The transmission system of your vehicle is a crucial component that assists your vehicle in shifting gears so that it can attain optimal performance. There are typically two types of vehicle transmission; manual transmission and automatic transmission. Transmissions can experience problems due to various reasons, and often require repair or replacement to correct the transmission issue.
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Transmissions don’t just break down overnight— they slowly degrade mile after mile. Have you noticed weird noises, burning smells from under the hood, or leaking fluid? A bright red liquid pooling under your car can be an indication of many transmission issues. Worry not, we are here to guide you on some of the options to consider when the transmission blows.
Transmission Repair
It’s important to have a professional mechanic diagnose your issue to determine what needs repair. Visit a transmission repair shop as soon as you spot signs of transmission problems.
Repairing or rebuilding a transmission means that your existing transmission will be taken completely apart and inspected. Parts such as the clutch plates and bands, seals, gaskets and solenoids, are cleaned, and replaced if need be, after which they are all put back together and re-installed.
The good thing with rebuilding is that you can entirely replace your older transmission with the latest up-to-date parts. This might take some time but in the long run, rebuilding a transmission can be a great solution and can save you lots of money compared to buying a new car or a new transmission entirely.
Replacing the Transmission
Although replacing your transmission can be incredibly complex and rather time-consuming, it is quite possible. This basically means you purchase and install a new, used, or remanufactured transmission.
In terms of reliability and performance, it is best to consider a new transmission to be installed by an experienced and properly trained service provider.
However, for a value-priced option, you can consider a used or remanufactured transmission (also known as reconditioned transmission) from a trusted supplier who can assure you of its quality.
Warranty coverage on a remanufactured transmission is an important factor to consider as you make your purchase. Make sure the supplier backs up the transmission with a solid warranty.
Trade-In The Car
Can you trade in a car with a bad transmission? The answer is yes, as long as it’s not an insurance write-off. Selling a car with problems privately has its own challenges, but for most dealers, you can trade in your car for cash. Obviously, how your car looks makes a big difference on your trade valuation but it’s worth more than just letting it sit idle in your garage.
Dealers that take trade-ins have mechanics on site who can evaluate your vehicle’s condition and determine its value. Before you decide what you want to do with your vehicle, it is best to assess what it is actually worth first. The year of manufacture, make and model of your vehicle are extremely important in determining its value.
Replace Your Car
Repairing a vehicle is usually less costly compared to buying a new one. But when it comes to severe cases such as a blown transmission, it is sometimes better to replace it rather than deal with multiple repairs which can be quite costly cumulatively. Sometimes, the difference between repair cost and the cost of replacing your car can be very small, especially in the long run.
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Junk the Car
The older your car, the harder it will be to find replacement parts for it. As you can imagine, this will increase your mechanic’s fee, since it will take a longer period of time to hunt for parts. Since the cost of repair or replacement, in this case, is most likely higher than the value of the vehicle, it is typically not worth getting the car fixed unless it holds significant sentimental value.
You can call a cash for junk cars company to come and pick up your vehicle (typically for free) and give you cold hard cash for it in return. Most older vehicles receive anywhere from $200-$1000 when you take this route.
Conclusion
Now that you know the options available, you are probably wondering whether to repair your car or find a replacement. There is no absolute right answer as it all depends on the condition and status of your car and, of course, your personal preferences.
That said, if your car is newer or in superb condition and is still worth a significant amount of money, it probably makes sense to replace its transmission, whether automatic transmission or manual transmission and get it back on the road. You can then continue driving it, sell it, or trade it in. Otherwise, the value of a car that won’t function optimally is very low. Sometimes, junking the car is the best option and can help get you some cash quickly for your vehicle.
