How to check transmission fluid when it's cold or hot is one of the easy steps.

An automatic transmission needs to be lubricated with transmission fluid just like an engine needs motor oil.It is similar to the engine in that it has several moving components.

Automatic transmission components can only work well if they are kept clean.Any type of fluid leak would cause major problems for the transmission and the vehicle.

To make sure you have the correct amount of transmission fluid, you need to check your fluid regularly.The fluid level should be checked every 40,000 miles.

The owner's manual can be used to confirm the number of miles.If the manual suggests different mileage, go with that number.

Sometimes you want to check the fluid level earlier.If you shift gears in an automatic vehicle, you should check the fluid immediately.Do this before you go to the mechanic because they may try to sell you an unnecessary service.

Finding a flat and firm surface is the first thing you need to do.Put the parking brake on.It can warm up if it runs for 5 minutes.

Most car manufacturers don't recommend turning the engine off before checking the transmission fluid.

The transmission dipstick can be found in the front of the hood.The ring on the dipstick's handle should be red or orange.

The dipstick for the transmission sticks out from the transaxle in a front-wheel drive vehicle.If you have a rear-wheel drive vehicle, check the back of the engine for the dipstick.

The engine has warmed up if you pull out the dipstick.Reinsert it all the way in after wiping it clean with a rag.Pull out the dipstick again and look at the markings.

The marks on the dipstick are labeled "Cold" and "Hot".They may be labeled "add" or "full".

A fluid level range is provided by Dots, notches, or lines next to each label.Since the engine is barely warm, you want the level to be somewhere in the cold range.

To get an accurate transmission fluid level reading when the engine is hot, you need to check the level after driving.If you drive about 10 miles, it will do the trick.

The same process is repeated when the engine is hot.The fluid and engine will be very hot, so be careful.You want the level to be in the hot range when you look at the measurement.

If the fluid level was below the "Cold" range on the dipstick, then you need to add more transmission fluid to the transmission.

When the engine is hot, you need to add more transmission fluid to the transmission.

Not all transmission fluids are compatible with your vehicle's transmission.Check your owner's manual for the best way to figure out which fluid to use.

When you are ready to add the fluid, put a funnel in the opening of the tube and slowly pour it into it.When you get to the correct mark, add the fluid slowly.

If it's reading above the full level, you don't talk about everything.Do you know what could happen if it is high mark?

It sounds like you may have a problem with your transmission.It would be beneficial to have it checked out.

I have a 2000 Buick regal LS that has 400,000 miles on it and it shows no fluid when it's hot, do I need to add fluid?

The procedure for checking the transmission fluid should be outlined in the owner's manual.Many cars need you to check it in the park after it reaches operating temperature.