Transmission Specialist Adelaide – Trusted Since 1945
At Rowell & Searle Auto, we’re more than just mechanics — we’re Adelaide’s trusted transmission specialists. Established in 1945, our family-run business has proudly served South Australian drivers for over 75 years. Conveniently located in the West End of the CBD, we make servicing easy with early drop-offs and late Tuesday pick-ups by arrangement.
As an RAA Approved Repairer, we deliver honest advice, expert workmanship, and genuine care for every vehicle. Whether you’re searching for an automatic transmission specialist near me, need a gearbox service, or want to explore transmission performance upgrades, our team has the knowledge and experience to keep your car running at its best.
Transmission Upgrades & Repairs in South Australia
We specialise in transmission upgrades and servicing designed to suit Adelaide’s unique driving conditions — from stop-start city traffic to long regional drives and off-road adventures.
Our services include:
- Transmission performance upgrades for more power and durability
- Valve body upgrades for smoother gear changes and towing confidence
- Gearbox upgrades to improve strength and efficiency
- Preventative maintenance and servicing for longer transmission life
We work with popular 4WDs and cars, including Toyota, Ford, Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Mazda.
Valve Body Upgrades
A valve body upgrade is one of the most effective ways to improve transmission responsiveness and reduce wear. It helps reduce gear hunting, overheating, and premature clutch wear while delivering:
- Crisper shift points
- Shorter gear shifts under load
- Improved lubrication and cooling
- Enhanced engine braking (by up to 10%)
- Increased fuel efficiency
For heavy-duty needs, the Nomad Valve Body Upgrade is Australian-made to handle South Australia’s climate, terrain, and towing demands.
Transmission & Gearbox Upgrades
Our gearbox upgrades and transmission rebuilds are ideal for drivers who demand more from their vehicles. Whether you tow caravans, haul heavy loads, or explore rugged tracks, these upgrades provide:
- Greater torque capacity
- Reduced heat build-up
- Longer gearbox lifespan
- More reliable off-road performance
Transmission Temperature Gauges
Heat is the number one cause of transmission failure. Installing a transmission-specific temperature gauge or Scan Gauge allows you to monitor live data and protect your vehicle from costly damage.
Benefits include:
- Confidence when towing or driving in hilly terrain
- Early warning before overheating causes breakdowns
- Extended gearbox and transmission life
- Safer, more reliable performance under load
Transmission Servicing & Maintenance
Even with performance upgrades, servicing is critical to prevent breakdowns. City driving, heat cycles, and worn fluid quickly damage transmissions.
We recommend:
- Transmission servicing every 40,000 km
- Regular fluid changes to extend gearbox life
- Preventative maintenance to reduce costly repairs
Why Choose Rowell & Searle Auto?
- Family-run Adelaide business since 1945
- Convenient CBD location with flexible drop-off/pick-up
- RAA Approved Repairer
- Specialists in transmission upgrades, gearbox upgrades, and valve body upgrades
- Trusted by generations of South Australian drivers
What Our Customers Say
Ray Jackson ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Excellent service with a detailed analysis of the issues with my auto transmission. I would highly recommend this company.”
Athol Francis ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“We went to 2 other mechanics who couldn’t find the problem with our Suzuki Jimny but these guys easily found and fixed it. Confident and reliable service!”
Darren Hocknell ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Amazing, great service, family friendly, workmanship is spot on. I can feel a positive response from my transmission since it was serviced.”
Nelaka Chamoth ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“They treated me with respect and care. The whole process was explained clearly, making everything stress-free. Highly recommend this place for anyone in need of transmission work.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does a transmission specialist in South Australia do?
A transmission specialist diagnoses, services, and upgrades transmissions and gearboxes. At Rowell & Searle Auto, we focus on transmission performance upgrades, valve body tuning, and gearbox upgrades to suit local conditions.
Q: How often should I service my transmission?
We recommend every 40,000 km, especially if you tow, off-road, or drive in stop-start city traffic.
Q: I searched for “automatic transmission specialist near me.” Do you provide this service?
Yes. We are based in Adelaide’s CBD and provide both automatic transmission repairs and performance upgrades for cars and 4WDs across South Australia.
Q: How much does a transmission upgrade or gearbox service cost in Adelaide?
Costs vary depending on the service and vehicle. Preventative upgrades such as valve body tuning and gauges are affordable, while full gearbox upgrades or repairs depend on condition. Contact us for a tailored quote.
Book Your Transmission Specialist in Adelaide
Don’t wait until your vehicle breaks down — get peace of mind and performance with Rowell & Searle Auto. Whether you need a transmission performance upgrade, valve body upgrade, gearbox upgrade, or routine servicing, our Adelaide team is ready to help.
📞 Call (+61 8 8221 6694) or book your obligation-free consultation with Rowell & Searle Auto – your trusted transmission specialist in Adelaide.