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Take care of your wheels through regularly scheduled preventative maintenance of your car’s transmission, and you may never need to know about transmission rebuilds. However, despite the most devout car owner’s efforts to stay atop of any potential engine troubles, the ravages of time will eventually catch up with your treasured vehicle.

If you’re facing the prospect of a transmission repair, it is helpful to understand what your options are. By knowing a little about rebuilt transmissions, you’ll be better equipped to determine whether you should choose to have your transmission rebuilt, of if you should purchase a new one. Regardless, understanding more about either option may save you money and extend the life of your car.

New Parts May Not Stave off the Inevitable

As it is with any failing mechanical or electrical device, if a potential problem with your vehicle’s transmission is detected early, any repairs or adjustments may be made without requiring a full transmission rebuild.

If there are transmission parts that require replacing, and they are easily accessible, or if the problem is an electrical one, it may be possible to repair the transmission without removing it from the vehicle – that alone will save you time and money. That said, it may be wise to look at the big picture right from the start, and have the technician thoroughly inspect the transmission.

If a few parts of your transmission are damaged, it’s quite possible other parts will require replacing too. But know once the parts replacement process starts, it can become a losing battle. A transmission rebuild may, in fact, be the wisest and most economical choice you make.

What Is the Transmission Rebuild Process?

An important element of transmission diagnosis is determining the cause of the problem, enabling you to make an informed decision whether or not you should proceed with a transmission rebuild. The transmission rebuild process typically includes:

• Removing the transmission from your vehicle and dismantling it
• Chemically cleaning the transmission by running it through a parts washer
• Any wonky transmission parts, plus all seals and gaskets, are replaced with new ones
• Any required electrical repairs are performed
• There may have been advances made in your vehicle’s transmission parts and technology since you purchased your car. If so, these updated parts may be included to improve the performance of your transmission and extend its longevity
• Last but not least, the rebuilt transmission is re-installed in your vehicle

The Cost of a Rebuilt Transmission

As with any automotive repair, the cost of a transmission rebuild varies widely, and it’s determined by a multitude of factors including the type of vehicle you drive, and how extensive the damage is to your transmission. A word to the wise: nobody can tell you exactly what your vehicle’s transmission repair will cost over the phone.

While cost is always an important consideration when faced with a transmission repair, it is also important to consider the value of the repair work performed as well. If the transmission technician or shop you’re dealing with doesn’t offer a 12-month warranty on a transmission rebuild with the option of upgrading it to a five-year warranty on all parts and labour, you’re settling for less, and you may be playing Russian roulette with your vehicle.

Are you experiencing transmission troubles or have questions about your vehicle’s transmission? Visit the Mister Transmission location nearest you and get the expert help you need.