Can Water Enter a Car's Transmission?

[DelAaron]

Water can potentially enter the transmission. There are three levels of water ingress in a transmission: 1. Severe water ingress: If the transmission has significant water intrusion, it can be directly observed by draining the oil. The specific method involves draining the transmission fluid—if there is a substantial amount of water, the color and viscosity of the oil-water mixture can indicate the issue. 2. Moderate water ingress: If draining the oil does not confirm water intrusion, further inspection is required. This involves removing the oil pan for observation. When water mixes with transmission fluid, it forms a white emulsion that adheres to the oil pan. If such deposits are observed, the transmission has moderate water ingress. 3. Minor water ingress: If neither of the above methods provides a clear conclusion, disassembling the transmission to inspect the internal screws is necessary. Since oil-water mixtures can corrode steel screws, rust on some screws indicates minor water ingress with relatively low water content.

[SamanthaRose]

The transmission can indeed get water inside, which I learned the hard way after experiencing it once. It happened after a heavy rain when I drove through a flooded section of the road. Although the water wasn't deep, the car still got slightly submerged. Later, I noticed abnormal noises from the transmission, and shifting gears became difficult. After consulting a mechanic, I learned that water might have seeped in through the transmission's breather hole or seals, diluting the lubricant and causing internal parts to rust and wear out. It cost me a significant amount of money to repair, with some parts even needing replacement. Since then, I've been extra cautious about avoiding driving through flooded areas and regularly check the transmission's seals to ensure it stays dry. This issue isn't just a fluke—floods, deep-water driving, or aging seals can all cause it, and once water gets in, a major repair is usually necessary.

[DeBentley]

Indeed, transmission water ingress is something I often hear about. The main causes could be flood immersion or seal failure, allowing water to seep into the transmission and mix with the lubricant. The consequences? Lubrication failure, part rusting and seizing, significantly reduced transmission efficiency, and in severe cases, the entire transmission could be rendered useless. From a safety perspective, it's best not to drive after water ingress and instead have the vehicle towed directly to a repair shop for inspection. For prevention, I recommend checking all seals before the rainy season and avoiding driving through deep water, especially for automatic transmissions which are more sensitive. The cost of repairing water damage is high—simply draining and replacing fluids isn't enough; usually, disassembly, cleaning, or part replacement is required. Addressing the issue promptly can save a lot of trouble and prevent greater losses.

[KateLynn]

Transmissions can take on water, especially during floods or deep-water driving. Water may enter through seals or vent holes, contaminating the lubricant and causing rust or component seizure. This leads to rough shifting, increased noise, or even complete failure. Repairs require draining the fluid, replacing it with fresh fluid, and inspecting for internal damage. Long-term consequences include reduced efficiency and shortened lifespan. Early detection can minimize repair costs.