Is it necessary to change the transmission oil after a vehicle wades through water?
2 Answers
It is necessary to change the transmission oil after a vehicle wades through water. For automatic transmissions, the oil should be replaced using a machine to ensure all the oil in the torque converter is completely flushed out. This helps prevent any residual water in the transmission, which could damage it. Below are the inspection items to pay attention to after a vehicle wades through water: 1. Inspect the engine: First, check if water has entered the engine cylinders, as this can cause the connecting rods to bend and damage the engine. If it is determined that water has entered the engine, the spark plugs should be removed first, and the fuel supply and ignition systems should be manually cut off. Then, use the starter motor to crank the engine to expel any water that has entered. 2. Check the condition of various fluid systems in the vehicle: This is to prevent foaming, cloudiness, or other signs of contamination that could degrade the oil and reduce its lubricating properties. Additionally, water may carry sand particles, leading to excessive engine wear. In such cases, cleaning and replacement should be performed promptly. 3. Clean the electrical connection components inside the engine compartment: This prevents corrosion caused by water accumulation and ensures no sand particles remain in the electrical connections.
When dealing with car issues, I noticed whether the transmission fluid of a water-wading vehicle needs to be replaced depends on the specific situation. If the water level has exceeded the exhaust pipe or axle height, water may have seeped into the transmission, contaminating the fluid and causing it to emulsify and degrade, reducing its lubrication capability. I recommend checking the fluid condition immediately after wading: extract a small amount of fluid—if you see white foam or detect a water-like smell, it indicates water ingress, and the fluid must be replaced. Not replacing it could accelerate transmission wear or even lead to failure, resulting in higher repair costs. Additionally, the braking system may also be affected after wading, so it's best to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the undercarriage components. Safety is paramount; don't skimp on these minor expenses to avoid major disasters.
