When we’re getting a new car, everything is responsive, sleek, and convenient. But after years of heavy use, the elements might not be so kind to your vehicle. That is where maintenance and repair get into the picture. To ensure that our car is in an optimal condition, we have to protect essential parts.
Why Is Transmission Replacement Important?
Your car is a well-oiled and well-maintained machine. If one of its parts isn’t working, this could lead to problems in the car’s performance, and in more extreme cases, lead to accidents. Like an individual’s nervous system, the transmission is used to control the various motor parts of a car. Without it, it would be quite tricky – and sometimes even impossible to control your car if the transmission isn’t responding correctly.
While doing some electrical repair and maintenance might help with your transmission, there will be instances that long-term damages can become irreversible. Even though repairs can help alleviate the impact of damages on your communication, it’s going to affect the car’s performance permanently. As such, it’s only logical that we stay vigilant on the state of our transmission system.
Telltale Signs to Look Out For
Right off the bat, repairing and replacing your transmission can have a hefty price tag. Also, this isn’t just something that can be fixed in a day since there are times that replacement can take weeks, especially if the components need to be shipped from parts manufacturers.
No worries, we understand that your safety is a top priority. With these signs, you’ll be able to discern whether your transmission systems will need to be replaced.
Past Its Lifespan
Just like every other component of the car, your transmission will have its lifespan. If you haven’t noticed, your car will become less responsive as the years go by.
There are two types of transmissions, automatic and manual. Automatic transmissions will usually have a lifespan of around 150,000 miles. On the other hand, manual transmissions have a significantly lower lifespan and can break down in just a few years.
But most mechanical engineers would suggest replacing your automatic transmission right after it exceeds 80,000 miles of use.
Regular Breakdowns
Imagine that you’re on the freeway, and everyone is driving at around 60 – 70 miles an hour. If your car is going to break down during this time, this could prove quite dangerous, not just for you but also for all the other vehicles in the area. Over 13% of vehicular accidents are caused by mechanical failure. While that’s not a huge percentage, 13% of 6 million cars is still a considerable percentage.
If you’re spending hours repairing transmission parts and changing the fluids, it’s high time to replace it. Not only repair expensive, but a transmission that’s past its life expectancy can be frequently lead to breakdowns, which can be fatal if it happens at the wrong time.
Sure, it might be true that you’ll spend less on repairs, but when you are replacing your transmission, you are also investing in your safety and the overall lifespan of your vehicle.
Extending Lifespan
If you’re on a budget, you might only have a few hundred dollars to spare for your transmission. If so, then extending your car’s lifespan with several driving practices and regularly maintaining fluids can help. Once you’ve purchased a new vehicle, it’s crucial to take a good look at your car’s systems. Practicing good driving can lengthen the lifespan of your car.
Some driving tips include:
- Practicing defensive driving
- Don’t drive while your transmission and engine are warming up.
- Avoid shifting gears while the vehicle is in motion.
Most, if not all, transmissions are designed with a level of heat exposure. By keeping your vehicle within a stable temperature, this will help extend the life expectancy of both your transmission and your car.
Other than finding the right replacements and components for your car, finding the right mechanic can mitigate any damage when new parts are installed. After all, your safety is at risk when you’re driving with a faulty transmission.
Replacing or even maintaining your old transmission system can be more expensive than any other repairs that have to be conducted. A replacement will usually set you back by a thousand dollars compared to hundreds of dollars for a fix, but it’s a better choice, especially if it keeps you out of harm’s way.
If this is the case, then a transmission replacement is a better option since you’re not only extending your car’s lifespan but also ensuring that it’s responsive when driving.
