Your vehicle is made up of thousands of components, all of which work together to ensure that it functions properly and gets you where you need to go. When one of these components breaks down or wears out, you may end up with serious issues, or you might not even notice. Your car doesn’t rely on every component to function properly, but some components are more essential than others. Your drivetrain, for example, is going to be much more important for your vehicle’s everyday functionality than the sensors that check the tire pressure.
When it comes to essential components, your car’s transmission is at the top of the list. The transmission is responsible for taking the energy generated by the engine and turning it into the motion that turns the wheels. If your transmission breaks down, your car will not be able to do much of anything, so it is essential to keep it in good condition for as long as possible.
On top of the transmission’s importance, it is also one of the most expensive components on your vehicle to replace. Knowing how much a transmission replacement costs and the other issues that can arise if you ignore transmission problems will help you make the best decisions for yourself, your car, and your bank account. With a good understanding of the transmission’s importance, you can save yourself a lot of money over the years.
Average Cost of a Transmission Replacement
The average cost of a transmission replacement can be difficult to pin down since many factors go into part prices and labor costs, like your vehicle’s condition and your location. According to an average of paid claims by Endurance, a transmission replacement costs around $4,700. However, RepairPal’s estimate sits between $5,500 and $5,800.
Even at the lower end of the price range, there’s no denying that a transmission replacement is an expensive car repair, second only to a total engine replacement. Because of the costs involved, it is essential that you do everything you can to protect your transmission and keep it in good shape for as long as possible.
Factors That Influence Transmission Replacement Costs
The cost of replacing a transmission will vary depending on a wide range of different factors. Every vehicle has its own specific needs and costs involved when it comes to a transmission replacement, and it can be helpful to know what to expect.
- Type of Vehicle: Your vehicle type will play a big part in the cost of replacing your transmission. High-performance and hybrid vehicles, for example, will require a more expensive type of transmission, whereas a simple economy vehicle’s transmission will be much cheaper and easier to find.
- Vehicle Age: Replacement parts for older vehicles are generally harder to source than they are for new cars. If you have a vehicle that is more than 20 years old, you should be prepared to pay more for your new transmission.
- New vs. Rebuilt Transmission: In some cases, you can find a remanufactured transmission for your vehicle that will be just as suitable as a brand-new one. If you can get a transmission rebuild, you can end up paying a lot less for the used transmission replacement.
- Manual vs. Automatic: An automatic transmission is generally more expensive to replace than a manual transmission. This is due to their complexity and the increase in labor that is required to get them installed and properly calibrated.
Signs Your Transmission Needs to Be Replaced
There are several signs that your vehicle will exhibit if its transmission is starting to fail, and knowing what they are can help you act quickly when the time comes. One of the most common signs is slipping. If you have been noticing that your vehicle is regularly slipping out of gear and going into neutral when you are driving at a steady speed, this could mean that the gears are starting to strip or that they are otherwise damaged. It could also mean that the automatic systems are causing transmission failure and will soon need to be replaced.
If your transmission is starting to go bad, you may also notice strange noises that spring up out of nowhere. A grinding or clunking sound could mean that your gear teeth are damaged or that the bearings in the transmission are starting to fail. A whining or humming could mean the same thing, or it could mean that your transmission fluid levels are low due to a fluid leak or other serious issue. When any of the symptoms of a bad transmission start to pop up, it is crucial that you get your vehicle to the transmission shop as soon as possible.
The Long-Term Costs of Ignoring Transmission Issues
In addition to a completely failed transmission and the costly replacement that can follow it, ignoring transmission problems can have other expensive implications in the long term. One of the most important to keep in mind is the fact that your transmission affects the entire powertrain. A failing transmission can force the engine to work harder to produce the same amount of power, and you could end up with problems due to this increased strain. Overheating, warped pistons, and failing ignition systems can be incredibly costly to fix on top of the transmission repair cost.
A failing transmission can also be a safety hazard, especially at higher speeds on the road. Slipping gears, for example, can cause unpredictable driving or a sudden loss of power that could be a serious problem on the highway. Your best bet will always be to get your transmission repaired or replaced as soon as you can and to stay on top of transmission maintenance so you can avoid these long-term issues and keep yourself and other drivers safe on the road.
Endurance Warranty Can Help Cover Transmission Repairs
If you are looking to protect your transmission and keep your vehicle running safely and smoothly, a protection plan from Endurance is your best option. When you buy a new car at the dealership, it will come with a factory warranty provided by the manufacturer.
Once this warranty is up, though, you will be responsible for any auto repairs that need to be made on the vehicle. If you want to continue your coverage, an extended warranty, which is more accurately called a vehicle service contract (VSC), is a great option. Endurance offers top-notch coverage for a wide range of your car’s components, including the transmission.
Whether you want to protect your vehicle’s most essential powertrain parts like the engine, transmission, and drivetrain, or you are looking for complete coverage for your whole car, Endurance has everything you need. Plus, Endurance customers get access to extra benefits like 24/7 roadside assistance and towing, rental car reimbursement, and a large network of certified repair shops so you can always get the best care for your vehicle.
Protect Your Vehicle’s Most Vital Components With Endurance
When the time comes to replace your vehicle’s transmission, having a protection plan from Endurance can be a massive weight off your shoulders. Endurance has plans for all kinds of cars, from older high-mileage vehicles to top-of-the-line exotic cars and luxury automobiles. Plus, Endurance even offers coverage for vehicles that other third-party providers won’t deal with, including cars used for rideshare or delivery, vehicles with a rebuilt or salvage title, and Canadian Gray Market Cars.
In addition to excellent coverage and the standard suite of benefits that every Endurance customer gets access to, a small activation fee unlocks the Elite Benefits program. This set of extra perks includes tire repairs, key fob replacement, and up to $1,000 in total loss coverage so you can always feel safe on the road.
If you are ready to protect your vehicle and your bank account, get in touch with our award-winning advising at (800) 253-8203 to get a FREE custom quote. If you are looking for ways to shop with confidence, check out the online store to get an instant price preview.
Be sure to read more expert auto resources including frequently asked questions, DIY tips, mechanical breakdown insurance information for California drivers, Toyota and other manufacturer info, and more on the Endurance Blog.