Diamond Certified Company Report

Delta Transmission

Diamond Certified Company Report

Delta Transmission

Diamond certified ratings dashboard
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION i
Customer LOYALTY i
Helpful Expertise i
Company Credentials i
  • Workers Compensation
  • Liability Insurance
  • License Verification
  • Business Practices
  • Current Complaint File
Phone SURVEY RESPONSES FROM 440 VERIFIED CUSTOMERS i

Carlos R.

VERIFIED Delta Transmission CUSTOMER

1 of 440

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

Very professional and very good quality work

Their honesty, I feel that is a very delicate business, especially auto repairs and they are just honest and they do good work.

Christian L.

VERIFIED Delta Transmission CUSTOMER

2 of 440

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

They did a fast job and a good job and I didn't have any problems afterwards.

They were straightforward and they told me what it was and the timing and the price was good as well.

Conrad P.

VERIFIED Delta Transmission CUSTOMER

3 of 440

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

I would most definitely recommend them. They did a great job with me and it was affordable compared with other people. I was very happy with the service.

Basically, they got it done.

Read All 440 Survey Responses at Ratings View
Diamond certified VIDEO PROFILE
Diamond certified company PROFILE

Chester Kniss, Owner

Delta Transmission has been servicing, repairing, replacing and rebuilding transmissions at its Antioch facility since 1958. In addition to general transmission work, the company handles brake repairs and replacements for most vehicle makes and models. It also offers free diagnoses on transmissions and differentials, and it can take care of insurance paperwork for clients.

Owner Chester Kniss is a veteran of the automotive industry whose fascination with cars began when he was a child. Mr. Kniss says he prides himself on honoring his quotes. “Once I conduct a thorough transmission diagnosis, the price I quote is the price the customer pays. Even if I discover problems later that add to the scope of the work, I won’t adjust my quote upward.”

Delta Transmission has remained small and family- owned throughout its history, and it continually contributes to its community through student athlete sponsorship programs. Mr. Kniss says the company’s core values have always remained the same: to provide honest, professional service at a fair price. “We’re never too busy to answer questions or explain procedures. We enjoy sharing our knowledge and educating our clients about their transmissions.”

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DIAMOND CERTIFIED RESEARCHED CAPABILITIES ON Delta Transmission

COMPANY CONTACT
Locations

Contra Costa County

Get Directions
SERVICES PERFORMED

Transmission Rebuilds
Differentials & Transfer Cases
Brake Pads & Rotors
Free Diagnoses on Transmissions & Differentials
No Engine Repairs

Drive Shaft Balancing, Shortening & Lengthening

U-Joint Replacement

DIAMOND CERTIFIED RESEARCHED ARTICLES ON Delta Transmission

A look at the front of Delta Transmission’s Antioch facility

Company Profile

Delta Transmission has been servicing, repairing, replacing and rebuilding transmissions at its Antioch facility since 1958. In addition to general transmission work, the company handles brake repairs and replacements for most vehicle makes and models. It also offers free diagnoses on transmissions and differentials, and it can take care of insurance paperwork for clients.

Owner Chester Kniss is a veteran of the automotive industry whose fascination with cars began when he was a child. Mr. Kniss says he prides himself on honoring his quotes. “Once I conduct a thorough transmission diagnosis, the price I quote is the price the customer pays. Even if I discover problems later that add to the scope of the work, I won’t adjust my quote upward.”

Delta Transmission has remained small and family- owned throughout its history, and it continually contributes to its community through student athlete sponsorship programs. Mr. Kniss says the company’s core values have always remained the same: to provide honest, professional service at a fair price. “We’re never too busy to answer questions or explain procedures. We enjoy sharing our knowledge and educating our clients about their transmissions.”

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Company Philosophy

“As lifelong residents of this area, we’ve developed deep connections with our customers and community. We consider our clients parts of our extended family and treat them accordingly. We’re devoted to providing a welcoming environment where people can receive expert, reliable transmission work.”

