What are the hazards of not changing manual transmission fluid?
2 Answers
The hazards of not changing manual transmission fluid include the following: 1. The vehicle may experience weak starting power during cold starts. 2. Operating at high speeds and high temperatures can cause the fluid to deteriorate and evaporate, thereby accelerating the wear of mechanical components and even causing damage. 3. The transmission fluid may become thicker, which can easily block the transmission cooler, leading to excessively high transmission fluid temperatures and increased wear. 4. While driving, the vehicle may experience slipping, reduced control precision, and poorer gear-shifting accuracy, affecting the vehicle's smoothness and responsiveness. Here are some additional details: If manual transmission fluid is not changed, it will deteriorate and evaporate under high-speed and high-temperature conditions, accelerating the wear of mechanical components and potentially damaging internal transmission parts in severe cases. Manual transmission fluid, commonly referred to as gear oil, is used within the transmission as a cleaning product for the transmission system. Due to the relatively simple internal structure of manual transmissions, lower precision requirements, and mature technology, manual transmission fluid primarily serves a lubrication function. For most household vehicles, it is recommended to change the fluid every 3 years or approximately 100,000 kilometers.
I was quite careless with my car when I was younger. Once, I didn’t change the manual transmission oil for five years, and shifting gears became stiff with a grating noise—it was pure torture. Over time, the oil degraded, filled with metal shavings, causing severe gear wear and even damaging the synchronizer rings. The gears often got stuck midway, neither engaging nor disengaging. One time on the highway, I almost couldn’t shift gears, which could have led to a disaster. During the repair, the mechanic said the oil was like sludge, and replacing the parts alone cost me nearly two thousand yuan. If I had delayed further, the entire transmission would have needed replacement, costing tens of thousands. Since then, I’ve made it a habit to check the oil level and color every 30,000 kilometers. If it turns dark brown or gets too viscous, I change it immediately, ensuring my beloved car runs smoothly.
