The transmission is an essential component of any vehicle. It exists to shift the car's engine from one gear to the next. If the transmission breaks or stops working properly, your car may stall, or it may not shift into a higher gear when needed. In such cases, your mechanic will likely tell you that you need transmission repairs. Here are some questions you're likely to have about that process.

Is it really worth repairing a transmission?

You may have heard of other people having their transmission replaced. This can leave you wondering whether repairs are really the best option. It really depends on the cost of the repairs relative to the cost of a new transmission. A new transmission is not cheap. For some makes and models of cars, a transmission can cost thousands of dollars. So, if your quote for repairs is a few hundred or less, then you are almost always better off opting for the repairs. When people have the transmission fully replaced, it is usually because the mechanics did not think it was possible to repair it.

Does the mechanic have to use brand-name parts?

There are some advantages to using brand-name parts. For one, they are guaranteed to fit correctly. Your car's warranty may also require that brand-name parts are used in any transmission repairs. However, if your car is out of warranty and your mechanic is able to find generic or OEM parts that fit your transmission, there's really no harm in using them. Doing so can save you quite a lot of money on the repairs.

Will your car work like it used to once the repairs are made?

If the only problem with your car is in the transmission, then fixing the transmission should allow the car to operate as it used to. However, if you drove around with a damaged transmission for a while, there may also be some damage to one or more of your gears. This may cause the car to continue slipping gears or skipping gears sometimes. To fully stop this from happening, your mechanic will likely want to replace those damaged gears.

While not all mechanics perform transmission repairs, many do. If you are in need of these repairs, contact an auto shop in your area. They can give you a quote, answer your remaining questions, and give you a better idea of what to expect.