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Comparative Summary

In business for more than half a century, Delta Transmission and Engine specializes in transmission service, repair and custom rebuilds. It offers a full range of services, from transmission servicing to complete replacement. The company also handles brake work on most vehicle makes and models.

Owner Chester Kniss considers his customers family and treats them as such–”with honest, professional service at a fair price,” he says.

For one, that means honoring his quotes. Once Mr. Kniss conducts his thorough diagnosis of your engine or transmission, the price he quotes is the price you pay. Even if he later discovers problems that add to the scope of the work, he won’t adjust his quote upward, which is a common practice in the industry. He’ll sooner take a loss on the job. Similarly, Delta honors its warranties without question or complaint.

The company never takes its customers for granted, says Mr. Kniss. He’s happy to explain the work being performed on your car, lay out your options and give you an honest and objective opinion. He never recommends work that isn’t necessary and willingly advises you on ways to save money and extend the life of your car.

As a small and family-owned business, Delta is proud of its ties to the community. It sponsors student athletes through two area high schools, as well as a local race track.

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Industry Info

Choose a transmission repair shop willing to stand behind its estimates. Many shops offer low estimates to win your business. But once they actually have your vehicle in the shop, the price suddenly rises and you have little recourse—at least not when your transmission is lying in pieces on the shop floor.

Of course, you can’t always know in advance which shops are honest and trustworthy, but you can do some homework. Start with friends and family members. Even better, drop into a few local auto parts stores and ask about the reputation of local repair shops. Since the employees of auto parts stores are often automobile aficionados, their opinions can be extremely valuable.

The most reliable transmission shops are the ones willing to stand solidly behind their work. Never shop by price alone. With an expensive transmission repair, the warranty is a much more important consideration than the price. You don’t want to save money at a cut-rate transmission shop only to discover you need to repair the transmission again down the road. It’s better to pay more for a rock-solid warranty and the peace of mind that goes with it.

Consider using shops that have good ratings from the Better Business Bureau, with no unresolved complaints or serious problems with past customers. Ratings services like Diamond Certified can also steer you toward reputable shops with a strong track record of reliable service.

If you look, you can probably find a transmission shop that’s been around since before you were born. Take that as a sign. These shops typically owe their longevity to a hard-won reputation for good work, fair dealings and reasonable prices.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much is a diagnosis?

A: Every diagnosis at Delta Transmission and Engines is free.

Q: Do you do brake jobs?

A: Yes. We replace the rotor; we don’t turn them, because they won’t last long.

Q: Do you do rear end services or replace rear differentials?

A: Yes.

Q: My car is leaking fluid, but I have no idea what kind or from where it’s leaking. What can I do?

A: Bring it in. We’ll put it on the rack, show you exactly where the leak is and explain what it will cost to fix it.

Q: Can you help me with insurance?

A: Absolutely. We take care of all the paperwork, the inspection, everything.

Q: What if my warranty has expired?

A: Obviously we can’t promise anything, but we do whatever we can to help you out.

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SELECTED PHOTOS FROM Delta Transmission

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DIAMOND CERTIFIED EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR ADVICE & TIPS FROM Chester Kniss

Expert CONTRIBUTOR PROFILE
  • Chester Kniss is a lifetime veteran of the automotive industry and owner of Delta Transmission, a Diamond Certified company since 2007. He can be reached at (925) 709-4984 or by email.

Chester Kniss: A Mechanical Mind

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

ANTIOCH — When asked how he got involved in the auto repair field, Chester Kniss simply replies that he’s always been mechanically minded. “I’ve been interested in cars since I was a little boy, so I picked things up pretty naturally,” he says. “At 10 years old, I was able to accurately diagnose car problems, and by age 15, I’d built my first transmission.” After high school, Chester went directly into the automotive industry, where he started out working on diesel trucks. In 1994, he was hired at Delta Transmission, and 12 years later, he purchased the business from the owner.

