Transmission Fluid Change: The Consequences of Not Getting Your Car’s Transmission Fluid Changed
How often should you get your car’s transmission fluid changed? The answer to this question depends on where you live, how old your car is, and how often you drive it. For instance, if you live in a place that gets pretty cold during the winter, you may need to get the fluid changed more often than if you live in a warmer climate area, where it rarely snows. Delaying getting your car’s transmission fluid changed can have serious consequences which will almost always result in shortening the life of the transmission.
Burned Out Fluid
If you don’t change your transmission fluid, it will eventually burn out. This can cause several problems, including transmission trouble and a decrease in fuel efficiency. In addition, burned-out fluid can lead to overheating and potentially damage the transmission itself.
Slipping Gears
Transmission trouble can start with something as small as slipping gears. This is often caused by not enough transmission fluid, and if left unchecked, it can lead to big problems down the road. So if you notice your car slipping gears, it’s essential to get it checked out as soon as possible to avoid more severe issues.
Difficulty Shifting
If you have transmission trouble, shifting gears may not be easy. This can be caused because of contaminated transmission fluid which does not allow for the correct amount of pressure to maintain correct shifting patterns. Additionally, your car may make strange noises or jerk when shifting gears. Over time, this can damage your transmission and lead to more expensive repairs.
Overheating Transmission
Overheating is one of the most common and severe consequences of not changing your car’s transmission fluid. When transmission fluid breaks down, it can’t do its job correctly, which leads to friction and heat. That extra friction and heat can cause your transmission to overheat, leading to even more severe problems.
Delayed Acceleration
When your car’s transmission fluid is low, it can cause delayed acceleration. This is because the fluid is responsible for lubricating the transmission. When it’s low, the transmission has to work harder to function properly. In addition to delayed acceleration, low transmission fluid can cause the car to jerk or hesitate when shifting gears.
Transmission fluid is the lifeblood of your car’s transmission, and if it’s consistently low you will have transmission damage eventually. It’s essential to get any leaks repaired, and to follow the recommended maintenance schedule to keep your car’s transmission in good shape.