Car Revs but Won’t Accelerate: Transmission Fluid
What is transmission fluid?
Transmission fluid is a hydraulic fluid that is used to lubricate and cool the transmission of a vehicle. It is also used to transmit power from the engine to the wheels.
What happens when transmission fluid is low?
When transmission fluid is low, the transmission can overheat and become damaged. This can lead to a number of problems, including:
- Difficulty shifting gears
- Slipping gears
- Loud noises from the transmission
- Leaking transmission fluid
- Transmission failure
How to check transmission fluid
You can check the transmission fluid level yourself by following these steps:
- Park the vehicle on a level surface.
- Turn off the engine and allow it to cool down.
- Locate the transmission fluid dipstick. It is usually located near the back of the engine.
- 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. It should be between the “low” and “full” marks.
How to add transmission fluid
If the transmission fluid level is low, you can add more fluid yourself. Here are the steps:
- Park the vehicle on a level surface.
- Turn off the engine and allow it to cool down.
- Locate the transmission fluid dipstick.
- Pull out the dipstick and add fluid to the transmission until the level is between the “low” and “full” marks.
- Reinsert the dipstick and check the fluid level again.
When to change transmission fluid
The transmission fluid should be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, or as recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer.
What happens if I don’t change my transmission fluid?
If you don’t change your transmission fluid, it can break down and become contaminated. This can lead to a number of problems, including:
- Transmission failure
- Slipping gears
- Loud noises from the transmission
- Leaking transmission fluid
Conclusion
Transmission fluid is an important part of your vehicle’s transmission. It is important to check the fluid level regularly and change it as recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. By doing so, you can help prevent transmission problems and keep your vehicle running smoothly.
