What are the consequences of not changing manual transmission fluid?
2 Answers
Consequences of not changing manual transmission fluid: 1. The automatic transmission fluid will become thicker, which can easily block the automatic transmission radiator, causing excessively high transmission fluid temperature. This may lead to issues such as gear shift shock, and even damage the automatic transmission; 2. It can easily cause the fluid to deteriorate and reduce viscosity, making the fluid particles larger or generating debris that blocks oil passages. This may result in slight vehicle slippage in automatic transmission clutches or brakes; 3. Automatic transmission fluid serves to lubricate various components. If used for a long time without replacement, it will lose its effectiveness, leaving no protective layer between components and causing direct friction. This will accelerate the wear of mechanical parts, and in severe cases, damage components such as automatic transmission planetary gearsets and differentials.
I've been driving manual transmission cars for many years, and the consequences of not changing the transmission oil are really serious. Initially, you might feel that shifting isn't as smooth, with some stiffness or increased noise, but that's just the beginning. Over time, impurities accumulate in the oil, reducing its lubricating effectiveness and accelerating wear on internal transmission components, damaging gears and synchronizers. If ignored for too long, after a few thousand kilometers, shifting could become completely difficult, or even lead to control issues at high speeds. The repair costs aren't cheap either, potentially requiring thousands or even tens of thousands to replace the entire transmission. That's why I recommend checking the oil quality every 40,000 kilometers or so and changing it on time—it ensures a comfortable and safe driving experience.
