Transmission damage is usually caused by a combination of factors such as natural wear and tear, improper human operation, and maintenance negligence. For natural wear, AT and CVT transmissions can operate over 250,000 kilometres under normal use, while dual-clutch transmissions may exhibit wear after approximately 150,000 kilometres. However, the actual lifespan is influenced by manufacturing processes, and some early models may have design flaws. Additionally, harsh acceleration immediately after a cold start or prolonged braking while in Drive (D) gear may also cause stress on internal components. Improper maintenance is another primary cause: failure to replace transmission fluid on schedule or using incorrect fluid types can result in lubrication failure and oil passage blockage. For instance, degraded AT transmission fluid may lead to solenoid valve sticking; improper CVT-specific fluid can damage sealing rings; and insufficient or excessive fluid levels will impair heat dissipation and pressure transmission. Furthermore, oil leaks due to deteriorated seals directly cause inadequate lubrication, and prolonged oil deficiency will hasten internal component wear. Environmental factors like driving through water may allow moisture ingress into the transmission, leading to corrosion; chronic overloading or inadequate cooling under high-temperature conditions can cause excessive oil temperatures, resulting in part expansion, deformation, or even failure. Regular fluid inspections, avoiding poor driving practices, and timely repair of seal leaks are crucial measures to prolong transmission lifespan.
