Checking your automatic transmission fluid
Friday, February 13th, 2009One of the most important car maintenance tasks you should do regularly for your automatic transmission cars is to check the automatic transmission fluid.
1. Park the car in a level spot. Start the engine. The shifter must be in the “park” position.
2. Pull out the transmission dipstick. Consult your manual to know where you can find it. Wipe it off with a clean lint-fee rag. Insert the transmission dipstick back carefully.
3. If the car has just been used, the fluid level should be at the upper end of the HOT indicator, while if the engine’s not been running long, then it should be at the COLD end of the dipstick. The general rule is that brownish and blackish liquid must be replaced as soon as possible, but do check your manual just to be sure.