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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN USED, REBUILT AND RE-MANUFACTURED TRANSMISSIONS & ENGINES?
American Pride Automotive • Jul 15, 2016
Lately you’ve noticed that your vehicle is behaving strangely–shaking, slow to change gears, or simply not not starting at all. You take it to the mechanic and get the news no car owner ever wants to hear: It’s time to replace the engine, transmission, or another critical (costly) component like a differential or transfer case.
Faced with the high price tag of replacing these parts with factory-new equipment, many people would rather get rid of the car entirely. What these same people don’t know is that there are alternatives. The three main ones (aside from brand new) are used, rebuilt and manufactured components. To some these options may sound quite similar, but the truth is that they provide very different benefits.
USED
This is the lowest cost option for those who need a new engine, transmission, or other important vehicle part. It is also the riskiest. Used components are usually sourced from junkyards and in most cases not cleaned or thoroughly inspected. There is a higher likelihood that it is a high-mileage part and/or has been involved in an accident.
REBUILT
A rebuilt engine or transmission is made up of parts that have been reconditioned or refurbished. This reconditioning involves taking the unit apart, cleaning it and replacing worn or damaged aspects. Unlike used parts, rebuilt parts are generally inspected and tested, but their quality varies widely and warranties are typically short-term. That being said, if your budget constraints are tight, rebuilt equipment may be the safest, most affordable option.
REMANUFACTURED
If you aren’t crazy about buying new but still want to invest in quality, then remanufactured parts may be for you. All components are built precisely to manufacturer specifications and quality standards and thoroughly tested. At American Pride, we install JASPER remanufactured transmissions, engines, transfer cases and differentials because of their superior craftsmanship and long-term warranties (most parts carry a 3 year/100,000 mile warranty).
When making a big vehicle decision like whether and how to replace a major component, be sure to get at least two opinions from auto mechanics you trust. If you’re unsure of what to do about your car or truck and live in the Williamsburg, Newport News, or Toano area, call the pros at American Pride. No matter what kind of replacement part you choose, we can help guide you and get you the best value for your money.
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You’re driving home at night and it is raining cats and dogs. You can’t see but 20 feet in front of your car, but you’ve slowed down and are being extra cautious, so what could go wrong? Then you feel it. A sinking Cl-clunk. Maybe that “puddle” you saw ahead of you was deeper than just a puddle. Before you know it, your car is stalling in the high water in the middle of the road. Now what? First off, don’t panic. Turn on your hazards and crank the ignition once. If the car starts, make it dry land and pull over to assess the damage. If it does not start the first time, do not try to start it again. Doing so can result in a hydro locked engine and will likely necessitate the rebuilding or replacement of the engine. Unfortunately, if you find yourself stalling in water at all, your vehicle will probably need costly repairs. The best way to avoid water damage is to practice safe and smart driving in wet weather, which brings us to Part 2 of the Everything Auto “Blame it on the Rain” series (Find Part 1 here). Take heed of these severe weather driving tips: 1. TAKE NO CHANCES ON PUDDLES Even if the standing water ahead of you looks shallow enough to drive through, think twice. If the water is “rushing” or if other drivers are making a point to avoid it, don’t assume that your vehicle is the exception. Additionally, you never know the hazards that lay at the bottom of a puddle. Hidden potholes or debris can pierce your tires and jostle your alignment and suspension system. 2. IF YOU MUST TAKE A CHANCE, TAKE IT SLOW AND STEADY When you deem it necessary and safe to drive through water of questionable depth, go slowly. Speeding through a puddle, even a shallow one, can splash water into your vehicle’s intake and critically harm the engine. Like we mentioned last week, after driving through standing water, lightly tap your brakes to make sure they aren’t saturated and to dry them off. 3. KEEP A ROADSIDE EMERGENCY KIT HANDY Sometimes, no matter how careful you are on the road, accidents and vehicle malfunctions happen, especially in wet severe weather. That’s why it is extremely important to keep emergency supplies ready in the trunk for the worst case scenario. You can buy a preassembled one, but it is cheaper (and more rewarding) to assemble your own. What should you include? Edmunds.com provides an excellent comprehensive list of items, a few of which include: 12-foot jumper cables Four 15 minute road flares Two quarts of oil A gallon of antifreeze A first-aid kit. Find the rest of the list here We hope that this series has given you helpful safety insights and tips for driving in the rain! Remember that American Pride Automotive is always here to help and ready to answer any and all of your auto repair and maintenance questions! Call or contact us today.
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