The transmission is one of the most expensive car parts to replace, and depending on how old the vehicle is, it isn't always. The most expensive part of a car's engine is usually the crankshaft. It requires precision engineering and high-quality materials for its durability, which contributes to its cost. The clutch is another essential component that allows a car's transmission to connect to its engine. Every time a car changes gears, the clutch pedal is depressed (at least in manual ones, although the same process occurs in automatic vehicles), allowing the gearbox to rise or fall in response to the rpm that the engine is currently recording.
Clutches can wear out and, when they do, their bite point can be reduced to an almost unattainable size, making it very difficult to change gears effectively or even maintain the first gear without stopping. Another vitally important part of any vehicle with an internal combustion engine, the cylinder head gasket provides the seal that allows the process to take place. At the same time, it prevents coolant and oil from mixing. Fortunately, most electric vehicle batteries last 8 to 15 years before losing their ability to hold a charge.
That said, battery life depends largely on factors, such as the amount of time you drive the car, the number of charge cycles it performs, and the weather conditions in which you drive. If you have a broken catalyst, repairing it isn't always a bad option. However, with parts and labor, a repair can cost as much as a complete replacement. Most catalytic converters are designed to last 10 years and can even last the life of a car with proper care. However, if you live in a place known for its snowy winters, road salt can cause problems sooner, since the catalyst is an external part.
Victoria Araj is the team leader of Rocket Mortgage and has held roles in mortgage banking, public relations and more for more than 19 years with the company. She has a degree in journalism with a specialization in political science from Michigan State University and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Michigan. Buy a home, refinance or manage your mortgage online with the largest mortgage lender in the United States1.
