Introduction
Regular maintenance is vital for keeping your vehicle running smoothly. One of the most important tasks is checking transmission fluid levels, which is often overlooked. Not checking transmission fluid levels can result in catastrophic engine damage. In this article, we will explore why it is crucial to check transmission fluid with the engine running, and provide you with helpful tips on how to do it correctly.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Checking Transmission Fluid with the Engine Running
When checking your transmission fluid levels, it’s essential to do so with the engine running. The reason for this is that the transmission system requires different conditions to operate correctly than when it’s unpowered. The transmission pump only functions when the engine is running, which means that the fluid pressure can only be measured accurately when performing the test while the engine is running.
The Importance of Checking Your Transmission Fluid with the Engine Running
Not checking your transmission fluid levels with the engine running can result in engine damage. If there is not enough fluid in the transmission, the gears and bearings can grind against each other, leading to overheating and severe damage. In addition to costing thousands of dollars to fix, driving a damaged transmission can put you and your passengers at risk.
Why Your Transmission Requires Different Conditions When Checking Fluid Levels
A transmission system is complex, consisting of many intricate parts that require various conditions to operate correctly. Different fluids expand and contract under various temperatures, so the temperature of the engine is essential when checking your transmission fluid levels. If the engine is cold, the fluid levels may seem lower than if the engine is warm, providing an incorrect reading of the fluid levels.
The Dangers of Checking Your Transmission Fluid with the Engine Off
Checking fluid levels with the engine off can lead to inaccurate readings, which is dangerous. An incorrect reading could lead to insufficient fluid levels, causing severe damage to your transmission. The transmission will overheat, and the gears will grind against each other with no lubrication, leading to catastrophic engine damage and high repair costs.
Don’t Get Caught with a Damaged Transmission: The Benefits of Checking Fluid with the Engine Running
One significant benefit of checking fluid levels with the engine running is that it will help identify problems with your transmission, enabling you to fix them before they become major issues and cost you thousands of dollars. Regularly checking your fluid levels with the engine running is an excellent way to prolong the life of your transmission and keep your vehicle running smoothly.
Why You Should Always Check Your Transmission Fluid Levels with the Engine On
The reasons to check your transmission fluid levels with the engine on are a no-brainer. Firstly, it provides an accurate reading, which is vital for identifying potential problems with your transmission. Secondly, it prevents engine damage caused by insufficient fluid levels, prolonging the life of your transmission and saving you thousands of dollars.
The Ins and Outs of Properly Checking Your Transmission Fluid Levels with the Engine Running
Checking your transmission fluid with the engine running is simple and can be done in a few steps. While following the below steps, it’s important to make sure that you’re following the vehicle manufacturer guidelines for your specific model:
- Start your engine and let it warm up to operating temperature. This can take about ten minutes.
- Park your car on level ground and shift your transmission through all the gears, from Park to Reverse to Neutral to Drive, and finish back in Park.
- Turn off your engine and pull out the dipstick positioned near the back of the engine bay and in front of the firewall. Wipe it down and re-insert it.
- Take the dipstick out again and take a look at the transmission fluid level. Ensure you carefully read the dipstick’s markings to gauge the level accurately.
- If the fluid level is low, add enough fluid to the transmission to bring it up to the full mark. Be sure to use the transmission fluid recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
Conclusion
Checking your transmission fluid with the engine running is a crucial maintenance task that shouldn’t be overlooked. In this article, we’ve explored why it’s essential to perform this maintenance effectively. The process is straightforward and will help keep your vehicle running smoothly, prolonging its life and saving you money in the long run. So, don’t skip it the next time you’re performing regular vehicle maintenance tasks.