How Long Does Your Transmission Last – How To Maintain

In order to help you become a better driver, we will address your inquiries about the transmissions in this guide.

Your car’s transmission is an essential component. It gives you the ability to regulate the amount of power the engine produces while giving you a comfortable ride through the streets of Meridian, Philadelphia, and Laurel, Mississippi. Your car will simply not run without it.

One of the most expensive repairs a car owner might have to make is replacing the transmission, whether it is automatic or manual. To move the car in the desired direction, the transmission sends power from the engine to the wheels. By employing a more intricate design, automatic transmissions aim to simplify the act of driving itself. Automatic transmissions have complex electronic components and circuitry. Compared to the manual transmission, which is more straightforward, this leaves more room for malfunctions and failure points, but simplicity can be a lifesaver in today’s hectic world.

How Long Does An Automatic Transmission Last?

Depending on how they use or abuse their transmissions, car drivers use their transmissions differently over different distances. Nevertheless, a typical automatic transmission lasts between 150,000 and 200,000 miles, or roughly 7 years. There are cases at both ends of the spectrum: extreme longevity and early failure.

Many car owners unintentionally neglect their transmission health until it is too late. Here are 5 practices to get the most life out of your automatic transmission:

1. Regularly Service Your Transmission

Change the oil and filter in your transmission either on your own, if you have previous automotive maintenance experience, or by hiring a mechanic. Refer to the manufacturer’s specifications for precise service intervals, just like with an oil change. Every 20,000 to 30,000 miles or every 18 months, you should generally change the oil and filter. Every 40,000 to 50,000 miles, or every two years, the automatic transmission of newer cars needs to be cleared of sediment and debris.

2. Regularly Check Your Transmission Fluid

The purpose of transmission fluid is to transfer heat from the internal parts of the transmission and away from the moving parts. Low fluid levels can lead to the transmission overheating and suffering permanent harm. The automatic transmission needs to be checked every two to four weeks with the engine running, depending on how much you drive.

3. Use Synthetic Transmission Fluid

Use the transmission fluid type recommended by your owner’s manual prior to switching. However, heat eventually degrades the organic components in common automatic transmission fluid, decreasing its effectiveness. Over time, your old automatic transmission will benefit from more heat-resistant synthetic fluid. It is especially useful for people who frequently travel long distances with large loads in congested areas or through mountainous terrain.

4. Invest in a Transmission Cooler

The transmission is harmed by heat. Seals, metal surfaces, and electronic components all sustain damage over time as a result of prolonged heat exposure. The service life is reduced by half for every 20 degrees above 200 degrees in the transmission. A transmission cooler can more than double the time before wear out and significantly lower the operating temperature.

5. Practice Good Driving

Driving carefully can extend the life of your automatic transmission. Keep in mind the following 3 practices:

1. Drive defensively. As well as constant acceleration and deceleration, aggressive driving from a stop can raise the temperature. Stress on both you and the transmission can be reduced by driving more leisurely.
2. Avoid driving until your transmission and engine are warmed up. When it’s cold outside, let the car idle until the engine’s RPM drops before shifting into gear. When the transmission fluid is cold, it becomes thicker and moves from the bottom to the top less efficiently. Allow it to warm up so that it can do its job of preventing friction damage better.
3. Avoid changing gears while the car is moving. Reverse and drive shifts are still necessary in automatic transmissions. Allowing the car to come to a complete stop before shifting will prevent damage to the internal gears, even though it might be alluring to quickly exit a parking space or make a 3-point turn.

A certain amount of heat exposure is what transmissions are made to handle. You can help your transmission last longer by using deliberate driving techniques. Find a qualified mechanic who is familiar with the unique requirements of your car model if you suspect any automatic transmission issues. You can ultimately save time and money by choosing the right mechanic for transmission repairs.

Factors Help You Prolong the Life of Transmission

1. Lubrication/Fluids & Heat

Transmissions are made to work with particular types of fluids and with certain tolerances and purposes. Not all fluids are created equally and are suitable for all transmissions. Today’s market offers more than 50 different fluid types and grades. Your vehicle will have a different amount of slip depending on the type and grade. Slip has an impact on the heat and pressure put on your transmission; consequently, fluid has a significant impact on both. A transmission’s lifespan gets shorter the more heat it is exposed to. Heat causes fluid to fail, parts to deteriorate, and the lifespan of the car to rapidly decrease. So that the components don’t rub against one another and harm the transmission, keep your transmission fluid at the proper level and replace it frequently enough.

2. Driving Habits

The longevity of your transmission is greatly influenced by your driving style. Avoid these behaviors for the benefit of your vehicle and transmission as they increase the likelihood that your transmission will wear out before its time. Excessive mileage can make transmissions fail earlier than expected, just like it can with the majority of car components. It may be influenced by your choice of vehicle, just like the majority of these variables. Some automakers are known for their reliable transmissions, so they may be able to withstand more wear.

Transmission Warning Signs

There might not be a transmission warning light on your dash, but transmission trouble is frequently indicated by the check engine light. The error code produced by your onboard computer can be read by a mechanic to diagnose your vehicle.

A warning sign should be any transmission fluid leaks. While checking the transmission fluid dipstick for fluid levels, look for dark brown stains beneath any areas where you frequently park.

Your transmission may be slipping if you notice that the car skips gears or accelerates slowly. Another red flag that needs repair right away is a clunking noise made when shifting. Pay attention to any odd noises, such as squeaking, rattling, or humming.

Repair Versus Replacement

Leaks and other minor problems are worth the money to have fixed. It might be more cost-effective to have a mechanic fix the damage if the majority of the transmission is in good shape but seals or bearings need to be replaced.

It might be more expensive to repair a transmission that has more serious problems as a result of things like prolonged exposure to heat or low fluid levels. There may be more damage than is worth fixing if a transmission shimmy or shakes, smells burnt, or can’t shift properly.

A replacement might be more cost-effective if you frequently bring your car in for transmission work. You can decide to have your current model rebuilt or completely replaced. By purchasing a replacement, you can avoid repeatedly diagnosing and fixing multiple failing parts, which will cost you more time and money in the long run.

Delaying until your transmission breaks is the last thing you want to do. Your transmission might completely lock up, which could lead to you losing control of your vehicle and crashing.

Catch Transmission Issues Early

You may end up paying more in the long run if you put off maintenance or repairs. When asking “How long do transmissions last,” unfortunately the answer isn’t forever. Your regular maintenance of your car affects how long your transmission will last in large part.

Transmissions put in a lot of work and eventually degrade, just like any other auto part. You can avoid the need for a replacement transmission by spotting problems early on. You can quickly diagnose your problems and get back on the road with the assistance of a trustworthy transmission mechanic like the experts at Remac Transmissions.

FAQ

How Long Can a Dying Transmission Last

Some transmissions have a 100,000 mile failure limit if they are not serviced and maintained. Your transmission might not function properly if you drive between 15,000 and 20,000 miles per year in seven years. Transmissions can last up to 300,000 miles with proper maintenance.

How Long Can a Transmission Last Without Fluid

Up to 10 miles can be driven with little to no transmission fluid, but doing so would be extremely dangerous. For your car to shift gears smoothly, transmission fluid is crucial. Without it, gears are vulnerable to increased friction and might not even be able to move.

How Long Does a New Transmission Last

With proper maintenance, transmissions can last up to 300,000 miles or more. This entails routine checkups and changing the fluid in your transmission system. However, if you neglect routine maintenance, your transmission may experience issues at the 100,000-mile mark or even earlier.