Your Honda's transmission is vital to the operation of your vehicle as it is responsible for transferring from the engine the power needed to drive the wheels. Many other car manufacturers use transmissions made by other brands in their vehicles. But Honda isn't content with doing so. The bulk of Honda vehicles utilize transmissions produced in-house and featuring the Japanese car manufacturer's own technologies. Honda's transmissions are reliable and require the most minimal maintenance, contributing to the brand's reputation for dependability. If you're interested in getting a Honda transmission, keep reading to know all about this part made by Honda and how to make a smart purchase.
Key Features of Honda Transmissions
Fuel Efficiency
Whether it's their automatic, manual, or CVT continuously variable transmission, Honda transmissions have consistently been engineered with weight reduction and efficiency improvement in mind.
Reliability & Longevity
It's common knowledge that Honda makes some of the most reliable transmissions around. Their CVTs, in particular, are known for their ease of servicing and low rate of failure.
Sport Mode & Paddle Shifters
Honda's sport mode delivers a more fun driving experience. Sport mode (in vehicles that have it) overrides the default settings of the transmission and prolongs the duration in which it is kept at a lower gear, offering better performance. Sport mode also enables the use of paddle shifters to allow you to shift gears with your fingers.
Sourcing Honda Transmissions (OEM vs. Aftermarket)
When you purchase a brand new Honda, it comes with an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) transmission made by Honda. Transmissions made by third-party manufacturers and usable in Hondas fall under the "Aftermarket" parts category.
Unless the transmission of your Honda is out of production and impossible to find, we recommend investing in an original Honda transmission to return your car to its original level of performance. Because of the more stringent levels of manufacturing, you'll likely get more use out of an OEM replacement. Aftermarket transmission might not only be excluded from Honda's warranty, they could also void the warranty and even damage your vehicle when installed. Moreover, they might not even fit into your Honda properly. When it comes to an expensive part like the transmission, it's prudent to avoid taking chances and to go with the original.
Tips for Verifying the Quality & Condition of Used Transmissions
There are several ways to tell if a used transmission is likely to last:
1. Check that it is free from any leaks, as these could point to faulty seals and o-rings.
2. Be on the lookout for rust, as it could be a sign that some of the transmission's metal parts are corroding.
3. Make sure it comes with all the required documentation showing if it has gone through any major repairs (avoid those that have received any).
If missing, stay clear of it no matter how good it looks.
Types of Honda Transmissions
CVT
The CVT, or continuously variable transmission, can change through a never-ending range of gear ratios as opposed to other transmissions that only offer a limited number of gear ratios in fixed steps. This allows it to achieve better fuel efficiency and acceleration. Honda's CVTs are well-known in the industry for their near-indestructibility.
Honda's CVTs also feature "Honda Control," which maintains a higher engine speed when it detects that the vehicle is driven in a sporty fashion, allowing for a smoother and sportier ride.
Automatic
Automatic transmissions use a mechanical clutch controlled automatically—electronically, pneumatically, or hydraulically—rather than manually via a clutch pedal to shift gears.
Honda's automatic transmissions differ from those produced by other manufacturers in that they don't use planetary gears, thus preserving engine braking. This was the case up until 2017 when Honda released their 10-speed with Sequential SportShift Paddle Shifters.
Manual
In manual transmissions, gear shifting is performed manually with a gear stick and clutch. With proper operation, manual transmissions allow vehicles to achieve better performance and fuel efficiency. This comes with a learning curve, however.
While many car-makers have phased out manual transmissions, Honda continues to produce them, such as their smooth-shifting six-speed with Rev-Match Control that renders heel-toe shifting unnecessary.
Maintenance & Care of Your Honda Transmission
Honda transmissions are well-built and reliable, but regular care and maintenance are still necessary. You can get the most out of our Honda transmission by sending your vehicle for its scheduled maintenance, which should include transmission fluid checks. When driving, ensure that you're in the correct gear (that means not leaving your manual transmission in low gear for too long) and that you warm up your Honda before driving so that the oils flow correctly. Make sure that your tires are not too low, as driving on them can put unnecessary strain on your transmission. Finally, your Honda's cooling system is also responsible for cooling the transmission fluid to an appropriate temperature, so make sure it is also in good order.
Common Issues & How to Address Them
Transmission issues are frustrating and, most of the time, require a trained specialist to remedy them. These include delayed shifting, slipping gears, illuminated check engine lights, burning smells, strange noises, and fluid leaks.
Occasionally, as with the case of burning smells and strange noises, the cause might be low transmission fluid or coolant levels. While you can check and top up your transmission fluid on your own, it might be too late, as damage may have already occurred to your transmission. In such cases, repair or a whole transmission replacement might be necessary.
Are Honda Transmissions Expensive?
The transmission is one of your Honda's most important and expensive parts. However, compared to other manufacturers, Honda transmissions are relatively inexpensive.
Where to Buy Genuine Honda Transmissions Online
Brand-new OEM transmissions can be purchased directly from your country's Honda and OEM parts retailers. While a brand-new transmission is always an option, it can be expensive. If you want a more affordable option, consider purchasing a used Honda transmission instead. Buying used can be a great way to save money while still getting a high-quality product. You can get these in great condition and at affordable prices here at BE FORWARD Auto Parts.
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