What are the effects of not changing transmission fluid for ten years?
3 Answers
Not changing the transmission fluid for ten years will cause the pH level of the transmission fluid to change, leading to corrosion of the transmission gears and thickening of the fluid. This prevents the fluid from lubricating the transmission gears effectively in a short time, causing the gears to overheat. Additionally, excessive wear of the clutch is also a result of not changing the transmission fluid for a long time. Hazards of not changing transmission fluid for a long time: Damage to the transmission's shift control mechanism; abnormal wear of gears and clutch plates inside the transmission; affects the normal operation of the transmission, leading to damage of the transmission valve body. Transmission fluid replacement intervals: Manual transmission: Manual transmission fluid is generally recommended to be replaced every three years or approximately 100,000 kilometers; automatic transmission: automatic transmission fluid is generally recommended to be replaced every two years or approximately 40,000 kilometers; continuously variable transmission (CVT): CVT fluid is generally recommended to be replaced every two years or approximately 60,000 kilometers. Methods for changing transmission fluid: Unscrew the drain plug at the bottom of the transmission to drain the old fluid before refilling; remove the transmission oil pan directly to drain and refill the fluid: this method is more thorough than the previous one, as it removes impurities from the bottom of the oil pan; use a circulation machine to replace automatic transmission fluid: dynamic fluid replacement with an intelligent circulation machine can filter and clean sludge and impurities inside the automatic transmission.
I've been driving for almost twenty years, and if you don't change the transmission oil for ten years, there will definitely be big problems. The oil gradually ages and thickens, reducing its lubrication effectiveness, leading to rough gear shifts, sometimes even jerky shifts with strange noises. Over time, the accumulation of impurities can clog the oil passages, increasing wear on internal transmission components like gears and clutch plates. I remember my friend's car went eight years without a change, and it ended up costing over ten thousand to repair the transmission. Rough shifting also affects fuel efficiency, making the car sluggish at startup and worrisome on the highway. Even worse, in winter, starting becomes difficult, and unstable oil pressure can cause stalling. It's recommended to check and change the oil every 50,000 kilometers to avoid waiting ten years—saving both money and hassle. Nowadays, auto shops offer inspection services; addressing small issues early prevents them from becoming major problems.
From a mechanical enthusiast's perspective, the consequences of not changing transmission fluid for ten years are severe. The fluid oxidizes and deteriorates, with impurities accumulating to form sludge, reducing lubrication effectiveness. Automatic transmissions are more sensitive—aged fluid can clog solenoids or cause hydraulic system failures, manifesting as noticeable jerking during gear shifts or even gear skipping. Manual transmissions are relatively more durable, but prolonged use of old fluid wears out bearings, leading to squeaking sounds. Long-term neglect also accelerates overheating and damage to components, such as clutch plate sticking or gear slippage. In severe cases, the transmission may fail completely, requiring major repairs or part replacements. Additionally, newer vehicles have protective mechanisms that trigger fault codes and warning lights when the fluid degrades. It's advisable to follow the vehicle's manual for regular fluid changes—typically every 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers—to extend lifespan and prevent costly repairs with minimal preventive maintenance.
