What is what to do when transmission goes out?

When your transmission goes out, it's a stressful situation, but here's a breakdown of what to do:

1. Safety First! Immediately pull over to a safe location. Get off the road as much as possible. Turn on your hazard lights. Your immediate priority is avoiding an accident.

2. Assess the Situation: Note any symptoms you experienced before the complete failure. Were there strange noises? Slipping gears? A burning smell? The more information you can provide to a mechanic, the better.

3. Call for Help: Don't attempt to drive the vehicle if the transmission is completely gone. Contact a tow truck to bring your vehicle to a trusted mechanic. Check your insurance policy or roadside assistance plan for towing coverage.

4. Diagnose the Problem: The mechanic will need to diagnose the cause of the transmission failure. This could involve a visual inspection, diagnostic scans, and potentially removing the transmission pan for a closer look. Understand that Transmission Diagnosis is crucial before deciding on a repair strategy.

5. Consider Your Options: You have a few potential paths forward:

   • Transmission Repair: If the damage is relatively minor, a repair might be possible. This could involve replacing specific components like solenoids or valve bodies.
   • Transmission Rebuild: A rebuild involves disassembling the transmission, replacing worn or damaged parts, and reassembling it. This is a more extensive and costly option than a simple repair.
   • Transmission Replacement: This involves replacing the entire transmission with a new, remanufactured, or used unit. A remanufactured transmission is generally considered the best option as it should provide similar performance to a new unit, but at a lower cost. Used transmissions may have unseen issues that may cause you trouble.
   • Vehicle Replacement: Depending on the age and overall condition of your vehicle, the cost of a transmission repair or replacement might not be worthwhile. It could be more economical to consider buying a new or used car.

6. Get Estimates: Obtain quotes from multiple mechanics before committing to any work. Make sure the estimates include labor and parts costs. Ask for a detailed breakdown of what the repair will entail. Discuss Transmission%20Repair%20Costs with each mechanic.

7. Make an Informed Decision: Weigh the costs and benefits of each option carefully. Consider the age and mileage of your vehicle, the overall cost of the repair, and your long-term transportation needs.

8. Regular Maintenance: Once the issue is resolved, prioritize regular transmission maintenance, including fluid changes, to help prevent future problems. Following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule is crucial for Transmission%20Maintenance.