Apr
Even a basic warranty package should cover transmission repair. Why is this so important? How much does it cost to repair the average transmission? How long should your transmission last? Read on to learn the facts about transmissions.
How Long Does a Transmission Last?
According to one transmission remanufacturer, even when a transmission receives the minimal care it should last 100,000 miles. There are a few factors that can affect this figure:
- Manufacturer Defect – If a defect exists in the transmission, it may last significantly less time.
- Proper Care – Minimal care of a transmission includes things such as transmission servicing, fluid flushing, and the like. The number of miles between services depends on the manufacturer and should be included in your car’s manual.
- Pre-Owned Vehicles – When you buy a pre-owned vehicle, you may not know how well the previous owner cared for the transmission. You may not even know if the transmission in the vehicle is the original or if it has been rebuilt. This can make the life of the transmission difficult to estimate.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair or Replace a Transmission?
The cost of transmission repair depends on many factors. If you have a manual transmission and you just have to do basic repairs to the clutch or solenoid, the price range could be as little as $500 to $1,500. However, if the entire transmission needs to be replaced, average costs range from $1,800 to $3,500. What accounts for such a wide range?
A transmission replacement costs between $2,500 and $3,500. Some may opt to save a little money by going with a rebuilt transmission. This can reduce costs to $1,500 to $2,500. While the primary advantage is about $1,000 in savings, there are also disadvantages to a rebuilt transmission.
Avoiding the Headache of Transmission Repair Costs
Rather than guessing how long your transmission will last and potentially ending up with a huge repair bill, protect yourself in advance with a warranty that covers your engine, transmission, drive axle, and differential assembly. Vehicle Service Center will be happy to help you select the extended warranty that meets your needs and budget. Call 1-800-280-6708 for a free quote.
Mar
If you have been on the fence about getting an extended warranty for your car, perhaps it’s been a while since you’ve had to bring your vehicle in for repairs. With costs skyrocketing since 2011, driving around without a warranty to cover major repairs is a losing battle. Here are a few figures you should know about.
Check Engine Light Repair Costs
Let’s take the simplest of things – the check engine light. The majority of the time, this comes down to one of two things:
- A bad oxygen sensor
- An incorrectly closed gas cap
These are simple fixes for an auto repair shop. But back in 2012, at the start of the recent extreme price hike, parts and labor on a check engine light fix averaged anywhere from $270 to $400 depending on the state (our home state of California was the 3rd most expensive).
Increasing Prices on a Nationwide Scale
In one recent year alone, replacement part costs for cars went up by 6% and labor costs rose by a shocking 17%. If you think getting a check engine light issue fixed is expensive, imagine needing a new transmission (which often means having an electronic module reprogrammed as well). Across the country, the cost of such a service averages over $5,000!
Why Are Auto Repair Costs Rising?
You may wonder why such a steep rise in repair costs is occurring. There are two lines of reasoning. The first is that newer cars are becoming more complicated and computer oriented, making repair an even more specialized field than it already was. The second is that people are keeping their cars longer (one study suggests that the average age of a decommissioned vehicle is now up to 11 years). As a result, these aging vehicles are experiencing the need for bigger repair jobs, bringing up the average cost of repairs.
Regardless of the reason behind the increase in repair costs, it is vital to keep yourself covered. After all, if you spend $5,000 on repairs, you may as well have had a car payment all year long. The cost-effective solution is an extended warranty.
Extended Warranty Services You Can Trust
Vehicle Service Center is a California-based extended warranty business that provides full coverage options for both new and pre-owned vehicles. Don’t get hit with thousands of dollars in expenses for a catastrophic repair bill. Get covered now by calling 1-800-280-6708.