What are the effects of not changing transmission fluid?
2 Answers
The effects of not changing transmission fluid are: 1. The viscosity of the transmission fluid will become thinner; 2. Reduced lubrication performance; 3. Decreased sealing performance; 4. Increased resistance and wear; 5. Unstable pressure; 6. Affects the working precision of the hydraulic system; 7. Reduced control precision of the transmission. Types of automotive transmissions include: 1. Manual transmission: Requires manual shifting of the gear lever to change the gear engagement inside the transmission, altering the gear ratio to achieve speed changes; 2. Automatic transmission: Uses planetary gear mechanisms to change gears automatically based on throttle pedal position and vehicle speed, allowing the driver to control speed simply by operating the accelerator pedal.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I can tell you that the consequences of not changing transmission fluid are quite severe. Deteriorated fluid quality increases friction, causing the transmission to overheat internally and accelerating wear on components like gears and bearings. In the short term, you might only notice rough shifting and strong jerking sensations, but over time, the entire transmission system could fail, leaving your car stranded on the road. I've seen fellow car owners who skipped timely fluid changes end up spending thousands on major transmission repairs—a classic case of being penny-wise and pound-foolish. Additionally, contaminants in the old fluid can clog the filter, reducing lubrication efficiency and even triggering engine overheating. From a safety standpoint, sudden transmission failure while driving, especially on highways, poses serious risks. That's why regular maintenance is crucial—follow the manual's recommendation to change it every 40,000–60,000 km. Don't cut corners only to pay a heavier price later.
