How Do You Know Your Transmission is Failing?

Simply put, your car’s transmission transfers power from the engine to the wheels and adjusts power to control speed. This involves shifting up or down in gears as necessary to improve fuel efficiency and keep the engine healthy. If your transmission is failing or has failed, you may have trouble accelerating or not be able to drive your car at all.

Related Article: What Should Your Transmission Fluid Look Like?

When this happens, it’s best to get your car to a repair shop you trust to get it inspected right away. AAMCO Colorado has expert mechanics who are able to diagnose the problem and help you make the right choice with any necessary repairs.

What Are Your Options?

Your car’s transmission is complex and that means you have options when it starts to fail or has already failed. If you catch it early on, you may be able to save a lot of money by doing a transmission repair or transmission rebuild. However, if there is too much damage already done, you may have to pay for a full transmission replacement. The right choice for your situation will depend on how the different parts of the transmission look when it is brought into a repair shop.

Transmission Rebuild

If you need a more cost-effective option, getting a transmission rebuild may be the best way to go. With this service, only the specific parts that are damaged or have failed will be replaced. The transmission will be completely disassembled and the parts cleaned to fully assess what must be repaired.

A transmission repair will most commonly involve replacing all seals, gaskets, and bands – as well as the clutch. If there is more extensive damage, there may be other broken parts that will have to be replaced. This process requires extensive knowledge about your car’s transmission and what parts will best fit, so it’s important to have a mechanic who is knowledgeable about transmissions and your car.

Aside from affordability, choosing a transmission rebuild will also mean that you can salvage your base transmission while replacing broken parts with more up-to-date and efficient versions. You already know that the majority of your transmission works well in your car, but certain parts within it have worn out and must be replaced.

Transmission Replacement

Choosing a transmission replacement will cost you more money but will essentially be a simpler task for your mechanic because they will not have to take apart your current transmission. You may want to choose this option if there is already significant damage. It is also possible that the damage done will be so significant that a transmission replacement is your only option.

A common misconception is that this option will mean you have a brand new transmission. On the contrary, even if you choose to get a transmission replacement, it will likely still be a rebuilt transmission. The difference is that the transmission will have been rebuilt ahead of time in a factory setting instead of in your mechanic’s shop.

The downside to this option is that it is possible the parts used are not the most up-to-date or effective. If the rebuild was not done recently, a newer, safer, more efficient version of some parts may have been released in the meantime. Your mechanic will not be able to pick the best individual parts currently available.

At the same time, you will know that your new transmission was rebuilt to factory specifications, which means it will run well.

Related Article: Signs of a Blown Transmission

Which Option is Best for You?

Transmissions are complex as well as essential to your car’s functionality. No matter which option you choose, you should be sure to take it to a mechanic you trust. By using a reputable repair shop, you will know that you fully understand your options and can weigh which is best for your situation. Whether finances or up-to-date parts are most important to you, you should feel comfortable discussing options with your mechanic.

When the time comes for you to repair your car’s transmission, AAMCO Colorado is a reliable, experienced, and knowledgeable option. As the world’s leading transmission expert in diagnosing, servicing, and maintaining, you will know that you are getting accurate information. AAMCO Colorado offers a range of services to keep your car operating at its best.

If you suspect your transmission may be failing, contact our local team of expert mechanics to schedule an appointment for your free Vehicle Courtesy Check. Or if your transmission has already failed, contact the nearest AAMCO Colorado location to see if they offer free towing.

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How Do You Know Your Transmission is Failing?

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