Why You Should Replace Your Transmission Fluid Regularly

Transmission Fluid

Your car’s transmission is one of its most vital components. Whether it’s an automatic transmission (AT) or a continuously variable transmission (CVT), regular fluid replacement plays a huge role in keeping your car running smoothly.

What Does Transmission Fluid Do?

Transmission fluid acts as the lifeblood of your gearbox. It lubricates moving parts, cools the system, and provides hydraulic pressure for gear shifts.

For CVT, the fluid also reduces friction between the metal belt and pulleys (as shown in the image below), ensuring smooth and efficient power transfer.

When the fluid breaks down over time, it loses its cooling and lubricating ability and leading to wear, overheating, and potential gearbox failure.

Common Causes of Transmission Damage

A. Old or Contaminated Fluid

Over time, transmission fluid gets contaminated with metal particles and loses its viscosity. This increases friction and causes internal wear, especially in CVT systems where the steel belt runs continuously between pulleys.

B. Skipping Regular Servicing

Many car owners assume transmission fluid lasts for a long time but it doesn’t. Depending on your car model and driving conditions, it should be replaced every 20,000 – 30,000km.

C. Overheating

Driving in heavy traffic or under hot weather (like Singapore’s) causes extra heat in the transmission. Without fresh fluid to dissipate it, the gearbox can overheat and cause long-term damage.

What Happens If You Don’t Replace Transmission Fluid?

Without proper lubrication, the gearbox’s metal components including the CVT drive belt will start to wear out. Eventually, this can lead to:

Overheating and internal damage
Shuddering or slipping gear
Gearbox failure requiring complete overhaul

Conclusion

Replacing your transmission fluid is one of the simplest ways to extend your gearbox’s lifespan and avoid costly overhauls. Don’t wait until you feel jerky shifting or hear strange noises, preventive maintenance saves both time and money.