Car maintenance is essential to car ownership because it ensures your car runs smoothly and efficiently and can help prevent costly repairs. One of the most critical components of your car is the transmission because, without it, your car cannot move or shift gears. As such, maintaining your car’s transmission is crucial.
A car’s transmission transfers power from the engine to the wheels, allowing the car to move. It does this by using a series of gears to control the speed and torque of the vehicle. The transmission also helps to regulate the engine’s RPMs (revolutions per minute) by shifting gears as needed. If the transmission is damaged, the vehicle may experience problems such as slipping gears, difficulty shifting, or even complete failure to move. For this reason, you must maintain your car’s transmission regularly.
What Causes Transmission Breakdowns?
Several factors can cause transmission breakdowns. These include:
- Wear and tear: Over time, the various components of your transmission can become worn or damaged, leading to a breakdown.
- Overheating: When your transmission gets too hot, the fluid inside can break down, causing damage to the transmission.
- Fluid leaks: If your transmission fluid is leaking, it can cause damage to the transmission’s various components, leading to a breakdown.
It’s worth noting that some of these factors often indicate a larger underlying issue with the vehicle’s maintenance or operation. For example, neglecting to change transmission fluid regularly can lead to wear and tear and overheating. Similarly, driving with a heavy load or towing beyond the vehicle’s capacity can cause overheating and wear and tear.
Transmission Repair Services
There are several transmission repair services available, such as:
Transmission Fluid Change
A transmission fluid change involves draining the old fluid from your transmission and replacing it with new fluid. This service is typically recommended every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, depending on your vehicle’s make and model. Regular transmission fluid changes can help prevent damage to your transmission and extend its lifespan.
Transmission Flush
A transmission flush involves flushing out the old transmission fluid and replacing it with new fluid. This service is typically recommended every 100,000 miles but can vary depending on your vehicle’s make and model. Flushing your transmission can help remove any debris or contaminants that may be present in the old fluid, helping to prevent damage to your transmission.
Rebuilding or Replacement
If your transmission is severely damaged, it may need to be rebuilt or replaced. Rebuilding involves disassembling the transmission, inspecting each component, and replacing worn or damaged parts. Rebuilding your transmission can be a cost-effective option, but it can also be time-consuming. Replacement involves replacing your old transmission with a new or refurbished one. This option can be more expensive, but it can also be quicker.
Factors That Determine the Price of Transmission Repair
Several factors can affect the price of transmission repair, including:
Automatic or Manual?
Automatic transmissions are typically more complex and require more labor to repair, making them more expensive than manual transmissions. On the other hand, manual transmissions are a little cheaper but still require specialized knowledge and repair skills.
Your Vehicle’s Make and Model
A vehicle’s make and model affect transmission repair costs because parts and labor costs can vary depending on the specific type of transmission used in that vehicle. Some vehicles may have more expensive or harder-to-find parts, leading to higher repair costs.
The Extent of the Damage
Naturally, the extent of the damage to the transmission will also affect the repair costs. If the damage is minor, repairs may be relatively inexpensive. However, costs can quickly increase if severe damage requires significant parts replacement or even a full transmission replacement.
Repair Shop Expertise
A reputable repair shop with experienced technicians typically charges more than a less experienced shop. However, it’s worth investing in a quality repair to ensure your transmission is fixed correctly. Regardless, you must find a repair shop that gives quality service for a fair price.
Conclusion
Your car’s transmission is a vital component that can cost thousands of dollars to repair or replace if it fails. For this reason, you must never skimp on maintenance, especially if you regularly use your car. This way, your car will run smoothly and safely without incurring expensive repairs.
Torrance Transmission Service provides top-quality transmission services. Our professional mechanics will ensure your car’s transmission is repaired and maintained to perform optimally. Schedule an appointment today!