Transmission Upgrades

Transmission Specialist Adelaide – Trusted Since 1945

Transmission Problems in Adelaide? Get Them Fixed Before They Get Worse

Slipping gears, delayed shifting, overheating when towing, or rough gear changes in stop-start traffic are some of the most common transmission problems Adelaide drivers face. Left unchecked, these early warning signs often lead to costly gearbox failures and unexpected breakdowns.

At Rowell & Searle Auto, we specialise in diagnosing, servicing, and upgrading automatic transmissions to suit South Australia’s driving conditions — from daily CBD commuting to long-distance towing and off-road travel. Whether you’ve noticed changes in how your car shifts, you’re preparing for towing, or you simply want to protect your vehicle long-term, expert transmission care makes all the difference.

Adelaide’s Trusted Transmission Specialists Since 1945

Established in 1945, Rowell & Searle Auto is a family-run business with over 75 years of experience keeping South Australian vehicles on the road. Conveniently located in the West End of Adelaide’s CBD, we offer early drop-offs and late Tuesday pick-ups by arrangement to suit busy schedules.

As an RAA Approved Repairer, we provide honest advice, precision workmanship, and practical solutions — whether you’re searching for an automatic transmission specialist near me, need a gearbox service, or are considering transmission performance upgrades for improved reliability and longevity.

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.