5 Tips to Reduce Transmission Repair Cost

The car transmission is one of the most important parts of the car, and the most vulnerable to damage: you need to repair the transmission to get the car working, but you would also like the avoid the full transmission repair cost. Transmission repair costs can amount to nearly $3,000, so it can really take a bit out of your budget.

However, as well as the basic transmission repair cost, the average motorist is also vulnerable to overcharging and price-hiking: there isn't a lot that you can do without your transmission, so mechanics feel free to charge what they choose. However, there are some ways in which you can reduce the total transmission repair cost.

Maintenance

Prevent your car transmission from breaking down with proper maintenance. Taking care of your car can help to reduce, or even eliminate, a transmission repair cost. Simple maintenance such as checking the transmission fluid level is correct, and changing transmission fluid regularly will help to keep the transmission working; changing the transmission fluid filter at regular intervals will also help you keep down any transmission repair costs.

Buy a Remanufactured Transmission

Remanufacturing rebuilds engines and motors to the original manufacturer's recommendation. Most remanufactured transmissions have new parts in them, and the remanufacturing process is now advanced enough to ensure the protection of the buyer.

Remanufactured car parts can be sold for less than half of a new part, but will function like a new one, and have a warranty to protect the buyer against early damage, like a new part. Remanufactured transmissions that have been built by established firms can help to reduce any transmission repair cost: you should also look around for a good warranty.

Know the Price

Before your transmission even needs repair, get familiar with the true cos of repairing the transmission. Ask around or online, and do your research at the AAA or at a local repair garage. Get details of what each part of the repair costs, so when the time comes you'll know whether you are being overcharged or not. Educate yourself, and you are less likely to face high car transmission repair cost charges.

Get Recommendations

Rather than simply finding your mechanic out of the phone book, be prepared, and have friends and family recommend a garage. People who have used a garage before can tell you how much their transmission repair cost, and you can compare that with your knowledge of standard pricing. You should also check local repair shops: if they are honest, they will be members of the AAA, the Automatic Transmission Builder's Association, or local consumer organizations. You can also get a list of local garages if you need one. Visit local consumer recommendations sites.

Find Discounts and Coupons

Garages and mechanic workshops often hand out coupons which can be exchanged for repairs: you should also look out for any repair shops that have promotional discounts: even saving ten percent of your transmission repair cost can help you to claw back some of your budget. Keep coupons from newspapers or leaflets until they expire, you never know when you may need to use one.