Residential
Diagnosis, repair, and maintenance.
Meet Uncle Eric
Hi, I'm Eric Whalen. I started Uncle's Transmission in 1996 in Smithfield, Rhode Island. After moving to two other locations we finally settled down in Smithfield again in 2002 where we have been servicing customers ever since.
In my free time I enjoy boating, fishing, and spending time with my daughters on Block Island. I also enjoy exploring the trails of the White Mountains in New Hampshire.
About UsCommercial
Work trucks, vans, and taxi cabs.
Public
Federal, state, and town vehicles
Our Services
We do more than just repair and rebuild transmissions at Uncle's. We also do general automotive diagnosis, repair, and maintenance.
Diagnosis
We use our state of the art equipment to diagnose problems.
Repair
General automotive and transmission repair.
Maintenance
Oil changes, spark plug and wire replacements
Rebuilds
Transmission repair and complete rebuilds.
Replacements
Transmission replacements, swaps, and installations.
My 2003 Trailblazer needed a new transmission. Work was done fast and for a reasonable price. I am driving for a second year with no issues. Highly recommended.
Satisfied Customer
Earned a lifetime customer yesterday by not charging $100 just for plugging the computer into my car to clear a false SRS light.
Satisfied Customer
I get all my general automotive work done at Uncle’s. It’s pretty cheap and they always figure it out on the first shot.
Satisfied Customer
We stand on the shoulders of giants
Our partners deepen our knowledge base and allow us to keep up with dealerships while offering our services at a more competitive rate.
We use multiple technical support services so we always have the most up to date information available on your car, truck, or service vehicle.
All Partners
Frequently Asked Questions
Our team understands that vehicle issues can be stressful and confusing for drivers in our community. We have compiled these detailed answers to help you navigate your maintenance and repair options, ensuring you have the information needed to keep your vehicle performing at its absolute best.
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My vehicle is making a strange grinding noise; how do I know if it's a transmission issue?
We recommend bringing your vehicle in for a professional assessment the moment you hear unusual noises like grinding, whining, or clunking. These sounds, along with slipping gears, a burning smell, or a noticeable delay in acceleration, are classic indicators that your car may require a visit to a specialized transmission repair shop in RI. We utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to determine exactly what is happening under the hood, allowing us to provide an accurate solution rather than just guessing. Our process involves a systematic check of your fluid levels, electronic codes, and mechanical components to ensure that we address the root cause of the noise.
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Do you only work on personal cars, or do you handle business vehicles as well?
We are proud to serve a diverse range of clients, including residential drivers, commercial accounts, and public sector fleets. Our facility is fully equipped to handle work trucks, vans, and taxi cabs, as well as federal, state, and town vehicles that require heavy-duty service. Whether you manage a large fleet of service vehicles that need to stay on a strict schedule or just need a transmission repair shop in RI for your family SUV, we have the specialized knowledge and equipment necessary to keep your vehicle on the road and working hard. We understand that for our commercial and public clients, vehicle downtime means a loss of productivity, so we prioritize efficient workflows to get your specialized equipment back into service as quickly as possible.
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I've heard transmission work is expensive; do you offer more affordable alternatives to the dealership?
We believe in offering dealership-level expertise at a much more competitive rate for our local community. By standing on the shoulders of giants-our technical partners like ALLDATA and ShopKey Pro-we access the same high-level data and wiring diagrams as the manufacturers, but at a lower overhead cost. This allows us to operate as a high-quality transmission repair shop in RI that fits your budget. We focus on transparent pricing and will never suggest a full replacement if a smaller repair, such as a solenoid or sensor fix, will solve the problem effectively.
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What kind of warranties do you accept for major repairs?
We make the repair process as seamless as possible by working with most major aftermarket warranty companies. Over the years, we have built professional relationships with providers like Cars Protection Plus, Preferred Warranties, Inc., Continental Warranty, Inc., Guardian Warranty Company, and many others. If you have an existing policy, we are happy to communicate directly with your provider to coordinate your visit to our transmission repair shop in RI, ensuring you get the maximum benefit from your coverage while minimizing your out-of-pocket stress. Our team is well-versed in the documentation and inspection requirements these companies often demand, which helps speed up the approval process significantly.
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Can I come to Uncle's for my regular oil changes and spark plug replacements?
Absolutely! While our name highlights our deep specialty, we are a full-service automotive shop. We handle general maintenance tasks such as oil changes, spark plug and wire replacements, and engine tuning to keep your car running smoothly. Staying consistent with your maintenance with us allows our team to spot potential issues early. This proactive approach can often save you a trip to a transmission repair shop in RI later on, as we keep a close eye on your fluid levels, cooling system, and overall vehicle health during every routine visit.
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What is the difference between a transmission repair and a full rebuild?
A repair usually involves addressing a specific failed part, such as a broken sensor or a leaking seal, to get you back on the road quickly. A rebuild, however, is a much more comprehensive process where we disassemble the entire unit, clean every component, and replace all worn or damaged parts-including clutches, bands, and gaskets-with brand-new ones. We offer both of these services, along with full replacements or swaps, depending on the severity of the damage and your long-term goals for the car. We will always guide you toward the most reliable service at our transmission repair shop in RI based on the age, mileage, and condition of your specific vehicle.
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How long has your shop been serving the Smithfield community?
Our owner, Eric Whalen, founded the business in 1996 right here in Smithfield. After a brief period at two other locations as the business grew, we finally returned to our permanent home in Smithfield in 2002 and have been here ever since. We take great pride in being a local fixture for over two decades, combining a neighborly, personal touch with the technical sophistication required for modern automotive work. Eric's passion for the local area extends beyond the shop; whether he is boating and fishing with his daughters on Block Island or exploring the White Mountains, he carries that same adventurous and dedicated spirit into the way we manage our shop.
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How do you stay updated on the latest car technology and computer systems?
We maintain our technical edge by utilizing multiple support services, including Identifix and the Automatic Transmission Service Group (ATSG). These partnerships allow us to keep up with the latest technical bulletins, software updates, and complex electronic systems found in newer vehicles. Modern cars are essentially computers on wheels, and we invest heavily in the software and training required to communicate with those systems. By combining this cutting-edge information with our decades of hands-on experience, we provide a level of service that few independent shops can match.