Does Transmission Fluid Need to Be Replaced?

[MacJude]

Transmission fluid needs to be replaced regularly. Here are the hazards associated with not replacing transmission fluid on time: 1. Impact on the transmission: Failure to replace transmission fluid for a long time can lead to abnormal wear and severe deterioration of the fluid quality in the transmission. 2. Damage to components: If transmission fluid is not replaced for an extended period, it can deteriorate and evaporate under high-speed and high-temperature conditions, accelerating the wear of mechanical parts. In severe cases, it can damage internal transmission components, shortening the vehicle's lifespan. 3. Clogging of oil passages: Prolonged failure to replace transmission fluid can cause the fluid in the transmission to become granular, clogging the oil passages and damaging the valve body. This directly affects the system's oil pressure and power transmission, resulting in sluggish response and gear-shifting shocks in the transmission.

[SamanthaLynn]

Yes, transmission fluid does need to be changed regularly, otherwise it's like neglecting body maintenance and problems will arise. Having worked in the automotive industry for so many years, I've seen too many car owners save small amounts of money only to suffer greater losses. Manual transmission fluid should generally be changed every 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers or every two years, while automatic transmissions are more delicate and require changes every 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers. Over time, the fluid oxidizes, becomes dirty, and loses viscosity, affecting lubrication and leading to gear wear, rough shifting, or even transmission overheating and damage. In severe cases, repair costs can run into tens of thousands, which is not worth the savings. Regular fluid changes are inexpensive, costing just a few hundred each time, but they ensure smooth driving and extend the transmission's lifespan. Don’t forget to check the vehicle manual and follow the manufacturer's recommended intervals—don’t skip this step to save effort.

[VonAutumn]

As an ordinary office worker who commutes by car every day, I can tell you from personal experience that transmission fluid must be changed. I used to neglect this maintenance, and once during a business trip, my car started to shift roughly, which made me break out in a cold sweat. After getting it repaired, I learned that the fluid had deteriorated. The mechanic explained that manual transmission fluid should be changed every 50,000 kilometers or so, while automatic transmission fluid can cause problems if not changed every 30,000 kilometers. The fluid is like the heart pump of the car; when it gets old, it accumulates sludge, affecting shifting performance and making the ride less smooth. Since then, I’ve made it a habit to change the fluid every two years or according to the mileage, costing around 400-500 yuan each time. The car responds more sharply and even saves fuel. Safety comes first on the highway—don’t gamble with luck. Regular fluid checks are much more cost-effective than dealing with major repairs later.

[LeEliza]

Having driven for decades, I firmly believe that transmission fluid changes are essential. If the oil isn't changed for a long time, it degrades and becomes thinner. Manual transmission fluid generally needs replacement every 40,000 kilometers, while automatic transmission fluid requires attention by 30,000 kilometers. In my younger days, I skipped maintenance to save money, resulting in severe transmission noise and costly repairs. When the oil deteriorates, insufficient lubrication accelerates gear wear, potentially causing gear jamming or slipping during driving. Now, I make it a rule to change the fluid every two years to ensure smooth performance. Regular maintenance is cost-effective—just a few hundred yuan can prevent major accidents, especially crucial for older cars. Developing good habits makes your car more durable and worry-free.

[VonAngelina]

As a car modification enthusiast, changing transmission fluid is fundamental for performance enhancement. Without replacement, the fluid oxidizes and thickens, causing delayed shifting in manual transmissions and sluggish response in automatics. I recommend changing every 40,000 km or so, with automatics requiring more frequent changes. I often use high-performance fluids for smoother shifting and sharper acceleration. Deteriorated fluid accumulates contaminants, potentially causing overheating or gear damage - expensive repairs. DIY fluid changes are simple and cost-effective, around 300 RMB. Proper transmission maintenance ensures driving pleasure - don't forget regular checks of fluid color and clarity. Small maintenance investments yield big returns.