When the transmission in your vehicle first starts to go bad you may still be able to drive but have problems going into a higher gear or reverse. As long as you are not driving on the freeway or other roads with a higher speed limit, you may not be worried about it. However, if left unattended, the transmission will continue to get worse until your car will not go into gear when started; you won't be able to drive anywhere. When you first notice the transmission is slipping a bit when changing gears, have it checked out and consider transmission repair. Depending on the car and what is wrong with it, you have a few options for making sure you don't get stuck somewhere with a car that won't move.
Repair
If the mechanic can trace the problem to a single part in the transmission, you have the option of getting that piece fixed or replaced. Ask to have the whole transmission inspected though. You wouldn't want to have to go back in a week or two for a different part. Any part that is replaced will usually come with a warranty.
Rebuilt
If the transmission has multiple parts that need to be fixed, it may be better to ask the mechanics to rebuild the whole thing. He or she will take apart the transmission, inspect each piece and replace anything that is worn or damaged. Usually, this type of work is done by a transmission specialist. The shop should offer a warranty on any parts replaced and the labor too.
Remanufactured
A remanufactured transmission is the same thing as a rebuilt one except that the work is done in a factory. This could be the factory that originally manufactured the unit, the car's manufacturer or a factory that only rebuilds transmissions. In many cases, you take your car to the shop, they take out your transmission and then replace it with a different one that has be remanufactured. Your transmission will then be sent to the factory to be worked on and then sold to someone else buying a remanufactured piece. There will be a warranty on a remanufactured transmission.
Used
It is possible to purchase a used transmission in very good condition. Call a few salvage yards to see if they have the make, model and year of your car in the lot. If they do, and the vehicle was in a wreck but the transmission was not harmed, you can buy it and take it to a shop to be installed. Some salvage yards offer a short-term warranty so you can make sure the transmission works once in your vehicle.
When trying to decide which option to go with for transmission troubles, you should know that very few car manufacturers sell new transmissions. They are only used in new vehicles at the factory. If you send to the factory for a transmission, the odds are good you will be getting a remanufactured one.
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