What are the effects of not changing transmission fluid?
4 Answers
Not changing the transmission fluid can have the following effects: 1. It causes the transmission fluid to become thicker, reducing oil pressure and hindering internal heat dissipation, leading to excessively high oil temperatures. This shortens the lifespan of both the transmission and the drivetrain components. 2. Failure to change the transmission fluid may result in weak acceleration when starting the vehicle, and frequent slipping may occur during driving. 3. Prolonged neglect of transmission fluid changes can cause the fluid to degrade and evaporate under high-speed and high-temperature conditions, accelerating component wear and damaging internal transmission parts. Below are the functions of transmission fluid: (1) The primary role of transmission fluid is to keep the shifting system clean and to lubricate the drivetrain, thereby extending its lifespan. (2) Transmission fluid serves to clean, lubricate, cool, and seal the transmission. Due to the specific operating conditions inside the transmission, the quality of the fluid has a limited shelf life. Over time, the fluid's performance deteriorates, accumulating more impurities, which accelerates wear on transmission components, leading to earlier failures or higher failure rates.
Not changing the transmission fluid has significant consequences. As someone who frequently drives to work, I've noticed that gear shifting becomes less smooth, and the car feels sluggish when starting. Over time, the oil deteriorates, losing its lubricating effect, which increases internal gear wear and raises fuel consumption. I learned this the hard way—once forgetting to change the fluid led to strange noises from the transmission, severe slipping, and eventually a tow to the repair shop, costing thousands in repairs. Now, I replace it every 60,000 kilometers. Signs like darkened color and a foul odor indicate fluid degradation. Regular maintenance saves hassle and money, preventing roadside breakdowns.
As someone with some knowledge of car mechanics, I can say that not changing transmission fluid has serious consequences. Aged fluid loses its lubricating properties, increasing friction and causing excessive heat, which can wear out clutch plates or gears, leading to delayed shifting or slippage. Accumulated metal debris in the fluid can clog passages, and once the transmission hydraulic system fails, repairs become complex and costly. I've personally inspected old fluid and found that when it thickens and darkens, it's time for a change. Regular replacement maintains system cleanliness, prevents sudden failures, and extends lifespan. I recommend following the vehicle manual's guidelines and adjusting the interval based on driving habits—don't skimp on this.
I've been driving for almost thirty years, and skipping transmission fluid changes causes a lot of problems. Over time, the fluid deteriorates, leading to car shaking, loud abnormal noises, and in severe cases, complete seizure. Once I delayed changing the fluid, and my transmission slipped on the highway, nearly causing an accident. The repair cost over 8,000 yuan and delayed my work. Remember, if the fluid changes color or smells bad, address it immediately—don't be careless.
