Check Transmission Fluid: Car On or Off?
Introduction
Checking transmission fluid is an important part of maintaining your car. It helps ensure that your transmission is working properly and can help prevent costly repairs. But when it comes to checking transmission fluid, there is some debate about whether the car should be on or off.
Why Check Transmission Fluid?
Transmission fluid is a vital part of your car’s transmission. It lubricates the moving parts, helps cool the transmission, and transfers power from the engine to the wheels. Over time, transmission fluid can become contaminated with metal shavings, dirt, and other debris. This can cause the fluid to lose its effectiveness and lead to transmission problems.
When to Check Transmission Fluid
Most manufacturers recommend checking transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. However, you may need to check it more often if you drive in stop-and-go traffic or tow heavy loads.
How to Check Transmission Fluid
To check transmission fluid, you will need to:
- Park your car on a level surface.
- Turn off the engine and wait a few minutes for the fluid to settle.
- Open the hood and locate the transmission 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 fully into the transmission.
- Pull out the dipstick again and check the fluid level.
Car On or Car Off?
The debate about whether the car should be on or off when checking transmission fluid stems from the fact that different types of transmissions have different requirements.
In general, it is best to check transmission fluid with the car running for automatic transmissions. This is because the fluid is circulated throughout the transmission when the car is running, and this gives you a more accurate reading of the fluid level.
However, for manual transmissions, it is best to check the fluid with the car off. This is because the fluid is not circulated throughout the transmission when the car is off, and this gives you a more accurate reading of the fluid level.
Other Considerations
Here are a few other things to keep in mind when checking transmission fluid:
- The fluid should be a bright red or pink color. If the fluid is brown or black, it is dirty and should be changed.
- The fluid should have a slight burnt smell. If the fluid smells strongly burnt, it is likely overheated and should be changed.
- The fluid level should be between the “low” and “full” marks on the dipstick.
Conclusion
By following the steps above, you can easily check your transmission fluid and help keep your car running smoothly.
