Do You Check Transmission With Car Running?
The short answer is: no.
Checking the transmission fluid level is a critical part of maintaining your car, but it’s important to do it correctly. Checking the fluid level with the car running can lead to inaccurate readings and potentially damage your transmission.
Why You Shouldn’t Check the Transmission Fluid With the Car Running
There are a few reasons why you shouldn’t check the transmission fluid level with the car running:
- The fluid level can be inaccurate. When the car is running, the transmission fluid is circulating through the system. This means that the fluid level will be lower than it would be if the car were not running.
- You could damage the transmission. If you check the transmission fluid level with the car running, you could accidentally overfill the transmission. This can lead to overheating, leaks, and other problems.
- It’s unnecessary. There is no need to check the transmission fluid level with the car running. You can get an accurate reading by checking the fluid level with the car turned off and the parking brake engaged.
How to Check the Transmission Fluid Level
To check the transmission fluid level, follow these steps:
- Park the car on a level surface.
- Turn off the engine and engage the parking brake.
- Locate the transmission fluid dipstick. It is usually located near the back of the engine, near the firewall.
- 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. The fluid should be between the “full” and “low” marks on the dipstick.
- If the fluid level is low, add fluid until it reaches the “full” mark.
Conclusion
Checking the transmission fluid level is an important part of maintaining your car, but it’s important to do it correctly. Checking the fluid level with the car running can lead to inaccurate readings and potentially damage your transmission. Follow the steps above to check the transmission fluid level correctly and keep your car running smoothly.
