Does Not Changing Transmission Fluid Increase Fuel Consumption?

[LaHarper]

Not changing the transmission fluid can indeed increase fuel consumption. Failing to replace the transmission fluid leads to increased operational resistance in the transmission, which negatively impacts fuel efficiency. More critically, not changing the transmission fluid is detrimental to the transmission itself and, in severe cases, can cause damage to the transmission. Transmission fluid is an oil product designed to keep the gear system clean, ensuring the transmission operates properly and extending the lifespan of the transmission components. If the transmission is not maintained for an extended period, the impurities generated by the cleaning function of the transmission fluid will mix into the fluid's regular operation, leading to blockages in the transmission system, abnormal wear, and reduced fluid mobility in the torque converter, resulting in sluggish gear response. Additionally, deteriorated fluid over time can produce a significant amount of sludge and become corrosive, adversely affecting the transmission's service life.