Do I Add Transmission Fluid When Car Is Running?

The simple answer to this question is no. You should never add transmission fluid to your car while the engine is running. This is because the transmission fluid needs to be checked and added when the car is in park and the engine is off. Adding transmission fluid while the car is running can cause the transmission to overheat and fail.

Why You Shouldn’t Add Transmission Fluid When Car Is Running

There are a few reasons why you shouldn’t add transmission fluid when the car is running. First, the transmission fluid level can change when the car is running. This is because the transmission fluid expands when it gets hot. If you add transmission fluid while the car is running, you may end up overfilling the transmission.

Second, adding transmission fluid while the car is running can cause the transmission to overheat. This is because the transmission fluid is used to lubricate the transmission components. If the transmission fluid is overfilled, it can cause the transmission to slip and overheat.

Finally, adding transmission fluid while the car is running can be dangerous. The transmission fluid is hot and can cause burns if it comes into contact with your skin.

When to Check and Add Transmission Fluid

You should check the transmission fluid level every 30,000 miles or so. If the transmission fluid level is low, you should add transmission fluid until the level is correct.

To check the transmission fluid level, follow these steps:

1. Park the car on a level surface.
2. Turn off the engine.
3. Open the hood.
4. Locate the transmission fluid dipstick. The dipstick is usually located near the back of the engine.
5. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean with a rag.
6. Reinsert the dipstick into the transmission.
7. Pull out the dipstick again and check the fluid level.

The transmission fluid level should be between the “full” and “add” marks on the dipstick. If the transmission fluid level is low, you should add transmission fluid until the level is correct.

How to Add Transmission Fluid

To add transmission fluid, follow these steps:

1. Park the car on a level surface.
2. Turn off the engine.
3. Open the hood.
4. Locate the transmission fluid dipstick.
5. Remove the dipstick and add transmission fluid until the level is correct.
6. Reinsert the dipstick.
7. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes.
8. Check the transmission fluid level again to make sure it is correct.

What to Watch Out For

When you are checking or adding transmission fluid, there are a few things to watch out for:

• Do not overfill the transmission. Overfilling the transmission can cause the transmission to overheat and fail.
• Do not use the wrong type of transmission fluid. Using the wrong type of transmission fluid can damage the transmission.
• Be careful not to spill transmission fluid on yourself or on the ground. Transmission fluid is hot and can cause burns.

Conclusion

Checking and adding transmission fluid is a simple task that you can do yourself. However, it is important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging your transmission. If you are not comfortable checking or adding transmission fluid yourself, you can take your car to a mechanic to have it done.