Does Transmission Fluid Affect Vehicle Power?
2 Answers
Manual transmission fluid does not affect vehicle power. Automatic transmission fluid can affect vehicle power because dirty fluid can impact gear shifting, thus affecting power transmission. The functions of transmission fluid are as follows: Reduces friction, minimizes wear, controls clutch friction and synchronizer performance. Load-bearing (low-speed high torque, vibration loads), heat dissipation, reduces vibration and noise, removes contaminants from gear meshing (cleaning function). Prevents corrosion, pitting, and surface metal stripping, isolates metal surfaces to prevent direct metal-to-metal contact. The hazards of not changing transmission fluid for an extended period are as follows: Causes damage to the transmission's shift control mechanism; leads to abnormal wear of gears and clutch plates inside the transmission; affects normal transmission operation, resulting in damage to the transmission valve body.
Having driven for many years, I deeply understand the significant impact of transmission fluid on a car's performance. I remember a few years ago when I was driving an old car with long-overdue transmission fluid changes, it felt sluggish when accelerating on the highway, had severe gear shifting jerks, and struggled to climb hills. The primary role of transmission fluid is to lubricate internal gears, reduce friction, and ensure smooth power transfer. Once the fluid deteriorates or becomes insufficient, increased resistance between gears consumes engine energy, directly affecting power output. Now, I regularly check the fluid level and replace it promptly if it appears dark or cloudy. I recommend changing it every two years or approximately every 40,000 kilometers. Long-term neglect can lead to transmission wear, resulting in costly and time-consuming repairs, with more noticeable power loss. Maintaining good fluid condition keeps the car in optimal shape, making it more fuel-efficient and powerful to drive.
