Warranty Coverage for Your Transmission
A car’s transmission is one of the most critical and expensive components to maintain.
If something goes wrong with the transmission, it can be very costly to repair.
Many people choose to purchase extended warranty coverage for their vehicles.
Most extended warranties will cover the cost of repairs to your transmission, as long as the problem is not caused by normal wear and tear.
If your transmission breaks down due to a manufacturing defect, you should be covered.
However, some things extended warranties will not cover.
For example, they usually won’t cover damage caused by accident or negligence.
And, they may not cover repairs if you don’t properly maintain your vehicle.
If you’re thinking about purchasing an extended warranty for your vehicle, read the fine print to know exactly what’s covered.
That way, you can rest assured knowing that you’re protected if something goes wrong with your transmission.
What is a Transmission?
A car’s transmission is responsible for transferring the power from the engine to the wheels.
The two common types of transmissions are manual and automatic.
A manual transmission uses a clutch and gears to manually shift between gears, while an automatic transmission does this automatically.
Besides those, there are also dual-clutch gearboxes, CVTs, and a few other uncommon types of transmissions.
Each has pros and cons that affect reliability and performance.
How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Transmission?
The cost of repairing a transmission can vary widely, depending on the severity of the problem.
For example, fixing a simple fluid leak might only cost $100.
But, if the transmission needs to be rebuilt entirely, it could cost upwards of $4,000.
And, if the problem is severe enough that you need to replace the transmission, it could cost even more.
As a pro tip, it is recommended to compare the cost of replacement to repair.
For some cars, it is cheaper to replace the transmission with a rebuilt one or a used one from a scrapped vehicle.
What Do Extended Warranties Cover?
An extended warranty is a service contract covering the repair and replacement of your vehicle’s major components.
While the terms and conditions vary by provider, most plans cover your car’s engine, transmission, drivetrain, electrical system, air conditioning, etc.
Some also include coverage for towing, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption.
The two main types of warranties are bumper-to-bumper and powertrain.
Bumper-to-bumper coverage is the most comprehensive and typically includes everything except your car’s battery, light bulbs, and physical damage.
It covers almost everything on your vehicle, excluding normal “wear and tear” items like tires, brakes, and fluids.
Powertrain coverage is limited and only covers your car’s engine, transmission, and drivetrain.
Most extended warranties will cover repairs for your car’s transmission.
Still, the coverage may be limited to certain types of repairs and causes for those repairs.
For example, some plans only cover replacing damaged or worn parts.
At the same time, others may also cover repairs for underlying issues that caused the damage.
What Can Go Wrong with A Transmission?
Transmissions can have a variety of problems that may require repair.
• Clutch problems: If the clutch is not working correctly, it can cause the car to jerk or stall.
• Gear shifting problems: If the gears are not shifting properly, it can cause the car to jerk or stall.
• Leaks: Transmission fluid leaks are one of the most common transmission problems
If the fluid level gets too low, it can cause the transmission to overheat and fail.
• Sensor problems: The sensors in the transmission tell the computer when to shift gears.
If a sensor is not working correctly, it can cause the car to jerk or stall.
• Solenoid problems: The solenoids in the transmission control the flow of fluid and pressure.
If a solenoid is not working correctly, it can cause the car to jerk or stall.
If you’re experiencing any of these problems, it’s essential to take your car to a mechanic.
They can diagnose the problem and let you know if it’s something that can be fixed or if you need to replace the transmission.
When Do Transmissions Break?
Most transmissions will last for many years without any significant problems, but they are more likely to fail after 100,000 miles.
Many different factors can contribute to transmission failure, but wear and tear is the most common cause.
Transmissions are complex systems with many moving parts, and over time, these parts can start to break down.
Other common causes of transmission failure include:
– Overheating: Transmission fluid helps keep your car’s transmission cool, and if the fluid level gets low, it can cause the transmission to overheat.
– Leaks: A leak in your car’s transmission can allow vital fluids to escape, leading to damage and failure.
– Electrical issues: Your car’s transmission relies on electrical signals to shift gears.
If these signals are disrupted, it can cause the transmission to fail.
Transmissions can break down at any time.
That’s why it’s important to have an extended warranty in place if you keep your car for a long time.
How Can I Protect Myself From the Cost of Transmission Repair?
One way to protect yourself from the high cost of transmission repair is to purchase an extended warranty.
As we mentioned, most extended warranties will cover at least some of the costs associated with transmission repairs.
However, it’s important to read the fine print of your contract to understand exactly what is and is not covered.
Another way to protect yourself is to stay up-to-date on your car’s maintenance.
For example, regularly checking your transmission fluid level and getting it changed when necessary can help to prevent overheating and other issues that can lead to transmission failure.
If you experience transmission problems, catching them early can often mean less extensive (and less expensive) repairs.
Why Should You Get an Extended Warranty?
The cost of repairs can be expensive, especially if you need to replace your car’s transmission.
According to Angie’s List, the average cost of a transmission replacement is $3,500.
An extended warranty can help you to avoid paying for these repairs out of pocket.
Suppose you experience a single serious transmission issue.
In that case, it can cost as much as the entire cost of an extended warranty.
A warranty that would cover many years, tens of thousands of miles, and potentially numerous other issues that can arise over the years.
If you’re concerned about the cost of transmission repairs, an extended warranty may be a good option for you.
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