Check Transmission Fluid While Car Is Running

Why Check Transmission Fluid?

Transmission fluid is a vital component of your car’s transmission system. It lubricates the moving parts of the transmission, helps to cool it down, and prevents wear and tear. Checking the transmission fluid regularly is important to ensure that your transmission is operating properly and to extend its lifespan.

When to Check Transmission Fluid

You should check your transmission fluid every time you get an oil change, or at least every 30,000 miles. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it’s important to check your transmission fluid immediately:

* Slipping gears
* Difficulty shifting gears
* Whining or grinding noises from the transmission
* Leaking transmission fluid

How to Check Transmission Fluid

There are two ways to check transmission fluid: with the engine running or with the engine off. Checking the fluid with the engine running is the more accurate method, but it can be dangerous if you’re not careful.

Checking Transmission Fluid with the Engine Running

1. Park your car on a level surface.
2. Put the car in park.
3. Open the hood and locate the transmission dipstick. The dipstick is usually located near the back of the engine, and it will have a red or orange handle.
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 should be between the “full” and “add” marks on the dipstick.
7. If the fluid level is low, add fluid through the dipstick tube. Use a funnel to avoid spilling fluid.
8. Recheck the fluid level after adding fluid.

Checking Transmission Fluid with the Engine Off

1. Park your 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 should be between the “full” and “add” marks on the dipstick.
7. If the fluid level is low, add fluid through the dipstick tube. Use a funnel to avoid spilling fluid.
8. Recheck the fluid level after adding fluid.

What to Do if Your Transmission Fluid Is Low

If your transmission fluid is low, it’s important to add fluid as soon as possible. Driving with low transmission fluid can damage the transmission and lead to costly repairs.

To add transmission fluid, follow these steps:

1. Park your 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 add fluid through the dipstick tube. Use a funnel to avoid spilling fluid.
5. Recheck the fluid level after adding fluid.

It’s important to use the correct type of transmission fluid for your car. The type of fluid required will be listed in your car’s owner’s manual.

Conclusion

Checking your transmission fluid is a simple and important task that can help you extend the life of your transmission. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can check your transmission fluid yourself and avoid costly repairs.