The transmission system is one of your vehicle's most vital and complex components. If your system begins to fail, and you don't want to replace the entire vehicle, you have three main options:
- Repair
- Rebuild
- Replace
Each option comes with its own list of benefits and drawbacks, so read through this quick overview to come to the right decision.
Repairing Your Transmission
A transmission repair will simply remove the damaged parts of your system, then replace them with new ones. This means that only the minimal amount of components will be removed, so a repair is a very quick way of getting your transmission working again without having to spend too much money.
However, it's worth remembering that you won't be driving away with a fully-repaired transmission system. If one part of your system failed due to age or ill-use, it could be that another part will soon fail too. This can easily cause damage to newly-installed parts, leaving you, once again, with a broken transmission system. Additionally, repair may not even be an option if damage is too extensive.
Rebuilding Your Transmission
'Rebuilding' is actually a slightly misleading term. What auto mechanics actually do during this process is completely disassemble the system, clean all the parts, replace any old seals and gaskets, then put everything back together. They can even add in updated parts that have been created by manufacturers to address initial design weaknesses.
This means that you'll end up with a transmission system that has been restored to near-prime condition, so it is a very good long-term solution to any transmission issues. Unfortunately, this does come with one major drawback: this process will usually take significantly longer than a standard repair job or replacement. You may also have to look around to find a quality transmission specialist.
Replacing Your Transmission
Finally, there's always the possibility of replacing your transmission altogether. This will usually be a used system since manufacturers generally don't release completely new ones. What you will essentially receive is a system that has already undergone the rebuilding process.
That means that you'll enjoy the reliability of a rebuilt transmission system without having to wait for the process to be completed. The cost may be slightly higher, but you might be able to snag a bargain if you're driving one of the more popular models. However, you may find yourself with a system that was created a couple of years ago.
There really is no right answer; instead, you'll need to consider how much you can spend, how much longer you expect to keep the car, and how long you're willing to wait. Keeping all of those things in mind, along with the points listed above, should see you making the right decision.
