When to Replace Your Transmission

Regardless of who you are, the reality of owning a vehicle is that at some point you’re going to experience transmission issues. As your car shifts gears, the clutches and bands inside of the transmission are required to apply and release. This constant strain causes wear on the transmission over time, eventually leading to it not being able to properly function. Although you won’t be able to avoid the frustration of having transmission issues occur, you will have to make a decision in these critical times as to whether you’d like to repair or replace your transmission or switch cars altogether.

In this article, we’re going to cover all things transmission, from the trouble signs and signals you should be watching to the tips and tricks needed to navigate a repair or replacement.

HOW DO I KNOW WHEN MY TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED?

In most instances, a transmission needing repair or replacement will make sure you know about it. From loud clunking during shifts to slippage and beyond, it will be difficult to drive a vehicle with a compromised transmission and not have a clue. That said, there are a few key indicators that your transmission may be in need of servicing:

Transmission Mileage

Age is going to be the most important factor for estimating the life left in your transmission. For most automatic transmissions, failure is expected between 80,000 and 150,000 driving miles, with some outliers going longer or shorter than that. For manual transmissions, failure is often expected in a similar range but closer to the low-end, as manual transmissions don’t benefit from the continually smooth-shifting patterns of automatics.

Repair History

Past transmission repair is another wonderful indicator of the amount of time your transmission may have left. If you’ve already been required to perform several transmission repairs – most of them often costing several hundreds of dollars – it may be in your best interest to look into the option of a complete replacement. Since transmission repairs seldom provide long-term fixes, it’s likely that a car that has needed several repairs will continue to need them into the future.

Overall Vehicle Condition

The final indicator of the life potential (and decision-making weight) in your transmission is the overall condition of the vehicle itself. If you happen to own an old car or truck – one with 150,000 miles or more on it – and find yourself constantly repairing items, it may not be the best idea to replace the transmission, as the actual vehicle itself may not be able to last as long as the new installation. In these situations, it’s best to either continue with ongoing repairs until the vehicle’s last day or change vehicles completely to avoid dumping money into an item that won’t provide long term.

IS REPLACING A TRANSMISSION WORTH IT?

If you have a vehicle with less than 150,000 miles that still drives well, provides adequate safety features, and has been maintained, replacing a transmission can certainly be worth the investment. A proper replacement will bring new life to the vehicle, preventing you from having to fork out money for constant maintenance and ensuring several additional years of safe, reliable on-road driving. On the other hand, if you’re in possession of an older vehicle that is near its end, a transmission replacement may not be the best route to take. In the end, it depends on how much life you expect to be left in the vehicle itself, as the transmission is only one piece of a very complicated puzzle.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE LIFE OF A TRANSMISSION?

For most modern automatic cars, transmission failure is expected to occur between 80,000 and 150,000 driving miles, with some outliers going longer or shorter than that. For manual car transmissions, failure is often expected to occur in a similar range – but closer to the low-end – as manual transmissions don’t benefit from the smooth-shifting patterns that automatics are designed to do. Lastly, the work, time, and labor costs.

Cars are incredibly expensive and complicated objects, and it’s important that you seek out expert support from a team focused on providing quality, affordable service. Toronto Transmission has been servicing clients across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area for years and has built a reputation for being a quality repair provider. With transmission services, repairs, and replacements, we’re well equipped to handle all of your vehicle transmission needs. To learn more about our process, pricing, or to obtain a quote, contact our team today!