Drivetrain
What is a Gearbox / Transmission?
Lets the engine spin at its happy speed at any road speed.
Simplified animation — not to scale.
In plain English
A box of gears (manual, automatic, dual-clutch or CVT) sitting between the engine and the wheels. Different gear ratios let the engine work efficiently at any speed.
A simple analogy
"It is the bicycle gears of the car — pick the easy gear up hills and the fast gear when cruising so your legs (engine) don't get exhausted."
How it works
You (or the car) select a gear. Inside the box, pairs of cogs mesh to change the ratio between the engine and the wheels: low gears for pulling away, high gears for cruising.
Signs of trouble
- ⚠Crunching or grinding when changing gear
- ⚠Slipping out of gear or refusing to engage
- ⚠Whining, humming or clunking noises
- ⚠Burning smell or transmission fluid leaks
- ⚠Jerky or delayed automatic shifts
Rough UK cost
£800–£4,000+
Parts: £400–£3,000+ (rebuilt or used)
Labour: £400–£1,200
Always get a written quote. Prices vary by car, region, and parts brand.
Heads up: Carautonomy is for general guidance only. If your car is showing warning lights or behaving oddly, get it looked at by a qualified mechanic.