Why You May Pay More For A Transmission Repair
Transmission problems have a reputation for being costly, but this is a generalization. Repair costs are varied and depend on a host of factors. Here are some of the factors your mechanic will consider before issuing a quote:
Location of the Damage
While some part can be accessed merely by getting under the car, there are other problems that necessitate removing the transmission from the car, fixing it and replacing it. Problems in the hard-to-reach parts of the transmission system are likely to cost more to fix than the easy-to-reach sections.
Make and Model of the Vehicle
Some car makes and models cost more to repair than others. For example, fixing transmission problems in pickup trucks may cost more than those in passenger cars, but less than those in SUVs. Expensive and delicate cars also tend to cost more not only when it comes to transmission issues, but also with other forms of repairs.
Extent of the Damage
How damaged is your transmission? Does it require a rebuild or a complete replacement? These are two of the most expensive transmission issues. You can't compare them to basic repairs such as the resealing of leaking gaskets. For example, basic repairs can cost you about $1,000 to $2,000 while rebuilding costs will be much higher than those.
How Well You Have Serviced the Car
Have you ever visited a mechanic with a single (seemingly) problem only to be informed of a myriad other issues? This is likely to happen if you haven't been servicing your car as well as you should, and it also applies to the transmission system.
Consider an example where you visit a transmission mechanic after noticing symptoms of fluid leakage under the car. In such a case, you may think (and wish) that it's just an issue of a loose pan, but you may be surprised to be informed of other problems that require prompt repairs. For example, you may be told that the filter needs changing, the converter is cracked, or the transmission lines are damaged.
Type of Transmission
As a general rule, automatic transmissions are more costly to repair than their manual counterparts. According to carsdirect.com, this is because the former is complicated by a large number of moving parts.
A transmission issue that does not involve rebuilding or replacing the system will be relatively inexpensive to fix. Like other parts of the car, you can prevent most problems by regular servicing and fixing problems promptly (through professionals, such as those from Joe's Transmissions Services Inc.). In particular, using the right fluid will also prolong your transmissions longevity.
