What are the symptoms of not changing transmission oil in time?
3 Answers
The symptoms of not changing transmission oil in time include: 1. Decreased power, meaning the car responds sluggishly when accelerating. Even when you step on the gas and the engine revs up, you hear a loud engine noise but don't see an increase in speed; 2. Difficulty starting, especially in low gears. When you press the accelerator, the engine revs up, but the car barely moves, as if it's not in gear; 3. Gear shifting feels jerky, with rough transitions and unusual noises from the transmission oil; 4. Overheating of the transmission. Transmission oil serves to clean, lubricate, cool, and seal the transmission. Due to the specific operating conditions inside the transmission, the oil has a certain shelf life. If the transmission oil is not changed for a long time, the performance of the oil will deteriorate.
I've been driving for over a decade and personally experienced the symptoms of not changing transmission fluid on time. The most obvious signs are rough gear shifting, strong jerking sensations when starting, feeling like it's stuck, and sluggish acceleration response, which severely affects driving pleasure. Meanwhile, the transmission makes humming or rattling noises, especially at high speeds, which is extremely annoying. When the fluid isn't changed timely, it becomes dirty and thin, reducing lubrication effectiveness, leading to increased internal gear wear and causing severe vibrations that can even be felt through the steering wheel. Additionally, fuel efficiency worsens, with fuel consumption rising noticeably because the struggling transmission increases engine load. In the long run, the transmission might completely fail, costing tens of thousands to repair. I recommend paying attention to the fluid change interval, generally checking around every 60,000 kilometers, and not letting minor issues escalate into major problems.
As an experienced car owner, I've learned a lot from observing vehicle conditions. The most common symptoms of not changing transmission oil in time include delayed gear shifting and abnormal noises: when you press the accelerator, the transmission responds with a noticeable lag, and jerky movements become evident during acceleration, especially annoying in urban traffic congestion. Meanwhile, the car's vibration intensifies, particularly noticeable during low-speed turns or when starting from a stop. When transmission oil ages, its protective effect weakens, increased gear friction generates high temperatures, and the temperature warning light on the dashboard may illuminate, increasing driving risks. Fuel consumption also quietly rises due to reduced energy conversion efficiency. Ignoring these signs might lead to oil leaks or complete failure, dragging the car to the repair shop at a high cost. Regular maintenance during usual vehicle use can save a lot of trouble.
