Are you wondering how long does transmission last? if yes, look no further because we have the answers you need.
In this article, we will answer some transmission-related questions you might have such as, how long does transmission last.
we also explain in detail what causes the transmission to get damaged, how to maintain your vehicle’s transmission, and how to go about replacing your vehicle’s transmission if it gets bad.
Let’s get started!
How Long Does Transmission Last?
On average, transmission should last between 150,000 and 200,000 miles, which is approximately seven years. However, some factors can shorten transmission lifespans such as poor maintenance and aggressive driving
Do Manual Transmissions Last Longer?
Yes, manual transmissions tend to last longer than automatic transmissions. Automatic transmissions have more complex components, such as hydraulic circuits and electronic control solenoids, which give them more room for failure than a manual transmission with fewer parts.
An established theory is that a more direct manual transmission lasts longer than an automatic transmission. However, you will have to change the clutch very often. Clutch can be very expensive depending on the vehicle type or model.
How To Maintain Your Transmission to Ensure it Lasts
Car servicing is a regular activity for most car owners. Still, many of them do not pay attention to their transmission during this servicing except when it has completely broken down.
Here are tips on how you can ensure your transmission is working correctly.
1. Check Your Transmission Fluid Regularly
Heat is absorbed by the transmission fluid and transported away from the moving parts. A transmission with a low transmission fluid will cause the transmission’s internal components to overheat, leading to more damage.
Depending on how often you drive, try to check your car ATF every 2-4 weeks. Also, ensure that you are using the correct transmission fluid. You can find the recommended fluid in your car’s manual.
If your car is not automatic, always check the clutch fluid reservoir every 2-4 weeks and the essential transmission oil every 6-12 months.
Also Read: Transmission Fluid Colors & What They Mean
2. Have a Good Driving Style
With frequent acceleration and deceleration and rough driving, heat can build up in your car.
Therefore a way to increase the life span of your transmission is to be careful how you step on the gas pedal; planning your movement will also be helpful as this will help reduce the strain on the transmission while still keeping you on schedule.
3. Use Synthetic Transmission Fluid
After a while, heat will break down the organic compounds found in ordinary automatic transmission fluid, weakening its effectiveness.
However, synthetic fluid can withstand the high heat effect and is more advantageous and profitable. Especially if your vehicle always carries a heavy load or similar operation that can induce strain in the transmission.
4. Service the Transmission Regularly
Like your car engine, the transmission has its unique oil and oil filter that needs to be changed every 20,000-30,000 miles or once every 18 months.
If the car is still new, the transmission should be flushed every 40 000-50,000 miles or every two years, ensuring no sediment and debris are left on the torque converter and cooler lines.
If your car is a Manual vehicle, ensure the clutch fluid and gearbox oil are changed after every 30,000-40,000 miles.
5. Buy a Transmission Cooler
The most common reason for transmission failure is heat. The moving parts create friction, generating heat, leading to long-term damage of the seals, fraction materials, metal surfaces, and electronic components.
When the operating temperature rises above 200-degrees at a 20-degree interval, this temperature rise will reduce the service lifespan by 2%.
Using a good transmission oil can drastically reduce the gearbox operating temperature, preventing it from becoming worn out so quickly.
6. Choose a Good Repair Shop to Fix Transmission Issues
Choosing to repair your vehicle at a quality repair shop will save you both time and money, and this is because an experienced mechanic already knows what to look out for when handling a car.
They know how to determine, diagnose and provide solutions to your car problems. Transmission problems should not be ignored, and you should not hesitate to take your vehicle to an experienced mechanic for inspection.
What Can Reduce Transmission Lifespan?
Here are some activities that reduce the lifespan of the transmission
1. Driving Before Your Engine and Transmission Gets Warm
Fluids are more viscous when they are not warm, making it difficult to move from one point to another; therefore, it is not able to go up from the bottom of the transmission pan to prevent damage from friction.
It is recommended that you turn on the engine and leave it on idle for a moment so that the fluid circulates in all components. It would be best to do this before putting on the gear, especially during cold weather.
2. Shifting Gears While the Vehicle Is in Motion
When making a three-point turn or quick maneuver, ensure that the gear comes to a complete stop before changing gears from drive to reverse and vice versa. You will damage the gears, clutches, and universal/CV joints if you do not.
3. Driving Aggressively or Racing
Aggressive driving can raise the heat level in the transmission. Therefore avoid all forms of aggressive driving. Be careful with how you step on the gas pedal.
4. Hiring an Inexperienced Mechanic
A car transmission is a complex component; you should not let an inexperienced mechanic be responsible. Therefore, you must find a mechanic who is well aware of your car’s transmission and who could adequately do decent work when repairing it.
If you take it to an inexperienced mechanic for a cheap fix, you risk having a more severe problem.
Also Read: How Long Does it Take to Rebuild a Transmission?
Related Questions – How Long Does Transmission Last
How Many Miles Will a Transmission Last?
A transmission can last for about 100,000 miles, while some can last for over 200,000 miles. However, maintaining and taking good care of your car transmission will determine how long it will last.
Is Transmission Worth Replacing?
Yes, a damaged transmission is worth replacing. A new transmission costs a lot, so if your car is still new, take it to a professional mechanic for repairs; otherwise, if your transmission gets severely damaged, you will have no choice but to replace it with a new one.
How Often Do Transmissions Need to Be Replaced?
This depends on the car or truck; some vehicles can go as long as 30,000 to 100,000 miles or even a little further than this before giving signs of transmission damage. Some automatic cars are even designed to last for a lifetime.
Why Do Transmissions Go Bad?
Low transmission fluid is one of the most common causes of bad transmission. The transmission fluid maintains transmission parts in good condition by lubricating them and controlling the transmission’s temperature. Additionally, it reduces the hydraulic pressure necessary for the transmission to work. When there’s poor transmission fluid, it will lead to poor performance, and at some point, the transmission will stop working.
Is It Cheaper to Rebuild a Transmission or Replace It?
Replacing a transmission is very expensive, therefore in most cases, what is done is to repair the transmission, where only the damaged part is repaired or replaced. However, if the transmission is too damaged, there will be no choice but to replace it with a new one.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace the Transmission?
The cost of replacing a transmission is around $2,600; on average prices, the replacement will be about $1,800 to $3,400 in the USA. Note that factors like tax and location are not part of this cost range.
How Long Can You Drive With a Slipping Transmission?
If your car is manual, it won’t last more than 500 miles, even if it is driven with all forms of diligence. Changing the transmission fluid and filter could solve the problem for automatic vehicles.
Can a Transmission Go Out Without Warning?
Transmissions give out lots of warning signs before failing. When you notice these signs, take your car to an experienced mechanic for fixing.
Conclusion – How Long Does Transmission Last
On average, transmission should last between 150,000 and 200,000 miles, which is approximately seven years. However, some factors can shorten transmission lifespans such as poor maintenance and aggressive driving
The transmission is one of the most expensive parts of your car. It is both expensive to repair and replace.
A transmission is designed to last with the car’s lifespan; however, some factors can shorten transmission lifespans such as poor maintenance and aggressive driving.
Avoid aggressive driving, use proper maintenance measures and ensure that you use an experienced mechanic when working on your transmission.