What are the consequences of not changing the transmission oil for 200,000 kilometers in a Lavida?
2 Answers
The consequence of not changing the transmission oil for 200,000 kilometers in a Lavida is that it can cause jerking during driving, affect the service life of the transmission, and increase wear on the transmission. Transmission oil is a lubricant that keeps the gear system clean, ensuring the normal operation of the transmission and extending the lifespan of the transmission components. Taking the Lavida 2021 1.5L Manual Fashion Edition as an example, it is a compact 4-door 5-seater sedan under SAIC Volkswagen, with dimensions of 4670mm in length, 1806mm in width, and 1474mm in height, a wheelbase of 2688mm, equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission, a trunk capacity of 510L, front suspension type of MacPherson independent suspension, and rear suspension type of torsion beam non-independent suspension.
My Lavida ran 200,000 kilometers without changing the transmission fluid, resulting in severe shaking during gear shifts, as if it was stuck. When taken to the repair shop, the mechanic said the fluid had deteriorated and turned black, losing its lubrication properties and causing severe gear wear, nearly burning out the transmission. The repair cost over 8,000 yuan, whereas a simple fluid change costing a few hundred yuan could have prevented this. Aged transmission fluid becomes sticky, reduces heat dissipation, and increases internal friction. Automatic transmissions are even more vulnerable; dirty fluid can also cause strange noises or delays. It's recommended to test the fluid quality early and not skimp on maintenance to avoid bigger losses. Regular maintenance can extend your car's lifespan. Generally, the manual suggests changing it every 60,000 kilometers—exceeding this interval by too much carries frighteningly high risks.