The transmission is like any other part of your car. It can fail after some time and render your vehicle undrivable, especially when you fail to flush or replace the old fluid. So, how long can you expect it to run before it fails? This article will tell you the average lifespan of a transmission.
Transmission Basics
The transmission is what transfers engine torque to the drive wheels. When a vehicle is working its way uphill, the transmission makes it possible to increase engine speed even if the vehicle’s speed is low.
Gears make it possible to increase engine speed under low vehicle speeds. At the same time, the engine speed can drop at higher speeds, saving fuel and reducing exhaust emissions.
Average Lifespan of Transmissions
Regardless of whether you have an automatic, a manual, or CVT transmission, its lifespan will ultimately depend on how well you take care of your vehicle.
With proper maintenance, your transmission can last up to 300,000 miles or more with minimal issues.
But if you’re more of a reactive car owner than a preventive one, transmission troubles can haunt your vehicle as early as the 100,000-mile mark.
How Long Does a Rebuilt Transmission Last?
Drivers who have dealt with major transmission problems can opt to get a new transmission or simply have the old one rebuilt.
While buying a new transmission seems like the better option, doing so can cost quite a lot of money, which is why a lot of drivers would rather have their old transmission rebuilt.
At the very least, a rebuilt transmission should run for about 30,000 to 40,000 miles. If the transmission is rebuilt using high-quality parts and assembled by a skilled mechanic, it can even last for 100,000 to 200,000 miles.
Is It Worth Replacing a Transmission?
You’re most likely to get your money’s worth if you source a skilled mechanic to perform the transmission rebuild.
Next to an engine rebuild, a transmission rebuild is the second most expensive task in auto repair. Still, it won’t cost as much as buying an entirely new transmission.
A transmission rebuild is usually performed when the transmission requires multiple complex repairs but not to the point where it’s broken beyond repair.
It’s also a good idea to rebuild a transmission if it has minor recurring problems.
Common Transmission Problems
Failure to stick to your vehicle’s preventive maintenance schedule can result in several transmission problems. Here are the most common ones.
Transmission Won’t Go Into Gear
If you’re driving a manual and you’re having a hard time shifting between gears, it’s possible that there’s a transmission fluid leak somewhere or you have a faulty shifter or shifter cable.
The same goes for an automatic transmission. You might notice that your vehicle won’t move once you set the gear to “D” or drive.
Delayed Shifting
Delayed shifting is a clear-cut sign that something is wrong with your transmission.
If shifting from park to reverse or drive takes a while for the gears to kick in, you could be looking at low or dirty transmission fluid or faulty transmission solenoids.
Slipping Transmission
A properly functioning transmission should let you shift between gears as smoothly as possible.
But if you’re having difficulty shifting between gears, hearing strange sounds when shifting, and noticing extremely high RPMs, chances are your transmission is slipping.
A lot can be attributed to a slipping transmission, including low or burnt transmission fluid, faulty clutch, worn-out gears, and a failed solenoid, among others.
Fluid Leaks
Like the engine, the transmission also needs the right amount of lubricant to dissipate heat, prevent metal-to-metal contact between parts, and reduce friction to prevent premature wear in certain parts.
If transmission fluid is leaking underneath your vehicle, it won’t be long before the transmission fails altogether. Be sure to inspect cooler lines, gaskets, and seals for leaks.
Also, check the dipstick (if your vehicle still has one) to ensure that the transmission fluid is at an optimal level.
How Long Does a Transmission Last After It Starts Slipping?
There’s really no way of telling when a slipping transmission will fail completely, and you definitely don’t want to find that out for yourself.
A slipping transmission is a serious matter that should be left in the hands of a trained professional.
If you notice that your transmission is beginning to slip, it’s best to take your vehicle to the nearest auto repair shop. If you continue to drive your vehicle in this condition, you could end up with more damaged parts.
Driving with a slipping transmission will also make it hard for you to control your vehicle due to the unpredictability of shifting the gears.
The Best Practices for a Long-Lasting Transmission
Your transmission is meant to last for a long time, but poor maintenance will cause it to fail prematurely. Here are some of the best practices you can observe to ensure that your transmission won’t give you a hard time.
Always Check Your Transmission Fluid
The transmission fluid is the lifeblood of the entire transmission. Over time, it can get contaminated and require you to flush the transmission and fill it up with new fluid.
Be sure to check your owner’s manual to find out the correct interval for flushing the transmission fluid.
Replace the Transmission Filter Regularly
Every time you get an oil change, the oil filter is also replaced with a new one. The same goes for your transmission.
Some vehicles, however, don’t have transmission filters and only require flushing and topping up on new transmission fluid.
Check your owner’s manual to see if your vehicle comes with a transmission filter. Otherwise, you can skip this task.
Service the Cooling System
The main job of the cooling system is to prevent the engine from overheating, but it also plays a crucial role in cooling down the transmission fluid that flows through the gearbox.
Always make sure that the cooling system is in optimal condition to prevent engine and transmission damage.
Keep Reading: Related Posts
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
