Do I Leave My Car Running When Checking Transmission Fluid?

Whether or not you should leave your car running when checking transmission fluid depends on a few factors, including the type of transmission, the vehicle make and model, and the ambient temperature.

Manual Transmissions

For vehicles with manual transmissions, it is generally recommended to turn off the engine before checking the transmission fluid. This is because the transmission fluid may be hot, and you could burn yourself if you touch it. Additionally, the transmission fluid may leak out of the dipstick tube if the engine is running.

Automatic Transmissions

For vehicles with automatic transmissions, it is generally recommended to leave the engine running while checking the transmission fluid. This is because the transmission fluid circulates through the transmission when the engine is running, and this will give you a more accurate reading of the fluid level. However, if the ambient temperature is very cold, you may need to turn off the engine and wait a few minutes for the transmission fluid to warm up before checking it.

Vehicle Make and Model

The vehicle make and model also plays a role in whether or not you should leave your car running when checking the transmission fluid. Some vehicles have a dipstick that is located in a difficult-to-reach location, and it may be necessary to leave the engine running in order to access the dipstick. Additionally, some vehicles have a transmission fluid dipstick that is only accessible from under the vehicle, and you may need to leave the engine running in order to get under the vehicle.

Ambient Temperature

The ambient temperature also plays a role in whether or not you should leave your car running when checking the transmission fluid. If the ambient temperature is very cold, you may need to turn off the engine and wait a few minutes for the transmission fluid to warm up before checking it. This is because the transmission fluid may be too thick to flow properly when it is cold, and you may not get an accurate reading of the fluid level.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to leave your car running when checking the transmission fluid is a personal one. However, it is important to consider the factors discussed above before making a decision.