Should Car Be Running to Check Transmission Fluid?

Introduction

The transmission fluid in your car is responsible for lubricating the moving parts of the transmission. It also helps to cool the transmission and prevent wear and tear. Checking the transmission fluid level regularly is important to ensure that your transmission is functioning properly.

But should you check the transmission fluid with the car running or not? There are two schools of thought on this matter.

School of Thought 1: Check Transmission Fluid with Car Running

Proponents of this school of thought believe that checking the transmission fluid with the car running allows you to get a more accurate reading. This is because the fluid level will be higher when the car is running than when it is not.

To check the transmission fluid with the car running, follow these steps:

1. Start the car and let it idle for a few minutes.
2. Put the car in park.
3. Open the hood and locate the transmission fluid dipstick.
4. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean.
5. Reinsert the dipstick into the transmission and pull it out again.
6. Check the fluid level on the dipstick. The fluid should be between the “full” and “add” marks.

School of Thought 2: Check Transmission Fluid with Car Not Running

Proponents of this school of thought believe that checking the transmission fluid with the car not running gives you a more accurate reading. This is because the fluid level will be lower when the car is not running.

To check the transmission fluid with the car not running, follow these steps:

1. Park the car on a level surface.
2. Turn off the engine and wait a few minutes for the fluid to settle.
3. Open the hood and locate the transmission fluid dipstick.
4. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean.
5. Reinsert the dipstick into the transmission and pull it out again.
6. Check the fluid level on the dipstick. The fluid should be between the “full” and “add” marks.

Conclusion

So, which school of thought is correct? The answer is: it depends. If you are checking the transmission fluid level for the first time, it is best to check it with the car running. This will give you a more accurate reading. However, if you have checked the transmission fluid level before and you know what the normal level is, you can check it with the car not running.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to check the transmission fluid level regularly. This will help to ensure that your transmission is functioning properly and that you avoid costly repairs.

Additional Tips

In addition to the information above, here are some additional tips for checking the transmission fluid:

* Check the transmission fluid level when the transmission is warm. This will give you a more accurate reading.
* If the transmission fluid is low, add fluid until it reaches the “full” mark on the dipstick. Do not overfill the transmission.
* If the transmission fluid is dark or dirty, it may need to be changed. Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the recommended service intervals.
* If you have any questions about checking the transmission fluid, consult a qualified mechanic.