This is a major question that most car owners would like to know about. Check the thickness, smell, and color of the fluid. Also on level ground and running in park. You'll want to test the fluid while it's warm if Check Transmission Fluid Hot or Cold. Open the vehicle hood and look for the transmission dipstick. Leave car in neutral or park. Just make sure that the vehicle is parked on a stable surface and start running when on parking mode. Wipe the dipstick on a clean rag or paper towel, reinsert it and pull it out again to check the transmission fluid level. It is, therefore, crucial to have the right amount of transmission fluid. However, some vehicle manufacturers suggest that you check the transmission fluid when the vehicle is not running. This helps you to cross-check on the levels of the fluid when both hot or cold. Before adding fluid, it is imperative to check the existing level of fluid in the car and to do so you need gloves and a towel/rag. Usually, driving about 10 miles will do the trick (slightly less if on the highway; slightly more if in winter). In fact, do this before you even go to the mechanic because they may try to sell you an unnecessary service. However, you could still lose this fluid if a leak were to occur somewhere in the transmission system. There may be two sets of marks, one if the fluid is hot, the other if it is cold. If it's lower, you should add some amount of automatic transmission fluid. This redness is the color of the transmission fluid. If you notice any leak, you can learn how to fix transmission fluid leak or contact a mechanic. Curb Weight vs Gross Weight (What’s the Difference?). Eventually, it causes damages that will need costly replacements, rebuilds, and repairs. Pop open the hood by operating a switch and keep it raised at a comfortable height. Most mechanics recommend checking the transmission fluid when both hot and cold. Make sure you choose the right transmission fluid, though, because not all fluids will be compatible with your vehicle’s transmission. Below is the process to follow: You can also go through this video to follow the process. Let engine warm up and continue to run throughout operation unless vehicle's owner's manual says otherwise. The car needs to be parked in order to check the fluid level, so find a level surface on which to park. It does not cost much, but having the right amount could save you severe vehicle damages. So when their vehicle begins to exhibit symptoms of a failing throttle system, a... link to Electronic Throttle Control Light: All That You Need To Know. I am a specialist and certified automotive mechanics (Both Heavy Commercial and Private Cars). Below are the 5 steps for checking your automatic transmission fluid when the engine is hot or cold. It is crucial to keep checking the fluid regularly. You may also note a burning smell or the dashboard warning light may show that the fluid is hotter than usual. Should you check your oil hot or cold? You should also check it when you notice some downgraded performance and unusual activity in your vehicle. Lubricating the transmission parts saves them from friction, corrosion, and wear and tear. Part 1 of 2: Checking automatic transmission fluid Materials Needed: Gloves Paper towels or rags Step 1: Park on a level surface. When you look at the measurement, you’ll want the level to in the “Hot” range. Of course, you can look in the owner’s manual for your vehicle to confirm the number of miles. If the fluid level was below the “Cold” range on the dipstick when the engine is cold, then you need to add more transmission fluid to the transmission. All That You Need to Know! Mechanics recommend that you should check the transmission fluid when the vehicle is running. NOTE: If it is necessary to check the transmission below the operating temperature, the fluid level should be between the two “COLD” (lower) holes on the dipstick with the fluid at approximately 70°F (21°C) (room temperature). As far as checking the fluid, check it while it's hot (engine running)! You can check after a drive of around 10 miles. However, there are some crucial things you need to understand. Let it run for about 5 minutes so that it can warm up. The transmission fluid dipstick has two markings on it. Can you check the transmission fluid without the car running? Pull out the dipstick once you’ve found it and the engine has warmed up. The method of checking transmission fluids depends on if the vehicle is using manual or automatic transmission and also if you are checking it when hot or cold. Open the hood in the front and find the transmission dipstick. Here is more information on how to check if you check transmission fluids hot or cold. Check Level - Insert dipstick and pull it out to determine level 5. This increases the durability of your transmission system. Some car manuals give you the mileage on when to check the transmission oils. When checking the dipstick, the level of fluid should be on the Hot or Max range. The dipstick should have a handle with either an orange or red ring. Transmission fluid shows … If it fails to spread, the fluid is too thick and needs to be replaced. Low transmission fluid level may be as a result of leaking. Affiliate Disclosure:  We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. After checking the level, the first time, wipe the transmission fluid dipstick with a clean cloth and repeat the process. For instance, if you shift gears in an automatic vehicle and it starts to hesitate, then you should check the fluid immediately. Many vehicles require you to check transmission fluid while the transmission is cold, but not Honda transmissions. Finally, if there is too much fluid, I have read When the dipstick is clean and dry, insert it in the transmission fluid. Most auto manufacturers will recommend that you check the fluid level every 40,000 miles. How Long Does It Take To Charge a Car Battery? 1) Prepare the Vehicle The first thing you need to do is find a flat and firm surface for your vehicle to park on. Checking the transmission fluids regularly is the only way to ensure that you have the right fluid in the system. When checking the dipstick, the level of fluid should be on the Hot or Max range. Should the fluid be hot or cold? When you have been running your vehicle for a long time and then check the fluid level when hot, it may appear to be high, while in the real sense, it is low. Low transmission fluid may cause much damage to your vehicle. 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