What are the signs that transmission fluid needs to be changed?
1 Answers
The signs that transmission fluid needs to be changed include: decreased power, where the car feels "sluggish" during acceleration, with the engine revving up but the speed not increasing accordingly; difficulty starting, especially in low gears, where stepping on the gas increases the RPM but the car feels like it's not in gear; overheating of the transmission leading to damage, affecting bearings and gears; and noticeable jerks when shifting gears, rough gear changes, or unusual noises from the transmission. Transmission fluid plays a crucial role in cleaning, lubricating, cooling, and sealing the transmission. Due to the specific operating conditions inside the transmission, the quality of the fluid degrades over time. If the transmission fluid is not changed regularly, its performance deteriorates, accumulating impurities that accelerate wear on transmission components, leading to premature failures or higher failure rates. The actual interval and mileage for changing transmission fluid depend on factors such as the driver's proficiency, typical driving conditions, the distance covered within a certain period, and whether the vehicle is frequently driven at high speeds. Generally, transmission fluid should be changed within 20,000 kilometers. Additionally, checking the fluid's color, level, presence of impurities, and smell can help determine if a change is necessary. There are two methods for changing transmission fluid: the gravity method and the machine flush method. The traditional gravity method for automatic transmission fluid changes only replaces about half of the old fluid by removing the drain plug, allowing the fluid to flow out naturally, and then refilling through the fill port. The second method, the machine flush, enables a fully automated and equal exchange of fluid. This method changes the fluid while the engine is running, circulating the fluid to remove contaminants from the transmission, achieving a replacement rate of over 90%.
