Hey y’all, it’s your boy Matthew Taylor here. I gotta tell you about this hilarious mishap I had a while back.
So, I was cruising down the highway, feeling like a boss in my old pickup truck. I hadn’t checked the transmission fluid in a while, but I figured it was fine because, you know, I’m a mechanic (or at least that’s what I like to tell myself).
Anyways, I’m driving along and suddenly I start hearing this weird noise coming from under the hood. It sounded like a combination of a dying animal and a malfunctioning blender.
Naturally, I freaked out and pulled over to the side of the road as fast as I could. Long story short, I popped the hood and saw that the transmission fluid was practically nonexistent.
I had driven with low transmission fluid for who knows how long, and let me tell you, it ain’t a good look.
Table of Contents
What Is Transmission Fluid and Why Is It Important?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of what happens when you drive with low transmission fluid, let’s talk about what exactly transmission fluid is and why it’s so important.
Transmission fluid is a lubricant that helps to cool and clean the transmission, which is the part of your vehicle that helps to transfer power from the engine to the drive wheels.
It also helps to maintain the proper pressure within the transmission, which is crucial for the transmission to work correctly.
There are a few different types of transmission fluid, including automatic transmission fluid (ATF) and manual transmission fluid (MTF).
The type of fluid you need depends on the type of transmission you have in your vehicle. It’s important to use the right type of fluid, as using the wrong type can cause serious damage to your transmission.
What Happens if You Drive With Low Transmission Fluid?
So, what happens if you drive with low transmission fluid like I did? Well, it ain’t pretty. Here are some potential consequences:
- Damage to the transmission: As we mentioned earlier, transmission fluid helps to maintain proper pressure within the transmission. When the fluid level is low, the transmission doesn’t receive the necessary lubrication and cooling it needs to function properly. This can lead to overheating and ultimately, transmission damage.
- Decreased fuel efficiency: A properly functioning transmission helps to transfer power from the engine to the wheels in the most efficient way possible. When the transmission isn’t working correctly due to low fluid levels, it can lead to decreased fuel efficiency.
- Strange noises: Just like I experienced, driving with low transmission fluid can cause strange noises to come from under the hood. These noises can range from a whine or hum to a knocking or clunking sound. If you hear any weird noises coming from your vehicle, it’s important to get it checked out as soon as possible.
How to Prevent Low Transmission Fluid
Preventing low transmission fluid is pretty straightforward: all you gotta do is check and change the fluid regularly.
Most vehicles have a transmission fluid dipstick under the hood, so you can easily check the fluid level yourself. It’s important to check the fluid level when the transmission is cold, as the level can appear differently when the transmission is hot.
The owner’s manual for your vehicle should have specific instructions on how to check the transmission fluid level. If you’re unsure, you can always consult a mechanic or refer to the manual for your specific make and model.
As far as changing the fluid goes, it’s generally recommended to change the transmission fluid every 50,000 miles or so.
However, this can vary depending on the type of vehicle you have and how it’s used. For example, if you frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic or towing heavy loads, you may need to change the transmission fluid more frequently.
Again, it’s best to consult the owner’s manual or a mechanic for specific recommendations for your vehicle.
FAQ
Can low transmission fluid cause the transmission to fail?
Yes, driving with low transmission fluid for an extended period of time can cause the transmission to fail.
As we mentioned earlier, transmission fluid helps to lubricate and cool the transmission, which is necessary for it to function properly.
When the fluid levels are low, the transmission can become damaged and ultimately fail.
Is it normal for transmission fluid to turn brown?
It’s not uncommon for transmission fluid to turn brown over time, as it can pick up contaminants and particles from the transmission.
However, if the fluid is excessively dark or has a burnt smell, it could be a sign of a more serious issue, such as overheating or a malfunctioning component. In this case, it’s best to consult a mechanic as soon as possible.
Can I just add more transmission fluid if it’s low?
If the transmission fluid is low, you can add more to bring it up to the proper level. However, it’s important to first determine why the fluid is low.
If there’s a leak or another issue causing the fluid to drain, simply adding more fluid will not fix the problem. In this case, it’s best to consult a mechanic to diagnose and fix the issue.
In Conclusion: Don’t Be Like Me
In conclusion, driving with low transmission fluid is a big no-no. It can lead to damage to the transmission, decreased fuel efficiency, and strange noises.
To prevent low transmission fluid, make sure to check and change the fluid regularly according to the recommendations for your specific vehicle.
And for the love of all that is holy, don’t be like me and forget to check the fluid levels. Trust me, it’s not worth the headache (or the cost of repairs).