Why Should Transmission Fluid Not Be Changed After Exceeding 100,000 Kilometers?
2 Answers
The reasons for not changing transmission fluid after exceeding 100,000 kilometers are as follows: 1. Damage to components: Not changing the fluid for 100,000 kilometers can cause severe wear and tear on the components, and during winter, the transmission can become very unresponsive. 2. Prolonged lack of fluid change: This can lead to sluggish acceleration, increasingly higher fuel consumption, and vehicle shaking. In severe cases, it can cause the transmission to overheat and become irreparable. Relevant information about transmission fluid is as follows: 1. Transmission fluid: It is a lubricant that keeps the gear system clean, ensuring the transmission works properly and extending the lifespan of the transmission system. 2. Classification: Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is specifically designed for automatic transmissions; Manual Transmission Fluid, commonly referred to as gear oil, is categorized into five grades (GL-1 to GL-5) by the American Petroleum Institute based on its quality level.
My car's transmission fluid hasn't been changed for 120,000 kilometers, mainly to save money. Nowadays, transmission fluids are all synthetic, with much longer lifespans than older types. If you mostly drive on highways, the fluid degrades slower and can easily last over 100,000 km. Each fluid change costs at least a few hundred bucks, and the savings are enough for gas. Plus, the maintenance manual says the replacement interval can be extended based on driving conditions, so I just check if the fluid level is adequate and the color hasn’t turned black—otherwise, I don’t bother. Of course, if you frequently deal with stop-and-go city traffic, the fluid quality deteriorates faster, so it’s best not to delay the change too long in that case.
