When it comes to your car or truck, the transmission may be a little bit of a mystery to you. In fact, many auto owners are completely unaware that the transmission needs basic maintenance just like the rest of their vehicle. Not taking care of your vehicle's transmission can lead to an expensive repair bill down the line or even the need for a new transmission. Here are three things that you should know about your vehicle's transmission.
Transmission Service Is Needed
The first thing that you should know is that eventually your car or truck will require transmission service. What you need to look into next is when this service is required. Transmission service involves an inspection of the transmission and the replacing of the transmission fluid. For manual transmissions, service is often needed between 30,000 and 60,000 miles, while the service interval for automatic transmissions is more often between 60,000 and 100,000. The time frame in which transmission service is required varies between make and model. The cost of transmission service can also vary but ranges between $125 and $250 on average.
Average Lifespan Of Transmission
Another thing to consider is that even with regular maintenance, eventually your vehicle's transmission will wear out. The average automatic transmission will last between 150,000 and 200,000 miles. However, a lack of maintenance and aggressive driving can lead to a transmission failing far sooner. A few signs that your transmission is starting to fail include odd sounds, leaking fluid, delays in movement, and strange smells. If you notice any of these signs, it's time to take your vehicle to a mechanic. It's also a good idea to start looking for these signs as your car reaches the 100,000-mile threshold.
Cost To Repair And Replace
Repairing or replacing your transmission can be costly. However, it's something that you may find yourself needing to do at some point in the future. The average cost to repair a transmission is anywhere from $500 to $1,500 while a replacement transmission can cost anywhere from $1,800 to $3,500. When replacing the transmission it's possible to save by using a used or salvaged transmission. The make and model of your vehicle can also play a big role in the cost to repair or replace your transmission. Manual transmissions also tend to cost less than automatic transmissions to repair or replace.
Your vehicle's transmission is something that you may not spend much time thinking about. However, it's important to have it serviced according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Even the best-maintained transmissions will eventually need to be repaired or replaced. The cost of repair or replacement can also be expensive.
