Hey y’all, it’s your boy Matthew Taylor here. So, I gotta tell you a little story about the time I learned the hard way about checking my transmission fluid.
It was a scorching hot day in July, and I had just finished up a long drive from New York to Florida. I was feeling pretty proud of myself for making the trip without any issues, but little did I know, my car had other plans.
As I pulled into my driveway, I noticed that my transmission fluid was looking a little low. Now, I consider myself a pretty competent car guy, but for some reason, the thought never crossed my mind to check the fluid before I left on my trip.
I figured it couldn’t hurt to top it off, so I popped the hood and reached for the transmission fluid dipstick.
I yanked it out, and to my surprise, it was scalding hot. Like, literally too hot to touch. I had heard that you’re supposed to check your transmission fluid when it’s cold, but I figured “eh, how much of a difference could it really make?” Oh boy, was I wrong.
Turns out, checking your transmission fluid when it’s hot can give you a false reading. The heat causes the fluid to expand, which can make it seem like you have more than you actually do.
On the other hand, checking it when it’s cold can give you a more accurate measurement because the fluid contracts when it cools down.
Long story short, I ended up having to get my transmission rebuilt because I didn’t have enough fluid in it.
Moral of the story: always check your transmission fluid when it’s cold, folks. Trust me, it’ll save you a whole lot of time, money, and frustration in the long run.
Table of Contents
Why Does It Matter?
Your transmission is responsible for transferring power from your engine to your wheels, so it’s a pretty important part of your car.
Without enough transmission fluid, your transmission can’t function properly and can end up getting damaged. That’s why it’s crucial to regularly check the fluid levels and top it off if needed.
But like I mentioned earlier, checking it when it’s hot can give you a false reading. If you add fluid based on a hot reading and then drive your car, the fluid can expand even more and cause it to overflow.
On the other hand, if you add fluid based on a cold reading and then drive your car, the fluid will warm up and expand to the proper level.
When Should I Check My Transmission Fluid?
The general rule of thumb is to check your transmission fluid when your car has been parked and is cold, ideally in the morning before you’ve driven it.
This will give you the most accurate reading.
It’s also a good idea to check your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to check your transmission fluid.
Some cars have a separate transmission fluid dipstick, while others may have a shared dipstick for both the transmission and the engine oil.
Make sure you’re using the correct dipstick and following the proper procedure for checking the fluid level.
How Often Should I Check My Transmission Fluid?
Again, it’s always best to consult your owner’s manual for specific recommendations on how often to check your transmission fluid. However, as a general rule, it’s a good idea to check it at least once a month or every 1,000 miles.
If you notice any unusual behavior from your transmission, such as slipping or grinding gears, it’s a good idea to check the fluid level immediately to see if that could be the cause.
It’s always better to catch a problem early on before it becomes a bigger issue.
FAQ
Can you check transmission fluid when it’s hot?
It’s generally not recommended to check your transmission fluid when it’s hot because the heat can cause the fluid to expand, giving you a false reading. It’s best to check it when it’s cold for a more accurate measurement.
Can you drive with low transmission fluid?
It’s not recommended to drive with low transmission fluid because it can cause damage to your transmission. If you notice that your transmission fluid is low, you should top it off as soon as possible.
What happens if you put too much transmission fluid?
If you put too much transmission fluid into your car, it can cause the fluid to overflow and possibly damage your transmission. It’s important to follow the proper procedure for adding transmission fluid and not to overfill it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s important to regularly check your transmission fluid and to do so when it’s cold for the most accurate reading.
Neglecting to properly maintain your transmission fluid can lead to costly repairs in the long run.
Make sure to follow the recommendations in your owner’s manual and to pay attention to any unusual behavior from your transmission.
By taking good care of your transmission fluid, you can help ensure that your car’s transmission stays in good working order.