Automotive maintenance is a costly and time-consuming process. You might be wondering if it’s worth it to invest in an automatic transmission fluid, or if you should just get power steering fluid instead. In this article, we’ll compare and contrast these two automotive fluids and explain why you should choose one over the other.
What is Automatic Transmission Fluid?
Automatic transmission fluid is a fluid that helps to transmit power from the engine to the drivetrain. This fluid helps to keep gears turning and helps to make sure your car moves smoothly.
How to Replace Automatic Transmission Fluid
If your car’s automatic transmission is having trouble shifting, it may be time to replace the fluid. You can buy a new bottle of transmission fluid, or you can refill the existing bottle using this guide.
How to Change Automatic Transmission Fluid in a Car
1. Park your car on a level surface and turn off the engine.
2. Remove the front bumper cover by prying it off from the front of the car. Catch the clips if they fall off!
3. Locate the automatic transmission fluid fill plug on top of the transmission housing. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to unscrew it. Be careful not to lose any of the sealant around it.
4. Drain and then fill the automatic transmission with new fluid according to your car’s manufacturer’s instructions. Reinstall the sealant and screw in place. Replace the front bumper cover and torque down the screws at 12lbs-ft (15 Nm).
5. Start your engine and check for shifting problems. If everything is working properly, put everything back together and drive away!
What are the Symptoms of a Dry Automatic Transmission?
If your automatic transmission fluid is low or completely dry, you may experience some of the following symptoms:
-Slippage and grinding when driving
-Jacking up quickly from a stop or turning
-Difficulty starting the car
-Loss of power
-Inability to change gears
How to Fix a Dried Automatic Transmission
Dried automatic transmission fluid can cause your car to lose power and jerk when you drive. If the fluid is not replaced, it can also damage the transmission. Here’s how to fix a dried automatic transmission.
1. Park your car in a safe place with the parking brake on.
2. Remove the cap from the automatic transmission fluid reservoir.
3. Pour 2 quarts of fresh automatic transmission fluid into the reservoir.
4. Replace the cap and turn the engine off and on to mix the new fluid with the old fluid.
5. Drive your car for about 10 miles to test the new fluid and ensure that it is working properly.
Conclusion
If you’re ever having trouble figuring out what kind of fluid your automatic transmission is using, there’s a simple (and inexpensive!) way to test it. All you need is some power steering fluid and a garden hose. Simply pour a small amount of the power steering fluid into the Garden Hose and attach it to the rubber hoses that lead from the engine to the transmission. If your engine starts making unusual noise or if the transmission slips when you shift gears, then your automatic transmission probably needs a new (or rebuilt) hydraulic system.