Does Transmission Fluid Need to Be Replaced?
2 Answers
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.
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.
