What are the consequences of not changing transmission fluid?

[OVivian]

The consequences of not changing transmission fluid for a long time are as follows: 1. If the transmission fluid is not changed for a long time, it will easily deteriorate and volatilize under high-speed and high-temperature conditions, thereby exacerbating the wear of mechanical components and, in severe cases, damaging internal transmission parts. 2. Not changing the transmission fluid can lead to a lack of power when starting the vehicle. The vehicle may frequently experience minor slipping during driving. 3. Long-term failure to change the transmission fluid will cause the fluid to thicken, potentially obstructing the transmission cooler, leading to excessively high transmission fluid temperatures and increased wear. Transmission fluid directly affects the normal operation of the transmission. The function of the transmission is to output different speeds while maintaining a certain engine speed and to control steering. The transmission plays a crucial role in normal driving. If the transmission malfunctions, the vehicle will be unable to shift gears or control speed.

[DiLeilani]

I've seen too many cases from years of car repair - failing to change transmission fluid leads to endless troubles. Overused fluid becomes either too thin or too thick, drastically reducing its lubrication and protection. Friction intensifies on gears and bearings, making clutch plates prone to overheating damage. Internal transmission wear accelerates, causing noticeable gearshift hesitation and slippage. Worse still, sludge buildup blocks hydraulic circuits, significantly increasing the risk of valve body failure - potentially causing complete loss of control during high-speed acceleration. Repair costs are terrifying, ranging from thousands for parts replacement to tens of thousands for complete rebuilds. I recommend regular fluid inspection for color/odor and scheduled changes per manual - prevention is always better than regret.

[LaRose]

I once suffered the consequences of procrastinating on changing my transmission fluid. When the car reached around 100,000 kilometers, the fluid had degraded into sludge-like consistency, and the transmission began to occasionally shudder and make strange noises. At first, I underestimated the issue and didn't address it promptly. Subsequently, the performance declined noticeably—when going uphill, the car would struggle to move after shifting gears, and I nearly had a close call while passing another vehicle. After towing it to the repair shop, the mechanic explained that the oxidized fluid had corroded internal components, costing over 2,000 yuan to fix. Failing to change the fluid also increases fuel consumption, burning an extra one to two liters per 100 kilometers on average. Now I understand that maintenance is an investment, not a burden. Ignoring fluid change intervals leads to escalating risks and higher costs. Remember this lesson—regularly checking fluid levels is crucial.

[ArthurLynn]

As a seasoned driver, I emphasize that transmission fluid changes should never be delayed. Deteriorated fluid reduces cooling capacity, causing the transmission to overheat and accelerating component aging and breakage. While driving, you may experience delayed gear shifts or unexpected gear skipping, posing safety risks. Long-term neglect leads to accumulated impurities contaminating the system and clogging filters, resulting in costly overhauls. Maintenance is simple and inexpensive, costing just a few hundred yuan per fluid change. Regular upkeep ensures smooth driving and prevents problems before they occur. Don’t wait for sudden failures—schedule timely inspections to stay worry-free.