Do You Put Transmission Fluid in Car While Running?
Introduction
Transmission fluid is a vital fluid that helps keep your car’s transmission running smoothly. It lubricates the gears and other moving parts, and it helps to dissipate heat. If the transmission fluid level is low, it can cause the transmission to overheat and fail. So, it’s important to check your transmission fluid level regularly and add fluid as needed.
But can you put transmission fluid in your car while it’s running? The answer is yes, you can. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
Safety First
Before you start adding transmission fluid, it’s important to take some safety precautions. First, make sure that the car is parked on a level surface and that the parking brake is engaged. Second, let the engine cool down for a few minutes before you start working on it. This will help to prevent burns.
Checking the Transmission Fluid Level
Before you add transmission fluid, you need to check the level. To do this, locate the transmission fluid dipstick. It’s usually located near the back of the engine, and it will have a red handle. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean with a rag. Then, reinsert the dipstick into the transmission and pull it out again. The fluid level should be between the “full” and “add” marks on the dipstick.
Adding Transmission Fluid
If the transmission fluid level is low, you need to add fluid. To do this, you’ll need to purchase the correct type of transmission fluid for your car. You can find the correct type of fluid in your car’s owner’s manual. Once you have the correct fluid, follow these steps:
- Locate the transmission fluid filler tube. It’s usually located on the side of the transmission, and it will have a black cap.
- Remove the cap and insert a funnel into the filler tube.
- Slowly add transmission fluid to the funnel. Be careful not to overfill the transmission.
- Once the transmission fluid level is at the correct level, replace the cap.
Conclusion
Adding transmission fluid to your car while it’s running is a simple process. However, it’s important to take some safety precautions and to follow the steps carefully. By following these steps, you can help to keep your transmission running smoothly for years to come.