Today, Chester says he still finds satisfaction in pursuing his lifelong livelihood. “I just enjoy working on cars. At this point, almost every aspect of my life involves cars, so I guess it’s become a part of who I am.”

A lifetime resident of the East Bay, Chester resides in Oakley with his wife, Beverly, and their two children. Outside of work, he engages in a variety of automotive-centered activities. “I’ve been dirt track racing competitively since 1994 and continue to do that today,” he says. “My wife grew up around racing, so we both love it, and now our son races as well.” When asked what he does to relax in between races, his response is hardly surprising: “Work on cars.”

In regard to a professional philosophy, Chester espouses the importance of honesty. “Besides understanding how to do the job itself, the most important part of running a business is being honest with your customers,” he affirms. “When you’re honest and fair, customers will return, which is the lifeblood of any business—especially one like ours, where all the advertising is word-of-mouth.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Chester says he’d head back to the track. “I’d probably go racing. Right now, all the top-notch guys in my racing class are at the Super Nationals in Boone, Iowa, so I’d head up and watch that. Other than racing, I wouldn’t mind taking a trip to Hawaii.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What was your first car?
A: A 1972 Dodge Charger.

Q: What’s your dream car?
A: Pretty much any ’60s Ford or Dodge.

Q: Do you collect anything?
A: Cars and car parts.

Q: What kinds of movies do you like?
A: I like “The Fast and the Furious” series.

Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?
A: Both. I’m up early and I go to bed late.

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Expert articles
  • Transmissions: To Flush or Not to Flush?

    ANTIOCH — Much like a “quick stop” oil change, a transmission flush provides a fast and affordable means of maintaining a vital vehicle component. However, upon closer inspection, this convenient service may not be as good an idea as it appears.

    The problem with a transmission flush is it only addresses the fluid itself, which means components like the filter and gasket are ignored. While the fluid gets changed, any debris buildup inside the transmission case gets left behind, most of which becomes trapped in the filter. Over time, if the filter becomes plugged up with debris, it can result in a worse issue with the transmission than existed previously.

    For this reason, instead of having your transmission flushed, take your vehicle to an auto technician for regular transmission service—preferably every 30,000 miles. The technician will remove and replace the pan gasket, filter, and fluid, which will keep your transmission running cleanly and smoothly.

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Expert video tip
  • Video: Rethinking Transmission Flushes

    Complete Video Transcription

    ANTIOCH — Host, Sarah Rutan: A transmission flush is a popular service, but according to some automotive professionals, it may not be such a good idea. Today we’re in Antioch with Diamond Certified Expert Contributor Chester Kniss of Delta Transmission to learn more.

    Diamond Certified Expert Contributor, Chester Kniss: A common question we get asked about is doing transmission flushes. I don’t recommend a flush because when you do a flush, you’re actually just exchanging the transmission fluid out. You’re not changing the filter and the gasket. And the problem you run into is, on a high-mileage vehicle, they get debris stuck inside the case, and if you put the  fluid back into it, it cleans the fluid out, it traps the debris, puts it up into the filter, and, in turn, this plugs the filter up, and causes more issues than you started with, with the transmission. We recommend doing a service to the vehicle. We remove and replace the pan gasket, and the filter, and the fluids every 30,000 miles, to avoid that occurrence. 

    Host, Sarah Rutan: To learn more from local top rated companies, visit our Diamond Certified Expert Reports at experts.diamondcertified.info.

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Delta Transmission WEBSITE AND EXTERNAL FEED
Diamond Certified RATINGS ON Delta Transmission
Diamond certified ratings dashboard
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION i
Customer LOYALTY i
Helpful Expertise i

Each surveyed customer was asked, “If you needed any helpful expertise, did this company provide that expertise?” To calculate this score, total “Yes” responses were divided by total responses (excluding those that stated they hadn’t needed any expertise).

Company Credentials i
  • Workers Compensation
  • Liability Insurance
  • License Verification
  • Business Practices
  • Current Complaint File
Phone SURVEY RESPONSES FROM 440 VERIFIED CUSTOMERS i

Carlos R.

