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Part 1 of 2: Checking automatic transmission fluid
Part 2 of 2: Adding transmission fluid
Next Step
How to Check and Add Fluid to an Automatic Transmission Car
Checking and keeping your transmission filled with a good level of fluid will help give you a seamless experience when driving.
by Ian Swan on
September 21, 2016

Automatic transmissions can run reliably for tens of thousands of miles without needing any significant service. The transmission itself is full of fluid that keeps everything running smoothly. The transmission transfers all of the power coming from the engine to the wheels, so if the parts inside experience too much friction then something will eventually fail. To avoid this, you can use the transmission fluid dipstick to monitor the level of fluid inside of the automatic transmission and, if necessary, add fluid to the transmission.
Some newer vehicles do not have an accessible dipstick or may have a fluid level sensor and should be checked by a professional if the level is suspected to be low.
Note: Some manufacturers do not recommend that the transmission fluid be changed for the life of the transmission and do not have a normal fill or level checkpoint in the engine compartment.
Part 1 of 2: Checking automatic transmission fluid
Materials Needed:
Gloves
Paper towels or rags

Step 1: Park on a level surface. The car needs to be parked in order to check the fluid level, so find a level surface on which to park.
If the transmission has a manual gear selector (usually 1, 2, and 3 beneath “Drive” on the shifter) then it is a good idea to shift through each gear before shifting into “Park” and letting the engine idle.
Note: The engine needs to be running in order to be able to read the fluid level. Note that some vehicles specify having the transmission in Park and the engine running and others may specify the transmission be in Neutral with
