Do You Put Transmission Fluid in While Car is Running?
I remember the first time I tried to check my transmission fluid. I was a young and eager car enthusiast, and I wanted to make sure my car was running smoothly. I opened the hood, found the dipstick, and pulled it out. To my surprise, the fluid was bright red and foamy. I was confused. I thought transmission fluid was supposed to be brown and smelly. What was I doing wrong?
It turned out that I had made a common mistake. I had checked the transmission fluid while the car was running. This is a no-no. When the car is running, the transmission fluid is circulating through the system and is under pressure. This can give you a false reading on the dipstick.
So, when should you check your transmission fluid? You should check it when the car is parked and the engine is off. This will give you an accurate reading of the fluid level.
How to Check Transmission Fluid?
Checking your transmission fluid is a simple process. Here are the steps:
- Park the car on a level surface and turn off the engine.
- Locate the transmission dipstick. It is usually located near the back of the engine.
- Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean with a rag.
- Reinsert the dipstick into the transmission and then pull it out again.
- Check the fluid level on the dipstick. The fluid should be between the “full” and “add” marks on the dipstick.
If the fluid level is low, you will need to add some transmission fluid. Be sure to use the type of transmission fluid that is recommended for your car.
Transmission Fluid and Car Health
Transmission fluid is an important part of your car’s transmission system. It helps to lubricate the gears and other moving parts in the transmission, and it also helps to dissipate heat.
If the transmission fluid is low or dirty, it can cause the transmission to overheat and fail. This can be a costly repair, so it is important to check your transmission fluid regularly and keep it at the proper level.
Conclusion
Checking your transmission fluid is a simple and important maintenance task that can help you keep your car running smoothly. Be sure to check the fluid level when the car is parked and the engine is off, and use the type of transmission fluid that is recommended for your car.
Do you have any questions about checking transmission fluid? Leave a comment below and I’ll be happy to help.
