What Happens When Transmission Fluid Gets Dirty?
2 Answers
It will significantly affect the lifespan of various components. Below are the consequences of dirty transmission fluid: 1. Firstly, the aging and degradation of the fluid will reduce the anti-wear capability of internal transmission components, greatly impacting their lifespan. Secondly, the sludge and impurities in the dirty fluid will increase the wear on friction plates and other components, and also affect the system's oil pressure, thereby hindering power transmission. 2. The sludge and impurities in the dirty fluid can obstruct the flow of oil in the valve body and oil passages, affecting oil pressure. This can lead to slow acceleration or failure of the automatic transmission. In severe cases, it may cause a lack of oil pressure in a certain gear, resulting in burnt friction plates and loss of power transmission. Therefore, vehicle owners should pay attention to maintenance and fluid replacement. Different car manufacturers have varying recommended intervals for fluid changes, so it's essential to refer to the owner's manual for your specific brand and replace the fluid when due. Generally, the replacement interval is between 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers or if the vehicle has been parked for over a year. If the vehicle is used under harsh conditions, it's crucial to replace the transmission fluid ahead of the scheduled maintenance time or mileage.
I usually drive to and from work, and I find it quite a headache when the transmission fluid gets dirty. First, you'll notice that shifting gears feels sluggish, with a clunking sound, as if the car is giving you a hard time. This increases friction, leading to higher temperatures, and over time, it wears down the gears and bearings. You'll also notice higher fuel consumption while driving. I've experienced this myself—I delayed fixing it and ended up spending thousands at the repair shop to fix the transmission. I recommend not waiting until problems arise. Regularly check the fluid level and color; if it's black or has debris, change it immediately. Changing the fluid isn't expensive, but it can save you from major trouble, and your car will run much smoother. In short, safety comes first—don't try to save a little money only to end up paying much more.
