Used Transmissions
Transmissions are among the most dreaded car repairs, but they don’t have to be. learn all about why transmissions break, when they need replacement, and how to save money while getting the best possible quality.
Your Transmission Explained
Your transmission is one of the most important parts in your car (and, yes, that unfortunately translates into being one of the most expensive parts to fix in your car). Your transmission works closely with your engine to keep your car running efficiently and smoothly without overexerting other parts and components.
Replacing your transmission effectively starts with understanding the role that your transmission plays in your car, so let’s take a closer look at what your transmission is, what it does, and how a transmission defect or malfunction can impact your entire car.
What Your Transmission Actually Does
The short description of what your transmission does is that it’s basically responsible for shifting your car’s gears. The longer description is that your transmission works to make sure your car’s engine delivers the right amount of power to your wheels in order to go at the speed that you, the driver, want to go. This means delivering the right amount of power to your engine in order to avoid overexertion.
How Your Transmission Works
There are two main types of transmission systems: manual ones and automatic ones. Though they have some key differences, they both do the same basic thing: changing gears so that the right amount of power is delivered to and from your engine.
- Automatic transmissions use a torque converter to help your car switch gears.
- Manual transmissions require the driver to use a clutch in order to switch to their desired gear.
There are various types of both manual and automatic transmissions. Automatic transmissions are typically easier for the driver, as they require less hands-on work while driving.
How Your Transmission Affects the Rest of Your Car
Your transmission is one of the most important and impactful parts of your entire car, and if it breaks or experiences any issues, they’re unlikely to go unnoticed. Your car’s transmission works closely with, and can seriously impact:
Your engine
Your torque converter
Your wheels
Your clutch
And more
Signs of a Perfectly Functioning Transmission
When it comes to assessing whether your transmission is in good shape, the rule of thumb is that no news is good news. If your car is starting, accelerating, decelerating, and generally running without any stalling, stuttering, or other issues, it’s a promising sign that your transmission is in pretty good shape.
Is My Transmission Broken?
If you’re at the point where you are wondering whether your transmission is working, it’s a pretty good sign that there may be something going on. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most telling signs of a broken transmission.
Your Check Engine Light is On
Though “Check Engine” lights can be a dreaded development for any driver, they’re also important ways for your car to communicate with you, alerting you to the fact that something less-than-ideal is going on under the hood. Always investigate (or, better yet, work with a skilled mechanic to investigate) what is the underlying cause of a “Check Engine” alert.
Fluid is Leaking
Sometimes, fluid leaking out from under your car is as harmless as condensation from your air conditioning. Other times, it can be a sign that something more serious is going on. If you notice any red-colored liquid leaking out from under your car, have a mechanic take a close look at your transmission right away.
Gear Troubles
The most common and easily discernible issues that can occur with a transmission are any kind of gear shifting problems. If you notice that your gear slips when you’re driving, you jump between gears unintentionally, or your car refuses to shift gears altogether, it’s a sign that your transmission’s best days are behind it.
Your Car Isn’t Doing What It’s Told
The transmission is a crucial middle man between the driver and the engine, using multiple parts of the car to relay its messages. If your car isn’t speeding up or slowing down at its usual rate, is overheating more frequently than usual, or is giving you any trouble at all when shifting gears, it could be a sign that your transmission is experiencing issues and either needs to be repaired or replaced.
How to Know If You Can Rebuild Your Transmission
Signs There’s No Coming Back for Your Transmission
How can you know whether it’s worth rebuilding your transmission or whether it’s just time to invest in a new one? Generally speaking, the longer you’ve had your transmission and the more issues you’ve experienced with it in the past, the more likely it is that replacing it is your best bet for long-term success.
It’s Been a Long Time (and a Lot of Miles)
If your transmission is relatively new and/or still covered by warranty, it’s worth further investigating which of its parts are causing the problem, then replacing them as needed. However, if you’ve had your car for many years, have had work done on your transmission, or have been experiencing transmission issues for a while, it may be time for a replacement.
Rebuilding Would Cost a Similar Amount
If your transmission is not covered under warranty, it will be really important to gauge the costs and benefits of goi with rebuilding versus replacing. When you factor in parts and labor, the price of breaking your transmission apart, replacing parts, and putting it back together may be comparable to buying a quality used transmission—and the later is much less time-consuming.
Do You Go with a New or Used Transmission?
If you resonate with the conditions above and are leaning toward investing in a new (or new to you transmission), the next question to ask is whether it’s worth it to buy a brand-new transmission, or whether you can rely on a used alternative.
The Truth About Used Transmissions
Used cat parts can get a much worse reputation than they deserve. The truth is that it is completely possible to find a high-quality, long-lasting used transmission—and, if you know what qualities to look for, it’s almost always true that you will find it.
Do You Go with a New or Used Transmission?
Transmissions don’t have to be brand-new in order to perform like new and last you for years to come without any issues whatsoever. With all of the options available out there, how can you make sure you find that high-quality used transmission that you’re looking for?
Go for the Grade
The first and most important criterion to look for in any transmission is a Grade A rating from the Automotive Recycler’s Association. In order to receive this, which is the highest rating a used car part can receive, a transmission must meet a series of prestigious criteria, including:
- Nonexistent or minimal damage totaling in a surface area of about the size of a credit card
- A total of 60,000 miles or less on it, or an average of 15,000 miles or less per year.
By only considering Grade A transmissions, you’ll make sure that you’re setting yourself up for the best investment possible.
Protect Your Investment
Speaking of setting yourself up for a solid investment, always look for used transmissions that are covered under warranty for at least a year. This will give you the chance to make sure that the part is appropriate and well-fitting for your car once you’ve had the chance to drive with it for a while.
Trust Your Dealer
Your dealer will set the tone for your entire experience with your new-to-you transmission. Working with a dealer who takes special steps to protect both your investment and your peace of mind is instrumental throughout the process of buying a used transmission, so always look for a dealer who goes the extra mile to take care of you. This includes:
- Offering transparent prices so that you never have to wonder how much you’re going to end up paying for a part you desperately need.
- Providing generous warranties that keep your used parts covered for a minimum of 12 months in order to make sure that you’re getting the quality you paid for.
- Stocking only verifiable Grade A parts so that you can rest assured that you’re choosing from the best possible selection.
- Price matching with the best offer you find for the same parts to make sure that you never have to wonder whether you chose the best deal.