Can You Add Transmission Fluid When Car Is Hot?

Introduction

Transmission fluid is an important part of your car’s transmission system. It helps to lubricate the moving parts and keep them from overheating. If your transmission fluid level is low, it can cause serious damage to your transmission.

It is important to check your transmission fluid level regularly and add fluid as needed. However, you should never add transmission fluid to a hot car.

Why You Shouldn’t Add Transmission Fluid to a Hot Car

There are two main reasons why you should not add transmission fluid to a hot car.

1. Transmission fluid expands when it is hot. If you add transmission fluid to a hot car, the fluid will expand as it cools and could cause the transmission to overheat.
2. Adding transmission fluid to a hot car can cause the transmission to slip. Transmission fluid is designed to be a certain consistency. If you add transmission fluid to a hot car, the fluid will thin out and may not be able to provide the necessary lubrication for the transmission parts.

When to Add Transmission Fluid

The best time to add transmission fluid is when the car is cold. This will give the fluid time to expand and reach the proper level.

To check your transmission fluid level, follow these steps:

1. Park the car on a level surface.
2. Put the car in park.
3. Open the hood and locate the transmission dipstick.
4. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean with a rag.
5. Reinsert the dipstick into the transmission and pull it out again.
6. Check the fluid level on the dipstick. The fluid level should be between the “full” and “add” marks on the dipstick.

How to Add Transmission Fluid

If your transmission fluid level is low, you can add fluid by following these steps:

1. Locate the transmission fluid filler tube.
2. Remove the cap from the filler tube.
3. Using a funnel, add transmission fluid to the filler tube until the fluid level reaches the “full” mark on the dipstick.
4. Replace the cap on the filler tube.

Conclusion

Adding transmission fluid to a hot car can be dangerous. It can cause the transmission to overheat or slip. Always check your transmission fluid level when the car is cold and add fluid as needed.