By Camille Sperrazza
Yes, I’ve heard the word “transmission,” but I had to look it up on line to get a sense of it what it does. I’m not ashamed to admit that I still don’t understand all details, as I’m told this lack of knowledge about transmissions is common. In fact, many people who go to auto repair shops may suspect a transmission problem, then learn the problem is really something else. This is why it’s important to take your car to a transmission expert who knows how to make a diagnosis. Sal’s Transmissions (2765 Stillwell Avenue, 718-714-4117) is a highly regarded auto shop that has earned a reputation for its excellence and honesty in transmission service. They’ve been part of the neighborhood for 30 years so they can be trusted to provide expert advice and service. Sal Raio is the shop’s owner, and Bob Bannon is the service manager. Bob explains that the shop is a state-of-the-art facility with all the latest computerized equipment. As a result, cars can be diagnosed immediately. A full check-up can be done while customers wait, or they can leave the car and return “in about an hour,” says Bob. “The diagnosis is free,” he says. Often customers come in complaining about an engine light warning that has appeared on the dashboard, or a lack of power in the car, he says. “This doesn’t necessarily mean you need a new transmission,” he says. “It could be a minor problem such as a switch or a short,” Bob says. The good news is that no matter what the problem, the car can still be fixed at Sal’s Transmissions, as they are a full service shop. If a transmission is needed, it will be replaced with new parts, says Bob, and it will be guaranteed for parts and labor for one year, in most cases. Extended warranties are also available. All work is done on the premises by certified technicians. Sal’s Transmissions has such an outstanding reputation, they are often “recommended by repair shops in the area,” Bob says. Even more impressive, Bob points out that the Better Business Bureau “recommends us as one of the top transmission companies.” Looking over the most recent list he received, he says, “No other transmission shop in Brooklyn is even on the list.” The shop has received certificates from the Better Business Bureau “each year since 1998,” says Bob. “I’m sure we go back even further than that,” he says, but that’s when they started hanging the certificates on the walls. Sal’s Transmissions is famous is another way, too. Every Saturday morning, the shop is featured on the radio. The segment, called “Auto Lab,” allows callers to speak with the technicians at Sal’s Transmissions, asking them questions about car concerns. Bob says he answers these questions, often right from the shop; sometimes at the studio. While he likes to see a car before he makes a diagnosis, the questions he’s asked on the show are often general in nature — “no power in the vehicle, a noisy engine, or lights on the dashboard” — and he can “provide an opinion about the problem.” He’s been doing this radio show for 15 years, he says, and a lot of the questions he answers deal with common concerns. The program is organized by a college professor who “gets the top technicians in the area who are specialists in their professions,” says Bob. Tune to 570 A.M. on Saturdays, from 7 a.m. – 9 a.m., and to 91.5 FM, on Saturdays between 9 a.m. – 10 a.m., says Bob, to listen to the show. Sal’s Transmissions is proud to be “a people-friendly shop.” The environment is clean and the facility is modern. There is a comfortable waiting area. Our concern is the customer’s concern,” says Bob. “We’re always trying to help them out.” This includes “offering them a ride,” when possible, says Bob. Besides appearing on the radio, Sal’s Transmissions was also written up in The New York Times. Bob says they just happen to repair the car of a New York Times’ writer. Shortly afterwards, the shop was thrilled to read his article with the headline, “Sal Raio Forgoes Profit for Honesty.” The shop is open Mondays through Fridays, from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m., and on Saturdays, from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Credit cards are accepted.
