Your transmission is a pretty important factor in simply making your car move, so you can\’t have it break.
It seems no matter what we do as vehicle owners – there comes a day when we end up in the ER of an auto shop. All we can do is hope for the best news when the mechanic returns from the garage.
Two things you don’t want to hear is that your car needs an engine or transmission repair. If you’re like most people, you buy used cars. This increases your chances of having problems in these areas.
The mileage, make and model of your car determines how likely a transmission or engine problem will be. For instance, this top 10 list of worst used cars to buy shows you can’t judge a car by its looks.
If you happen to be one of the unfortunate souls with a car with a bad transmission, you’re not alone. About 6.7% of the millions of auto repairs done annually are for transmission repair.
Continue reading to learn more about transmission rebuilds and repair, and when you should have it done.
What Are the Benefits of Rebuilding Your Transmision
The cost of rebuilding your transmission is enough to scare the average customer away. Depending on where you go, it could cost you thousands of dollars.
But if you can find an auto shop with decent rates, having your transmission rebuilt isn’t a bad thing. In fact, a lot of people do it before problems occur. This prevents issues in the future that could leave you stranded on the side of the road.
When Should You Have Transmission Repair Done?
Rebuilding a transmission can be costly. The parts and labor will hike up the cost, making it very expensive. This makes it difficult to afford on the whim.
This is why some folks opt to do the transmission rebuild on their own using a kit. But without the proper tools and experience, many things can go wrong.
It’s always recommended to have transmission repair performed by a specialist. And the best time to have it done is when you first notice signs of a problem. Waiting too long will only make it costlier to fix.
A broken transmission can lead to issues in other areas of your car, such as the engine and axles. Your best bet is to have it diagnosed by a certified mechanic as soon as possible.
Warning Signs of a Faulty Transmission
It’s important to pay close attention to what’s going on under your hood. This is essential whether you just purchased the car or had it for years.
One of the first signs you’ll see is warning lights. Today’s cars have computers and sensors that indicate when there’s an issue and where. The indicators may show overheating or the check engine light may come on.
Unusual vibrations and shiftiness may be noticeable while driving as well. As the driver, you’re the first to recognize when something is amiss.
Odd sounds and smells can be a warning sign of something wrong. It may be a burning smell due to low transmission fluid levels. Or you may hear grinding sounds when shifting gears (typically in manual transmissions).
With auto transmissions, the car may shimmy instead of shifting smoothly. Humming, whining and buzzing sounds may also be heard.
You’ll know things are really getting bad when there’s a delay in movement when you shift gears. This can quickly turn into a dangerous situation where the car doesn’t shift to the right gear at the right time.
Have Your Transmission Repaired By Professionals
If you’re not sure what’s wrong with your vehicle, it’s best to have it checked by a licensed mechanic. At Sanford’s Automotive Service, we have licensed and insured professionals who can diagnose your vehicle.
We offer some of the best rates in Columbia, SC, for transmission repairs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!