Hey y’all, it’s your boy Matthew Taylor here and I’ve got a funny story to share with you about transmission fluid.
So, a few years back I was on my way to a job interview when suddenly my car started jerking and sputtering like crazy.
I pulled over to the side of the road and popped the hood, hoping to find some obvious problem like a loose wire or something.
But nope, everything looked fine. So, I called up my mechanic and he asked if I had checked the transmission fluid.
“Transmission fluid? What the heck is that?” I replied. Well, long story short, I had no idea what transmission fluid was or that my car even had it. And let me tell you, not having enough of it will definitely cause your car to jerk.
Table of Contents
What is Transmission Fluid?
Transmission fluid is a type of oil that is used to lubricate the gears, bearings, and other moving parts inside your transmission.
It also helps to cool the transmission and prevent overheating. Without enough transmission fluid, the moving parts inside your transmission can start to grind against each other and cause all sorts of problems, including jerking and sputtering while driving.
How Do You Check Transmission Fluid?
Checking the transmission fluid on your car is actually pretty easy. Just follow these steps:
- Locate the transmission dipstick. This is usually a long, thin rod that sticks out of the transmission and has a loop or handle on the end. It may be labeled “Transmission” or “Tran.”
- Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean with a rag.
- Reinsert the dipstick all the way back into the transmission.
- Pull the dipstick out again and check the level. The fluid should be somewhere between the “Full” and “Low” marks on the dipstick.
What Causes Low Transmission Fluid?
There are a few common reasons why your transmission fluid may be low:
- Leaky seals or gaskets
- Overheating (which can cause the fluid to evaporate or be burned off)
- Not checking and replacing the fluid regularly as recommended by the manufacturer
Can You Drive a Car with Low Transmission Fluid?
Technically, you can still drive a car with low transmission fluid, but it’s not a good idea.
Like I mentioned earlier, low transmission fluid can cause all sorts of problems, including jerking, sputtering, and even damage to the transmission. It’s much better to add more fluid or have a mechanic take a look at it before things get worse.
FAQ
Q: How Often Should You Change Transmission Fluid?
A: The frequency at which you should change your transmission fluid depends on the make and model of your car, as well as the type of fluid it uses.
Some cars may need the fluid changed every 30,000 miles or so, while others may go as long as 100,000 miles between changes.
It’s best to consult your owner’s manual or a mechanic to find out the recommended interval for your specific car. It’s also worth noting that if you frequently drive in harsh conditions (such as hot weather or heavy traffic) or do a lot of towing, you may need to change the fluid more often.
Q: Can You Mix Different Types of Transmission Fluid?
A: It’s generally not recommended to mix different types of transmission fluid.
Each type of fluid is formulated to work with a specific type of transmission, and mixing them can cause compatibility issues. It’s best to use the type of fluid specified by the manufacturer for your particular car.
Q: How Do You Know if Your Transmission is Going Out?
A: There are several signs that your transmission may be failing, including:
- Grinding or shaking while shifting gears
- Slipping gears (i.e. the car seems to shift into neutral while driving)
- Delayed engagement (i.e. it takes a moment for the car to start moving when you shift into gear)
- Leaking fluid
- Burning smell
If you notice any of these issues, it’s important to have a mechanic take a look at your transmission as soon as possible.
The longer you wait, the more damage may occur and the more expensive it will be to fix.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, low transmission fluid can definitely cause a car to jerk and sputter.
It’s important to regularly check and maintain the fluid level in your transmission to keep your car running smoothly and avoid potential problems down the road.
So, if you’re having issues with your car jerking or sputtering, don’t forget to check that transmission fluid!