and integrity are the things that make a guarantee real. National warranties offered Through Automatic Transmission Builders Association (ATRA)

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Our Testimonials

What Our Clients Say

Durham Transmission Repair place picture
Durham Transmission Repair
4.9
Based on 428 reviews
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Aaliyah Pastel profile picture
Aaliyah Pastel
13:47 19 Jun 25
great customer service! turned out my situation wasn’t transmission related but they made sure I was satisfied with any questions I had.
Response from the owner 19:35 20 Jun 25
Aaliyah, we're delighted to know you appreciated our customer service and that we could address your questions thoroughly. Your satisfaction means a lot to us. Gratefully, Durham Transmission Repair
Ashley Mesilien profile picture
Ashley Mesilien
19:19 14 Jun 25
I had an absolutely amazing experience at Durham Transmission. From start to finish, they were honest, reliable, and incredibly knowledgeable. It’s rare to find a shop that truly puts the customer first — they’re not there to take advantage or upsell unnecessary work. Instead, they take the time to explain everything clearly and offer genuine solutions. You can tell they have years of experience and take pride in the quality of their work. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for trustworthy and skilled professionals. I will definitely be returning for any future needs!
Response from the owner 18:21 16 Jun 25
Ashley, we're thrilled you had a fantastic experience with us, appreciating the honest and knowledgeable care from our team. We eagerly await assisting you with any future needs. Gratefully, Durham Transmission Repair
Susan Ward profile picture
Susan Ward
14:38 24 May 25
They flushed my transmission and did a great job--on time as promised, thorough, knowledgeable, and trustworthy. I would highly recommend them.
Response from the owner 17:07 27 May 25
Susan, we appreciate your kind recommendation and are delighted to have provided you with thorough, timely, and trustworthy service during your transmission flush. We're grateful for your trust. Gratefully, Cottman of Durham
J Walker profile picture
J Walker
02:00 04 May 25
5 star service. I came here because I had a leak in my transmission. Got them to look at it and they quoted me. The next week I came to drop it off and it was done later on that day. They communicated everything perfectly to me so I understood. Luckily they didn't need an extra part and the price came down. They didn't rip me off they were thorough and professional.
Response from the owner 15:25 06 May 25
We're delighted that you experienced thorough and professional service, along with clear communication from our team. Thank you for trusting us with your transmission concerns. Gratefully, Durham Transmission Repair
Julian Burton profile picture
Julian Burton
22:39 29 Apr 25
These guys are the real deal. Chris was awesome to work with. Got my transmission serviced before I got done with my errands. Car drives like new. Excellent work from excellent people. Would not consider another transmission shop. Awesome to do business with.
Response from the owner 15:04 02 May 25
Julian, we're thrilled to hear about your experience with Chris and our team. It's fantastic that your car is driving like new after the transmission service. Gratefully, Durham Transmission Repair
Jody Jones profile picture
Jody Jones
01:02 17 Apr 25
Excellent service and extremely knowledgeable. Would go back again if I need to in the future.
Response from the owner 15:05 02 May 25
Jody, we're thrilled you found our service excellent and our team knowledgeable. We’re here whenever you need us in the future. Gratefully, Durham Transmission Repair
Timothy Taylor profile picture
Timothy Taylor
20:40 10 Apr 25
I felt taken care of by Chris and the team at Cottman - my Corolla ended up not needing any transmission work but they were happy to check the fluid and take it for a drive to make sure my transmission is in good condition. They did not try to sell me on anything I did not need and they were transparent up front about diagnostic costs. Chris had an appointment for me within a few days, I dropped the car off in the morning and it was done by closing that day - clearly they have some great time management and pricing was as advertised. I will be back if the transmission does have trouble.
Response from the owner 15:39 11 Apr 25
Timothy, we're delighted that Chris and our team provided you with clear and honest service on your Corolla's transmission. Your satisfaction and trust mean a lot to us, and we're pleased to have exceeded your expectations. Gratefully, Durham Transmission Repair
Isaac Lawrence profile picture
Isaac Lawrence
00:07 08 Apr 25
Took my company car here, very professional! Staff was friendly and the job was superb
Response from the owner 15:04 02 May 25
Isaac, we’re delighted to hear that your visit to our shop for your company car was met with professionalism and friendliness from our team. We greatly appreciate your kind words and look forward to assisting you again. Gratefully, Durham Transmission Repair
Moif profile picture
Moif
13:05 03 Apr 25
Chris and the techs here at Cottman are top-notch.
My 1994 K1500 needed a new trans. Cottman had the best warranty on their work, which mattered most to me.

The work was done quickly and perfectly. My old pup is back on the road now and better than before. Chris was professional, courteous, and kind. One of those shops that answers the phone when you call, which is honestly rare nowadays.

I called around to every trans shop in the RDU area, and Cottman of Durham stood out, which is why I chose to have them work on my truck. Glad as hell that I did.

Cheers!
Response from the owner 23:46 10 Apr 25
Moif, we're delighted to hear about your positive experience. It's wonderful to know Chris and our team provided the quick and professional service you needed for your K1500. Your satisfaction with our warranty and dedication makes us incredibly happy. Gratefully, Durham’s Transmission Repair.com