After the engine, the transmission has got to be the most important and expensive part of any vehicle. Hence, it totally makes sense that most motor owners want to know how long their transmissions would last.
However, there is no single answer to this question because it varies from one vehicle to another.
Generally, transmissions may last for about 300,000 miles with proper care and regular service.
So, how long do transmission last?
How long do transmissions last all depends on how well you maintain it. For instance, without the right maintenance, some transmissions may stop working after only about 100,000 miles.
And with proper maintenance, it may last for 300,000 miles or even more. Additionally, the two types of transmissions – manual and automatic, have different longevity.
For manual transmissions, it can last for around 120,000 miles. And automatic transmissions may last for about 15000 to 200,000 miles. Note that the above answers are just an estimate and can vary from one vehicle to another.
Factors how long transmission lasts:
Other than maintenance issues, there are several other factors that affect transmission longevity. Let’s have a look at some of the major factors.
One of the crucial issues that can lead to transmission failure is incorrect fluid. Different vehicles have different types of transmissions. Hence, different transmissions require different types of fluid.
Improper fluids may adversely affect shifting-feel, cause slippage, generate unnecessary heat or even cause vehicle parts to wear out faster.
Another common factor that can reduce the longevity of your vehicle’s transmission is poor or aggressive driving. Aggressive driving can lead to wearing down of transmission as well as other parts of the vehicle.
How to get the most out of a transmission?
The best way to get the most out of the transmission is to maintain the transmission before it breaks down. Remember, prevention is better than cure!
Make sure to make use of suitable and synthetic transmission fluids. If you’re a newbie and not sure which transmission fluid you should go for, contact the servicing center or check your owner’s manual.
Repair versus replacement:
Replacement is definitely better than repairing. But sometimes that’s not needed, and replacement can cost you tons of money. For smaller issues like a leak, repairing is always a smarter move.
However, if you notice prolonged transmission issues, take your vehicle to the servicing center and discuss if you should go for repairing or replacement.
When to replace transmissions?
Replacement can be expensive, but sometimes that’s a more reasonable option. If you visit the servicing center for repairing your transmission more than usual, a replacement may prove more cost-effective in the long run.
References:
- https://www.remactransmissions.com/how-long-do-transmissions-last-signs-its-time-for-a-new-transmission/
- https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-long-do-manual-transmissions-last
- https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-long-does-an-automatic-transmission-last
- https://auto.howstuffworks.com/under-the-hood/car-part-longevity/how-long-transmissions-last.htm
