“The best local garages”

Over 3 million drivers have trusted us already

£77.89

average driver saving*

What is a car transmission?

Your car’s gear system is hugely complex and made up of many different mechanical components that keep the wheels turning. 

A car’s transmission is just one part of that and is responsible for converting speed and momentum into power. It keeps your wheels moving in a way that’s most efficient for fuel consumption. Both automatic and manual cars have a transmission system.

Average costs of transmission repairs

Find out how much you can expect to pay for a range of different transmission repairs, and learn which one could be right for you.

  • Clutch replacement

    The average price of a clutch repair on FixMyCar is £454. If a clutch is slipping or making an unusual noise, it needs to be replaced to avoid further damage to the engine.

    Can include
    • Diagnosis
    • Replacement clutch
    • May include flywheel replacement
  • Automatic transmission diagnostics

    Automatic transmission diagnostics cost £117.47 on average when you book through FixMyCar. An automatic car can suffer transmission faults that are hard to pinpoint due to the system’s complexity. A professional can diagnose automatic transmission problems to help you get a suitable repair.

    Can include
    • Transmission diagnostic
    • Transmission repair
  • Transmission diagnostic

    The average price of a transmission diagnostic on FixMyCar is £53.39. If you’ve noticed signs that your transmission might not be functioning correctly, such as difficulty changing gears, a professional can diagnose the cause of the problem and repair it.

    Can include
    • Transmission diagnostic
    • Transmission repair
  • Clutch repairs

    The average price of a clutch repair on FixMyCar is £483.34. A car clutch can be replaced or repaired depending on the cause of the issue.

    Can include
    • Diagnosis
    • Clutch repair
  • Clutch and gearbox repairs

    The average price of a clutch and gearbox repair on FixMyCar is £604.55. Clutch and gearbox repairs often go hand-in-hand. If you’re not sure which part of your system has a fault, a mechanic can diagnose and perform the right repair.

    Can include
    • Clutch repair
    • Gearbox repair

Common problems with transmissions

Your car’s transmission is a complicated and technical system of many components that work together to deliver power to the wheels. When something goes wrong, it can be challenging to know the cause. Luckily, a professional will diagnose transmission problems for you and provide you with the right repair. There are a few common faults that often cause issues with your car’s transmission system.

Transmission fluid leak

Burst pan seals lead to leaking transmission fluid, which can eventually cause the transmission system to fail if the levels become too low. Manual vehicles need this fluid to keep the gears lubricated. If you notice any liquid leaking from your car, it’s essential to get your car to a local garage.

Contaminated transmission fluid

Over time, transmission fluid can become contaminated with debris. This can cause the system to overheat and prevent gear changes from happening smoothly. If left for too long, contaminated transmission fluid can damage the engine.

Worn clutch

One of the most common issues with your gearbox and transmission system is a worn clutch. Over time, components grind down, stop gripping, and eventually become faulty. Manual vehicles with a worn clutch will need a replacement as soon as possible.

Defective starter solenoid

A solenoid is a type of electromagnet that helps the ignition start the car engine. If you’re struggling to change gear or move out of neutral, there might be a problem with the transmission solenoid.

Broken transmission bands for automatic cars

Each gear has a transmission band, and if a band breaks, you will struggle to get into that gear. If only one gear is causing you a problem while the rest work fine, it’s probably a problem with a transmission band.

Signs of transmission issues

Many things can indicate a problem with your transmission. If you notice any tell-tale signs, pay a visit to a garage to understand what’s going wrong and get a fix.

Signs of transmission issues include:

  • Gear shifting delays

  • Leaking fluid

  • A burning smell

  • Car slipping out of gear 

  • Shaking when in gear

  • Unusual noises when changing gears

How often should the transmission fluid be changed?

Your manufacturer’s manual will tell you how often the transmission fluid should be changed.

On average, it needs to be replaced every 30,000-60,000 miles. However, some vehicle manufacturers don’t recommend a change until 100,000 miles.

Changing your transmission fluid is the best way to extend the lifespan of your transmission and keep it working to full effect. If you’re having a problem changing gears, or it’s been 60,000 miles since your last change, book in for a transmission fluid replacement.

How much does a clutch replacement cost?

The cost of a clutch replacement depends on the cause of the fault and the type of car you have. Our cost table gives you an idea of how much you might have to pay for a repair.

Car MakeAverage Price
Ford£480.15
Vauxhall£535.97
Volkswagen£502.05
Peugeot£496.06
Toyota£494.18
Citroen£526.95
Nissan£476.84
Renault£613.27
Audi£641.51
MINI£557.19
BMW£452.75
Volvo£608.47
Mercedes£722.99

Frequently asked questions

Get an instant car transmission repair quote - it takes less than 1 minute
Get quotes