When looking for a car, most buyers look for one that is reliable. And why not? It is likely that many drivers want to know that the car they bought will last them for years without too many problems. As such, a reliable car should have durable parts that last for years without worrying about breaking. Here are three important parts of the transmission that you should consider before buying a new or used car.
1. Does the engine use a timing belt or timing chain?
Every internal combustion engine has a timing system that makes everything work in unison. The timing system keeps the pistons and valves working together, so it’s important to make sure the engine is properly timed. Otherwise, the pistons could contact the valves and cause significant and costly damage.
An important part of the engine timing system is the belt or chain that connects the crankshaft to the camshaft gears. How Stuff Works states, “Timing belts are made of steel-reinforced rubber and naturally wear over time.” Depending on the vehicle, they typically need to be replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. They are not cheap to replace; many mechanics can charge between $500 and $1,000 to do the job.
On the other hand, timing chains are made of metal and usually last the life of the engine. In this case, a timing chain can last many years and save the driver a lot of money. For this reason, it is important to know whether the car you are buying has a timing belt or chain. If you have a timing belt, make sure you know if and/or when it needs to be replaced.
2. What type of transmission does the car have? A Geared Transmission or a CVT?
Speaking of expensive repairs, a car’s transmission can be very expensive to repair. For those unfamiliar, automatic transmission cars are equipped with either a traditional geared transmission with a torque converter or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). A gear transmission needs its fluid replaced regularly and is expensive to repair if something breaks.
On the other hand, a continuously variable transmission is more efficient since it has no gears at all. In contrast, a CVT uses a steel belt that drives two pulleys; one is connected to the engine and the other is connected to the drive shaft. With this simple design, a CVT requires routine fluid changes and is proven to be just as reliable as a geared transmission. In this case, it’s important to keep up with fluid changes, regardless of the automatic transmission your car is equipped with.
3. Does the car run on gas or electricity?
If you buy a car, you will most likely know whether or not it runs on an internal combustion engine or an electric motor. It is still worth noting that an electric vehicle will not require as much maintenance as it does not require engine oil or coolant. This can save you quite a bit of money over the life of the car.
Gas engines don’t require a lithium-ion battery like electric cars do, so drivers won’t have to worry about replacing the battery, which can save money. Both types of vehicles have their pros and cons, so it’s important to know which type of car best suits your budget and lifestyle before you buy.
These parts of the transmission are the heart of the matter
If you’re looking to buy a new or used car, it’s important to consider these transmission parts. While none of these should be a problem, they are expensive to maintain and/or repair. So make sure you know what kind of car you’re buying before you sign the paperwork.
