Services
Insurance
Loans
Repairs
Advice
About

Can low engine oil cause transmission problems?

Recently I’ve noticed that switching gears in my car is sometimes difficult, so there must be something up with transmission—I checked my oil the other day and realized it was low, so I was wondering if there was a correlation. Can low engine oil cause transmission problems?

avatar
Andrew Biro · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
This is actually a really good question—low engine oil, as a general rule, won’t cause transmission problems but it can damage your engine, so you should check it regularly.
Low transmission fluid, on the other hand, can lead to transmission problems, but so can using the wrong transmission fluid, shifting when your vehicle isn’t stopped, and stomping on the brake or gas pedal. If you regularly do any of these things, it can result in gear slippage, an inability to switch gears, or even a grinding/shaking sensation, amongst other things.
Low engine oil will only ever cause problems with the engine itself, such as overheating, excessive noise, and worsening fuel efficiency.
Knowing the difference between low engine oil and low transmission fuel symptoms is important, but it’s better to check both regularly to avoid risking damage in the first place.
Keep yourself and your vehicle safe on the road with the right insurance policy using
Jerry
, the
super app
that helps you save on
car insurance
—all you have to do is sign up, fill out a short questionnaire, and Jerry will start comparing dozens of competitive quotes from the nation’s top insurance providers.
View full answer 
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings