How Long Can You Drive With A Bad Transmission?

June 10, 2020 | By Mister Transmission

How Long Can You Drive With A Bad Transmission?

Procrastination: it’s something we’re all guilty of. Why do today what you can put off until tomorrow, right? But what about your transmission? How long can you drive with a bad transmission?

Car problems always seem to strike at the most inopportune times. If your transmission is acting up, how long can you get by before taking your vehicle into a transmission shop?

You know the feeling. You’ve got a big presentation at work, a big exam coming up, or you’re about to attend your best friend’s wedding where in the ceremony you’ll be the best man. And then your car decides it won’t work. If it’s your transmission that’s the problem, maybe you’ll keep slipping out of gear and into neutral. Maybe you’ll have a struggle just to shift gears at all. Or maybe it will make such a noise that you are afraid to keep driving it. Just your luck, huh?

Except, in many cases, luck had little to do with it. Usually, you had a chance to repair your transmission before, but for one reason or another, you did not. Maybe you were just procrastinating or maybe you did have a good excuse, but that does not change your current situation. Now you have a bad transmission. What will you do?

Very few transmission problems come out of nowhere and instantly render your vehicle inoperable. Usually you have a bad transmission before you have a completely broken transmission.

Can you still drive your transmission if it changes gears roughly? Can you still drive your transmission if you see that it is leaking a little transmission fluid? Can you still drive your transmission if it is making funny noises? Can you still drive your transmission if it keeps slipping out of gear and into neutral?

The answer to all these questions is, usually, yes, though in this last scenario that can be quite dangerous. The truth is you almost always can drive on bad transmission. But for how long? Well, that is up to you.

Driving with a bad transmission is a simple matter of risk analysis. How much are you willing to risk having to get major transmission repairs or even a transmission replacement?

It’s always best to nip small problems in the bud before they become big ones. If you absolutely must drive with a bad transmission, check your transmission fluid first. Topping that up may ease (or even solve) the problem. If you’re really not sure, contact us at Mister Transmission and we might be able to give you an idea of how bad your transmission is. In any event, you want to drive with a bad transmission for as short a time as possible.

Mister Transmission Team

The Mister Transmission team consists of certified transmission specialists with decades of combined experience in diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining automatic and manual transmissions.

With over 60 years of service across Canada, our experts provide trusted, accurate, and up-to-date automotive advice to help drivers make informed decisions about their vehicles.

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Customer Reviews
My car is 60 years...
Rick Wyszynski
My car is 60 years old and classic. Chris and the guys at Mr. T gave it the proper respect and careful handling it needed. They improved the transmission performance and serviced the everyday needs like fluid and filter. All with friendly chatter and quick turnaround.
Date: May 22, 2026
Website: Google
We had an issue with...
Susan Feeney
We had an issue with the vehicle and they were very kind and had a look at it again. They were very accommodating. Fixed the issue. Thanks to a great team.
Date: May 22, 2026
Website: Google
Very happy with the work...
Dana Emilson
Very happy with the work tranny service done on time same day would recommend them anytime. Very knowledgable on my truck new filter in new transmission fluid .Thanks for excellent service.
Date: May 22, 2026
Website: Google
Exceptional customer service, guidance and...
Smillion Dooble-O
Exceptional customer service, guidance and communication.
Date: May 22, 2026
Website: Google
I was so extremely stressed...
Marzena K
I was so extremely stressed out when it turned out that the transmission in my Nissan Pathfinder needed to be replaced. After searching many places, I decided on this location and I am so glad I did. Sanjay and Paul, both were super understanding and explained everything to me in detail. After the reman transmission was put in I thought there still were issues with it and they put the car back on a hoist to re-check everything to ensure it was all ok. Sanjay, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your patience and understanding how I felt. If anyone has issues with their transmission, don't hesitate to go to 300 Exeter Rd, Mr. Transmission. Thanks to this place, I can use my vehicle for much, much longer. :)
Date: May 21, 2026
Website: Google
Excellent service with satisfactory work....
NITISH SACHDEVA
Excellent service with satisfactory work. Highly recommended and appreciated
Date: May 21, 2026
Website: Google
Chris and his team were...
Jim Schulz
Chris and his team were excellent. Made sure everything was perfect and performed the maintenance with expertise.
Date: May 21, 2026
Website: Google
Gary was amazing!! I cannot...
Shawna Fleming
Gary was amazing!! I cannot thank him enough for squeezing me in and pointing me in the right direction. Top notch service!
Date: May 21, 2026
Website: Google
Thanks to the team, my...
Sohaib M
Thanks to the team, my car a Mercedes was repaired and back on road smoothly! The team here is very confident in their work! Special shoutout to Brian and Ndal! who explained everything thoroughly and provided the best solution saving me couple thousands, highly recommend. What looked impossible, turned into possible! Deeply appreciate the reassurance that everything will be taken care of. i wish you all the best for 2026 and many years to come!!
Date: May 21, 2026
Website: Google
PRO Shop! Never have I...
D D
PRO Shop! Never have I had such exceptional automotive service. Chris - You gave it to me straight - My Car and I thank you! 1000+ STARS GOOD Work Guys!
Date: May 21, 2026
Website: Google
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