Is it bad to change transmission fluid if its never been changed?
The short answer is no, it is generally not bad to change the transmission fluid in a vehicle even if it has never been changed before. In fact, changing the transmission fluid can be beneficial in many cases, as long as it is done properly.
Understanding Transmission Fluid Changes
Transmission fluid is essential for the proper functioning of a vehicle's transmission. Over time, this fluid can break down and become contaminated, which can lead to increased wear and tear on the transmission components. Regularly changing the transmission fluid, as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer, is an important part of routine maintenance.
However, some vehicle owners may neglect this maintenance task, leading to a situation where the transmission fluid has never been changed. In these cases, changing the fluid can still be beneficial, but it requires some additional considerations.
Potential Risks of Changing Neglected Transmission Fluid
When transmission fluid has never been changed, there is a risk that the new fluid could dislodge built-up deposits or sludge within the transmission. This can potentially cause issues, such as:
- Clogged filters or fluid passages, leading to reduced fluid flow and pressure
- Damage to transmission components, such as seals or bearings, due to the sudden release of contaminants
- Shifting problems or other transmission malfunctions as a result of the disruption
To mitigate these risks, it is recommended to follow a specific procedure when changing the transmission fluid in a vehicle that has never had the fluid changed before.
Proper Procedure for Changing Neglected Transmission Fluid
When changing the transmission fluid in a vehicle with no prior fluid changes, it is important to follow these steps:
- Consult the vehicle's owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommended procedure and fluid type
- Drain the existing fluid completely, ensuring that all contaminants are removed
- Replace the transmission filter, if accessible, to remove any built-up debris
- Slowly refill the transmission with the recommended new fluid, following the manufacturer's guidelines for quantity and fill process
- Test the transmission's operation, monitoring for any issues or unusual behavior
- If necessary, repeat the fluid change process a second time to further flush out any remaining contaminants
By following this careful approach, the risks associated with changing neglected transmission fluid can be minimized, and the vehicle's transmission can benefit from the fresh, clean fluid.
Why should you never flush your transmission fluid?
And some people warn against performing a flush on a transmission using old, dirty fluid. The flushing procedure may cause some fluid to move in the opposite direction of normal flow due to eddy currents, which may increase the risk of dislodging debris and causing it to settle somewhere it shouldn't.
How long can a car go without transmission fluid change?
If you drive manual, most manufacturers will recommend changing your transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. If you have automatic, you can typically boost that range up to 60,000 to 100,000 miles.
Should I change my transmission fluid if I never changed it?
If you don't change the fluid, the transmission will fail from the particles and varnish sticking and scratching. So if you have waited too long to change your fluid, you should plan on TWO fluid changes, changing the filter the second time (probably 500 to 1000 miles after the first).
Can I just add transmission fluid without changing it?
While you can add fluid when it gets low, many car manufacturers recommend a transmission fluid change every 30,000 to 100,000 miles (48,000 to 161,000 km) depending on the make and model of your car.
Is it bad to change transmission fluid in an old car?
You can change manual transmission fluid at any mileage and it will not harm anything. And even with automatic transmissions you can change fluid at any time. It's a common myth that changing trans fluid at high mileage causes failure, but it's only a common misconception and nothing else IMO.
Can I add new transmission fluid to old?
If you pour in new clean fluid, it washes that matter away, and the internal clutches begin to slip. This is especially true with vehicles with more than 100,000 miles and no record of regular transmission fluid service.
What are the symptoms of old transmission fluid?
With hard shifting, you may notice a clunk or jolt when the transmission shifts, especially at low speeds or when starting. Overheating: One of the key roles of transmission fluid is to dissipate heat generated by the transmission. Dirty or old fluid loses its cooling efficiency, leading to overheating.
Why do mechanics say not to change transmission fluid?
That bad fluid may have a “sticky” quality to it or metal flecks that act to aid friction, and if it's changed, the new fluid might cause the transmission to start slipping.
Can transmission fluid last 10 years?
A: Honda recommends changing the transmission fluid at 120,000 miles and — for most drivers — that would be about 10 years.
Is it bad to change transmission fluid after a long time?
No-- change the fluid and it'll be fine. The misconception comes from people waiting to change the fluid until they have issues and then the transmission fails shortly after because it was already too late. Changing the fluid when the transmission is still in good health won't cause issues.
