There’s a lot of information on buying used cars out there, but at Westerville Automotive in Westerville, we don’t think it’s possible to go into a purchase armed with too much information. The condition of the transmission in a used car is perhaps the most essential aspect of a pre-owned car purchase - this article explains why, and how to make sure your prospective buy is everything you want it to be.

You know you want to make sure the engine is in good operating condition when you buy a car. People often pay far less attention to the transmission or don’t know what to watch out for. Transmissions are often the most expensive and difficult to replace items on a car, however. Sometimes replacing an entire transmission can cost you more than the value of the car itself, so it’s important to make sure when you buy used that you get a car with a well-maintained transmission.

Pay attention to irregular behavior when you test drive the car, and make sure you run it through a wide range of tests. Low-speed driving, cold starting and driving, highway driving, hard acceleration from a stop, acceleration while moving (hard enough to cause the transmission to downshift) and light acceleration are all necessary to completely observe how a transmission is functioning. If the vehicle ever slips, shifts excessively hard or way too late take a second to engage in reverse or drive when shifted out of the park, or misbehaves in any other way, proceed with caution. While it’s possible the issue isn’t a big deal, assume that it is. Tell the seller you’d like to have the vehicle checked out by a transmission specialist if you aren’t sure if the vehicle is functioning properly. Transmission problems are one area where you don’t want to take a risk, even if the car otherwise runs and performs well.

If you have any questions about a car you’re purchasing, call, or bring it by Westerville Automotive. One of our technicians will be more than happy to help you. You can also count on us for the rest of your transmission needs - come see us anytime!



Westerville Automotive providing top automotive repairs and service in Westerville Ohio for 20+ years with top trained ASE technicians in 2 locations. From oil changes to transmission repairs, our team will get you on the road and keep you traveling safely. Our goal is your complete customer satisfaction. Westerville Automotive is a Preferred Jasper Engines & Transmissions Owner Installer with NAPA AutoCare Center backed by exceptional customer services. SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY:Our Main Shop - Westerville South: 5591 Westerville Road | (614) 890-0707 | Email | Schedule OnlineOur Uptown Shop: 31 East Main Street | (614) 890-6700 | Email | Schedule Online
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5591 Westerville Rd
| Westerville, OH

(614) 890-0707
EMAIL THE SHOP
MON-FRI | 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Weekends | 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

31 E Main St
| Westerville, OH

(614) 890-6700
EMAIL THE SHOP
MON-FRI | 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Weekends | 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM