The transmission is the name given to the system through which the torque created by the engine is transmitted to the wheels of a car. This is made up of the flywheel, the clutch, the gearbox, the differential and the drive shafts. If you want your car to perform optimally, you will have to do everything possible to make this system as reliable as possible. For this, we recommend that you opt for second-hand transmission parts in case the originals fail. Discover the reasons and learn more about the auto brands offering the most reliable transmissions!
Why should used transmission parts be used?
The idea here is in no way to replace the transmissions of your new car with used models. It would just be insane. However, you should keep in mind that the transmissions of a car are not eternal. They always end up deteriorating. From this moment, it is recommended to turn to second-hand parts.
This recommendation is explained above all by the possibilities of savings specific to used parts. These can be purchased at very competitive prices. They cost on average between 30 and 40% less than new models. This price difference is explained by the fact that these are parts that are recovered from other vehicles.
Said like that, you are tempted to think that used transmissions are unreliable. Your concerns are legitimate, but completely unfounded. Some garages expressly recommend a used gearbox to their customers, as well as the other transmission parts. In effect, it is not always easy to find certain spare parts in the new market. Manufacturers invest little in this sector.
This means that sometimes the new replacement transmission has some differences with the original. A situation that makes it less reliable. While on occasion, the mechanic simply removes the part to be changed from a car of the same model in order to come and put it in your car.
How to find a used gearbox compatible with your car?
If you expect to have a reliable transmission using used gearboxes, you must make sure they are compatible. You don’t have to run around and buy a piece blind.
For this, we already recommend that you take the time to check your car serial number correctly. This will be used to place your order with specialists in used spare parts. Also take into account the diameter of the tulips. A 90 gearbox is very different from a 100 one.
During the purchase, also make sure your gearbox is in good condition second hand. Do not hesitate to disassemble the gearbox to check the state of wear of certain parts such as the pads, the synchros, the differential as well as the bearings. Preferably have a qualified mechanic accompany you.
After all this, reassemble the box and carry out visual checks to check its general condition. Pay attention to the presence of filings or a strong smell of oil. These two signs indicate wear of a gearbox.
Furthermore, we would like to point out that there are sites that make it easy to buy different used parts online. You can therefore go there to buy your used gearbox. They provide a search engine in which you have to insert case references such as the year of manufacture or the engine displacement.
The brands offering the most reliable transmissions
To finish with the good habits to implement to benefit from a reliable transmission, it must be said that there are brands that offer more guarantees. By using the cars of the latter, you will also have the assurance of having a very reliable gearbox.
The first brand in this ranking is Honda. The manufacturer is clearly the only one offering its customers very strong and resistant gearboxes, clutches and flywheels. It clearly stands out from the competition with models for which transmission problems are almost absent.
The other two brands that follow the Honda manufacturer are also Japanese manufacturers. These are Mazda and Toyota. These two companies specializing in car manufacturing do not offer transmissions as reliable as Honda. Nevertheless, they benefit from the general reliability of their cars.
From this point of view, Mazda is also, according to Consumer Reports magazine, simply the most reliable brand. Toyota for its part occupied this place for a long time before being dethroned successively by Lexus and Mazda. It must be said that apart the RAV4 which has serious flywheel problems the other models of the brand are rather reliable.
The last brand that we recommend for the reliability of its transmissions is the BMW. It allows the German automotive industry to place itself alongside the Japanese who reign unchallenged in the ranking.
Conclusion
Transmissions can be reliable if they are properly maintained and inspected. In order to ensure the reliability of the transmission, the gearbox must be inspected regularly for wear and tear, and any problems should be fixed as soon as possible.