When it comes to costly parts, the transmission is right up there among the most expensive. Because of that many people opt to purchase a used transmission, which is not usually the ideal route to take. Why is that? The answer is simple. This is one of, if not the most important part in your entire vehicle. This is not the part to cut corners on, as this is the part that provides power to your engine.
There are two basic types of transmissions found in cars which are manual and automatic. The manual transmission tends to be cheaper as it has less parts, and it's easier to build. However, the automatic transmission is the much more popular option in vehicles. The main differences are that in an automatic transmission there is no gear shift or a clutch pedal. Their goal is the same, however; it’s just done in different ways.
When you are ready to replace your transmission, keep a few things in mind:
Avoid the junkyard: It can be pretty tempting to head to the auto wreckers and search for a used transmission for your vehicle, as it is much cheaper. There are a number of reasons this isn't a wise idea, such as the fact they come with very short warranties. That means if in two months it suddenly dies and you find yourself needing to replace it again, it's out of your pocket. Transmissions also feature all kinds of sensors that are controlled by a computer. There are so many components that could malfunction on a used one, why take the chance? Never mind the fact you never truly know how old and how much use the old one has had.
Check your vehicles needs: Be sure to get one that matches your vehicle’s needs precisely. This means your engine will work to its full potential, and you aren't spending extra on something your engine can't handle.
Warranty: Ask about the longevity of the different options available. Be sure to ask about the warranty on the new transmission, just in case you have any issues down the road.
