What are the effects of not changing transmission fluid?
2 Answers
The following describes the effects of long-term failure to change transmission fluid: Reduced oil pressure: Causes the oil in the transmission to become thicker. After oil pressure decreases, internal heat dissipation is hindered, leading to excessively high oil temperature, which shortens the lifespan of both the transmission and drivetrain components. Slippage phenomenon: Not changing the transmission fluid may result in weak acceleration during startup, causing frequent slippage during vehicle operation. Rapid wear: Prolonged failure to change transmission fluid leads to deterioration and evaporation under high-speed and high-temperature conditions, resulting in rapid wear of components and damage to internal transmission parts.
After driving for so many years, I've seen many car owners skip changing their transmission fluid to save trouble, only to end up with major transmission issues. Transmission fluid is like the partner of engine oil, specifically responsible for lubricating, cooling, and cleaning the internal gears. If not changed for a long time, metal shavings and dirt will accumulate in the fluid, reducing its lubrication effectiveness. Increased friction between gears can cause abnormal noises and heat, making gear shifts feel rough and sticky, or even leading to slipping gears or complete failure. My friend's SUV was a perfect example—when towed to the repair shop, the fluid had turned completely black, clogging the valves, and cost over ten thousand to fix. So, regular fluid changes are crucial. Check it every 50,000 to 60,000 kilometers—don’t wait until a breakdown happens. The repair costs will far exceed the price of a fluid change, not to mention disrupting your travel plans.