VERIFIED Delta Transmission CUSTOMER

1 of 440

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

Very professional and very good quality work

Their honesty, I feel that is a very delicate business, especially auto repairs and they are just honest and they do good work.

Christian L.

VERIFIED Delta Transmission CUSTOMER

2 of 440

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

They did a fast job and a good job and I didn't have any problems afterwards.

They were straightforward and they told me what it was and the timing and the price was good as well.

Conrad P.

VERIFIED Delta Transmission CUSTOMER

3 of 440

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

I would most definitely recommend them. They did a great job with me and it was affordable compared with other people. I was very happy with the service.

Basically, they got it done.

P.S.

VERIFIED Delta Transmission CUSTOMER

4 of 440

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

I have recommended them.

Fair price and great work

E.S.

VERIFIED Delta Transmission CUSTOMER

5 of 440

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

We enjoyed their service and will use them again.

Thorough and did what we needed them to do

Carl R.

VERIFIED Delta Transmission CUSTOMER

6 of 440

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

They are a great family run business and provide the whole community a good service. You can rely on them to be there and rely on them down the road if anything comes up with the service they did. That's why I like Chester. They are always there.

I had to get a transmission fixed in my wifes Jeep. It was good work at a great price.

Michael G.

VERIFIED Delta Transmission CUSTOMER

7 of 440

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

I would recommend them.

Knowledgeable, in different professions, there are different levels of knowledge, some fake it and some know what they are doing. They know what to do and you don't have to keep taking your car back to them. They are professional.

Jason P.

VERIFIED Delta Transmission CUSTOMER

8 of 440

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

They do good work.

I was able to drop it off and pick it up with no hassles.

Steve T.

VERIFIED Delta Transmission CUSTOMER

9 of 440

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

I have been using them for a long time. They do great work and are reliable.

Reliable and quality work

J.C.

VERIFIED Delta Transmission CUSTOMER

10 of 440

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

Very easy to work with, trustworthy and just great people

It's a mom and pop shop, which we like to deal with and they are just very trustworthy and good people.

David M.

VERIFIED Delta Transmission CUSTOMER

11 of 440

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

That they took care of me

I used to work there when I was a kid. It was one of my first jobs, so I guess the nostalgia.

Shawn W.

VERIFIED Delta Transmission CUSTOMER

12 of 440

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

Go there if you need transmission work.

I had a little issue, went back and they fixed it right away.

N.D.

VERIFIED Delta Transmission CUSTOMER

13 of 440

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

I have recommended them to a lot of people. We have multiple vehicles that we have had them work on and they do really good work.

My personal truck, Chester himself came with me and rode with me, because it wasn't easily diagnosed and he worked on it on his own time. He is very generous with his time.

D.S.

VERIFIED Delta Transmission CUSTOMER

14 of 440

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

I would recommend them.

They do great work and are fast.

Nick P.

VERIFIED Delta Transmission CUSTOMER

15 of 440

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

Quality transmission shop, there are not very many more around. They do drive shafts as well, which is a plus.

Competency, they understand what I'm talking about.

Keith H.

VERIFIED Delta Transmission CUSTOMER

16 of 440

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

I always keep going back to them.

How they went about the problem by checking everything first

Mitchel C.

VERIFIED Delta Transmission CUSTOMER

17 of 440

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

They are great.

The quality service

Sandy S.

VERIFIED Delta Transmission CUSTOMER

18 of 440

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

It's a very honest and hard working company.

They are friendly and experienced.

Chris B.

VERIFIED Delta Transmission CUSTOMER

19 of 440

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

They are good, very helpful and honest people that explain things.

The service I got from them

Dan S.

VERIFIED Delta Transmission CUSTOMER

20 of 440

Quality 10
10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

They are good to work with and it's a professional experience.

Their customer service

Read All 440 Survey Responses at Ratings View
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