One of the worst pieces of car news you can get is that your
transmission is failing. If there is good news about a failing
transmission it would be that they are usually fairly easy to spot
before things completely shut down.
It is possible to overheat a transmission quickly while
pulling a heavy load or trying to get out of the mud or snow, but you
will usually get some indication that all is not well. If you start to
notice problems with your transmission, get to a shop and get your
problem diagnosed quickly unless you want to find yourself waiting on
the roadside for a tow.
Why Choose a Rebuild?
Although it
sounds expensive, getting a transmission rebuilt is actually the best
way to save money. A skilled mechanic will be able to give you a good
price and short down time on a transmission rebuild. There is no
shortage of options when it comes to shops, but you don't want to trust
transmission repairs to just anyone.
A transmission rebuilt by a
skilled mechanic can last just as long or even longer than a factory
transmission. If the garage knows their stuff, your transmission should
last for the remaining life of the car.
When You Will Need a Replacement
A
replacement transmission may be the only option for a seriously damaged
transmission. In many cases, people try to save money by going with a
used transmission, but you can end up right back in the shop if that
transmission ends up with the same problems as your old one.
Your
best choice is to have a rebuilt transmission installed if you cannot
get your own rebuilt. Many shops will even offer warranties on
transmission that they have rebuilt.
If your only choice is a new
transmission, you are definitely better off getting a rebuilt
transmission installed as it will save you from potentially ending up
with another transmission that has problems and puts you right back in
the shop in a couple years.
How to rebuild a transmission
When
you're looking to get a rebuilt transmission not all shops are the
same. Many of these shops won't have the experience required to perform
the task and may charge you to outsource the job to an actual
transmission specialist.
It is important that you find someone
with extensive experience with transmissions. Transmission work is
intensive and you should only put your car in the hands of an
experienced mechanic who will give you the best possible results.