What Happens When a Car Runs Out of Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid is a vital fluid that helps keep your car’s transmission running smoothly. Without transmission fluid, your transmission can overheat and fail, which can lead to costly repairs. In most cases, transmission fluid should be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.
Symptoms of Low Transmission Fluid
There are a few symptoms that may indicate that your car is low on transmission fluid.
- Slipping gears
- Difficulty shifting gears
- Grinding noises when shifting gears
- Leaking transmission fluid
- Burning smell
What Happens When a Car Runs Out of Transmission Fluid
If your car runs out of transmission fluid, it can cause a number of serious problems. These include:
- Overheating: Transmission fluid helps to lubricate and cool the transmission. Without transmission fluid, the transmission can overheat and fail.
- Wear and tear: Transmission fluid helps to reduce wear and tear on the transmission’s components. Without transmission fluid, the transmission’s components will wear out more quickly.
- Failure: If the transmission overheats or experiences too much wear and tear, it can fail completely. This can lead to costly repairs.
What to Do If Your Car Runs Out of Transmission Fluid
If you think your car may be low on transmission fluid, it is important to check the transmission fluid level as soon as possible. You can do this by following these steps:
- Park your car on a level surface.
- Turn off the engine.
- Locate the transmission fluid dipstick. The dipstick is usually located near the front of the engine.
- Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean with a rag.
- Reinsert the dipstick into the transmission.
- Pull out the dipstick again and check the fluid level. The fluid level should be between the “full” and “low” marks on the dipstick.
If the transmission fluid level is low, you will need to add more transmission fluid. You can purchase transmission fluid at most auto parts stores. Be sure to add the correct type of transmission fluid for your car.
If you are not comfortable checking the transmission fluid level yourself, you can take your car to a mechanic to have it checked.
Conclusion
Transmission fluid is a vital fluid that helps keep your car’s transmission running smoothly. Without transmission fluid, your transmission can overheat and fail, which can lead to costly repairs. It is important to check the transmission fluid level regularly and add more fluid as needed. By following these tips, you can help extend the life of your transmission and avoid costly repairs.
