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Local mechanics say they're seeing a growing shift as more drivers bypass traditional workshops in favour of foreign-run garages to fix their transmission problems.

These issues have emerged as one of the most common and complex vehicle repairs requests across Jamaica, and, according to the mechanics, drivers feel that the foreign-run garages are better equipped to handle the precision and scale of the jobs. From slipping gears to total breakdowns, transmission overhaul is a high-stakes process that involves dismantling, diagnosing, and rebuilding one of a car's most intricate systems. The shift is raising tough questions about trust, training, and why local garages are being left behind.

"Transmission overhaul is not just change and go," said Dennis Long, a seasoned mechanic who has run a small workshop in Bridgeport, Portmore, St Catherine, for more than a decade. "Yuh affi tear dung the whole ting, know wey yuh a look for, and build it back wid precision. One screw outta place, and di whole system mash up again."

While he still handles basic servicing jobs, brakes, oil changes and shocks replacements, Long said most of the serious cases are going elsewhere.

"Whole heap a man nuh tek di time fi study transmission. It's a different level. Some just care 'bout quick fix and fast money. Patch it up now, hope yuh come back next month wid a new problem." An automotive engineer who requested anonymity confirmed the shift.

"Transmission repair isn't something you learn casually. It's a speciality. Most Jamaican garages aren't equipped with the diagnostic tools or training to handle that kind of precision," he said. Many mechanics rely on on-the-job experience or informal apprenticeships, a system that works for routine repairs, but leaves a gap for deeper issues.

But mechanics aren't the only ones under scrutiny. Long said that part of the problem is how Jamaicans treat their vehicles.

"Some people drive like di car invincible. One hard jerk or sudden reverse, and boom yuh trigger a whole chain reaction under di hood," he said, adding that maintenance is an afterthought.

"People nuh listen to dem car until it start scream. A little knock? Dem turn up di music louder. Mi always say maintenance cheaper than repairs, but nobody wah hear dat till dem face a hefty bill." He said that in addition to the equipment, there is better structure at the other garages.

"Dem diagnose it proper, scan yuh car, fix it fast. People see that and dem willing fi pay more once dem believe it nah fail again," he said. "We haffi stop cut corner, stop chase fast money. Di best mechanic a di one who tell yuh di truth before yuh affi sell yuh fridge fi pay di bill."