Can You Put Transmission Fluid in While Car Is Running?
The answer to this question is a resounding no. You should never put transmission fluid in while the car is running. This is because the transmission fluid is used to lubricate the gears in the transmission, and adding new fluid while the transmission is running can cause the gears to slip and become damaged.
Why You Shouldn’t Put Transmission Fluid in While Car Is Running
There are several reasons why you shouldn’t put transmission fluid in while the car is running.
- The gears can slip. When you add new transmission fluid to a running transmission, the new fluid can cause the gears to slip. This is because the new fluid is not yet mixed with the old fluid, and the different fluids can have different viscosities. The slipping gears can then become damaged.
- The transmission can overheat. Adding new transmission fluid to a running transmission can also cause the transmission to overheat. This is because the new fluid will add heat to the transmission, and the transmission may not be able to dissipate the heat fast enough. The overheating transmission can then become damaged.
- The seals can be damaged. Adding new transmission fluid to a running transmission can also damage the seals in the transmission. This is because the new fluid can cause the seals to swell or shrink, and the damaged seals can then leak fluid. The leaking fluid can then cause the transmission to fail.
When to Add Transmission Fluid
You should only add transmission fluid to your car when the transmission is not running. The best time to add transmission fluid is after the car has been sitting for a few hours and the transmission has had a chance to cool down.
How to Add Transmission Fluid
To add transmission fluid to your car, you will need to:
- Locate the transmission fluid dipstick. The dipstick is usually located on the side of the transmission.
- Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean with a rag.
- Reinsert the dipstick into the transmission and pull it out again.
- Check the fluid level on the dipstick. The fluid level should be between the “full” and “add” marks on the dipstick.
- If the fluid level is low, add transmission fluid to the transmission through the dipstick tube. Be sure to add the fluid slowly and check the fluid level frequently to avoid overfilling the transmission.
- Once the fluid level is correct, reinsert the dipstick and tighten it.
Conclusion
Adding transmission fluid to your car while the car is running is a bad idea. You should only add transmission fluid to your car when the transmission is not running. By following the steps above, you can safely add transmission fluid to your car and keep your transmission running smoothly.
