Compare Ford S-Max auto gearbox specialist repair quotes from specialist garages

Ford was the first carmaker to introduce a vehicle assembly line, speeding up the process of production and bringing cars to more people than ever before. The brand's motorsport credentials are equally impressive. In the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans race, Ford ended Ferrari's six-year winning streak, beating the likes of Porsche and Lamborghini to the title with an ever-popular GT40.

Jim Morrison, the lead singer of rock band The Doors, famously adored his 1967 Ford Shelby GT500, the only car he ever owned. It is a mystery to this day where the vehicle ended up after his death.

Find out the average price of a Ford service or MOT here, or read this guide to see how Ford's maintenance costs compare with Vauxhall and Volkswagen.

Automatic gearboxes use hydraulic power to change gears. A torque converter connects the engine to the transmission and uses pressurised fluid to transfer power to the gears. Because this system is more complex, there is more scope for it to develop problems, requiring an automatic gearbox repair.

Signs of a bad automatic gearbox include:

• Gears slipping
• The car won't respond or engage while in gear
• A burning smell
• Leaking fluid
• Grinding or shaking

The best way to stave off problems is to have an automatic gearbox service done regularly. This process involves draining the transmission fluid and replacing the filter, which can extend the life of your automatic gearbox.