If there’s one sound every motorist dreads hearing, it’s the creak of a broken gearbox. It’s natural for all cars to develop problems over time, so knowing how to find a mechanic who can perform car gearbox repairs can be extremely helpful. Although many of us are capable of doing minor repairs ourselves, the gearbox and transmission require specialized skill and knowledge.

The moment you notice any strange noises coming from your gearbox, you should take your vehicle in to have it checked out. If it’s delayed, even for a few days, the problem can worsen to the point where the transmission needs to be completely replaced for a not insignificant sum. With any car-related problem, the sooner you act, the less expensive it should be to fix.

Another important consideration that you should always keep in mind is that if your car has a gearbox or other mechanical issues, safety can be compromised. Ask yourself if you think it’s safe for your children and friends to ride in a vehicle with known problems.

If money is an issue, then it’s even more important that you take the time to locate a cost-effective repair service. Check out as many repair shops as you can and then compare the different quotes. Don’t always go for the lowest price, as the quality of workmanship may fall short of expectations. If possible, ask your friends and family if they can recommend a mechanic they use and trust.

If your car’s gearbox repairs require replacement, you can save money by opting for a pre-owned reconditioned transmission. Although they may have been used, they may still be in perfect working order, usually coming from vehicles that have been in an accident and are no longer roadworthy.